The group usually includes a mix of participants, including newly diagnosed patients and long term survivors, people with different forms of lymphoma, and their families and friends.

The Lymphoma Support Group of Ottawa (LSGO) meetings are open to all and everyone is welcome.

Place: The Hospice at May Court at 114 Cameron Avenue in Ottawa South, between Bronson Avenue and Bank Street.

Date: First Tuesday of every month from October to December and February to June

Time: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Note: There are no meetings in September, January, July or August.

The meetings are informal and consist of two distinct parts. People should feel free to attend either or both hours of the meeting, whichever best suits individual preferences, needs and schedules.

Sharing - 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The first hour is a time for sharing and caring. In a safe and confidential place, patients, family and friends can share their individual experiences, raise their own needs, concerns and questions, and establish new contacts for further information and support.

Presentation - 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. During the second hour, the emphasis is on information and education about the disease as well as various coping strategies. Hematologists and other health care professionals treating lymphomas in the Ottawa region are invited to speak to the group on disease mechanisms, current treatment options, research findings and directions, management of the disease and treatment of side-effects. We also include presentations by survivors and caregivers. Questions and discussion follow the presentation.

The LSGO is organized and managed by lymphoma patients. Individuals help in many ways, such as by telephoning, planning, bringing refreshments for meetings, managing and maintaining the website, managing the library resources and suggesting topics and speakers. Please let us know of your talents and interests.

Attendees of meetings are asked to make a regular or annual contribution to cover expenses such as printing, postage, website, and to allow the LSGO to make an annual contribution to The Hospice at May Court for use of the meeting room.