Family and friends

Someone I love has cancer

Hearing that someone you love has cancer can be one of the most difficult experiences in life. Fear, sadness, anger, helplessness are natural when facing such a diagnosis.

You don’t have to go through this alone. We’re here to provide support, compassion, and guidance to help you and your loved one through this journey.

At Hope & Cope, we understand that each person’s situation is unique, with different relationships, living situations, and stages of cancer involved.

Our caring staff is ready to listen, offer advice based, and connect you with resources tailored to your needs.

Whether you need one-on-one counseling, want to join a support group, or simply look for suggestions on being a caregiver, we’re here for you.

How We Help

We offer a wide array of programs tailored for individuals navigating the cancer journey, no matter what is your story. Explore our programs designed to meet your needs. Not sure where to start ? Contact us.

Relevant Programs for "Family and friends"

Voices of Hope Choir

The Voices of Hope Choir welcomes people touched by cancer to express themselves through music and experience the joy of making music together. Whether you've never sung in a group before or you simply love music, this choir is a place to feel better, connect with others, and perform.

Relaxation and Meditation Program

This program offers guided relaxation sessions that combine gentle movement with breathing exercises and meditation. The sessions help participants find peace and calmness during their cancer journey through simple yet effective techniques.

Beyond Words: Art Grief Support Group

Beyond Words is a supportive and creative space designed for individuals who have been grieving the loss of a loved one for at least a year. This group offers a unique opportunity to commemorate your loved one while transforming your pain into a tangible symbol of healing.

Living with Loss

The "Living with Loss" program at Hope & Cope is a supportive space designed for individuals who are grieving the loss of a loved one to cancer. It offers a compassionate environment where participants can share their experiences, feelings, and challenges with others who understand the unique nature of their grief.

Mourning Cafe

Mourning Cafe is a free online grief support group for those who have lost a loved one. Join others in a safe, understanding space to share your feelings and experiences.

Mourning Walk

Mourning Walk is a supportive outdoor walking program for adults coping with losing a loved one. Join others who understand your grief in a relaxed, caring environment.

Events & Activities tagged "Family and friends"

Events & Activities for All

Learn

Relevant Resources tagged "Family and friends"

A better understanding of cancer and the grieving process help you overcome it and take control of your life. Find here online ressources or visit our physical library located on the 7th floor of the JGH. 

Hear from others Family and friends

On the Blog

Summer Solstice Workshop (yoga)

A Ritual of Light, Expansion & Seasonal Self-Care 📅 June 17th, 2026🕐 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM📍 Hope & Cope Wellness Centre Join us to honor the turning of the season and the radiant energy of the Summer Solstice — a...

The Growing Need to Support Caregivers: Insights from the International Palliative Care Congress

Suzanne O’Brien, former Executive Director and Chair of the Board of Hope & Cope, currently serves as Co-Chair of the McGill Council on Palliative Care. This past October, she attended the International Congress on Palliative Care held in Montreal. The event,...

Compassionate Palliative Care Support: How Hope & Cope Enhances Quality of Life

Palliative care is a specialized approach to supporting patients with life-threatening illnesses, focusing on providing comfort, improving quality of life, and offering psychosocial support. Hope & Cope is part of an interdisciplinary team working together to deliver compassionate, whole-person care to...

Grief and bereavement support services

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most challenging experiences. Going through grief and bereavement can be overwhelming, confusing, and isolating. However, understanding the grief process and seeking support can make a significant difference in how you get through this...

Inspiring story lights up another exceptional Survivorship Day celebration

It’s always inspiring to see so many excited faces before a Survivorship Day Celebration. This year was no exception. As cancer survivors walked into the Block amphitheatre of the Montreal Jewish General Hospital, they all had an expectant look on their...

Share your thoughts on grief

Despite the fact that everyone experiences loss, we live in a society where difficult emotions are rarely acknowledged, and many of us do not know how to respond when someone around us is suffering. The Canadian Grief Alliance is launching an...

Caring for Caregivers: A New Support Group for Caregivers at Hope & Cope

“A lot of caregivers feel very alone. They often think that they’re the only ones feeling this way.” That’s how Olga Szyncel, Hope & Cope’s former wellness support program coordinator, explains the decision to create a support group dedicated to caregivers....

Survivorship Day Celebration as a Caregiver

I’m not a cancer survivor, but my wife was for 6 1/2 years. During that time, she showed an amount of courage that I can only dream of having. My wife battled her disease mostly on her own. Yes, she had...

Co-designing Services With Patients and Families: A Powerful Approach to Rethink Cancer Care

The concept of co-design is revolutionizing the way we approach person-centred care. This is particularly true in oncology, where patients’ and families’ experiences can be complex and emotionally charged. The 2023 conference of the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology (CAPO) focuses...

Palliative Care: empathy and compassion

By Guy Djandji The goal of the Palliative Care Unit at the Jewish General Hospital is to reduce the negative aspects of illness by meeting the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of patients and their families. A team of approximately...

Join us for Survivorship Day

 

Where we gather to honour people living with cancer, support one another, and celebrate every milestone.

 

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We are closed

Happy Holidays

The holiday season upon is upon us, and our staff is taking some well-earned time off.

The Wellness Centre will be closed from December 22, 2025, to January 2, 2026.

Our office on E7 at the JGH will be closed from December 24, 2025, to January 2, 2026.

We look forward to welcoming you back when we reopen on January 5, 2026.

If you need immediate support during this time, please contact your healthcare team or visit your nearest emergency department.

Wishing you and your loved ones peaceful holidays.

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