Patient and Family Support Services
Patient and Family Support Services offers a variety of free nurturing programs that enhance the well-being of patients and caregivers throughout the cancer journey.
Cancer patients and their loved ones are invited to try the following free services:
- Haelan* programs
- Monthly disease-specific and caregiver support groups
- Chair massage, bodywork, and Reiki sessions
- Healing harp music
- Patient and Family Resource Library; a lending library with helpful books, DVDs, and videos
- Art cart projects and "Sand Tray" art therapy
- Writing for Healing; six-week expressive writing groups
- Comfort Cart on wheels
- "I Can Cope" and other American Cancer Society (ACS) co-sponsored classes
- Newly knit caps and shawls
- Weekend help at home from the Dartmouth College Cancer Society
- ACS wig bank & wig fitting service
*Haelan (pronounced "hay-lin") means "to make whole" in old Gaelic. These programs, such as chair massage and Reiki, offer relaxation and comfort during the time you are at Norris Cotton Cancer Center for treatments and appointments.
When and Where Services Are Available
Services are available on certain days and times throughout the month. Special classes are listed on our Calendar of Events. Cards and flyers are posted in our waiting rooms. You can also call Patient and Family Support Services at (603) 650-7751 or the Cancer Help Line at
(800) 639-6918 to find out more.
Most services take place on the third floor (Hematology/Oncology) and the second floor (Radiation/Oncology). We also offer many of the same services in the inpatient unit (1 West).
Supporting Patient and Family Support Services
All our programs, which are offered free of charge, are supported by grateful patients and corporate and institutional donors. To add your support, please contact our Support Services Coordinator, Deborah Steele, at (603) 650-7751 or by email.
Artwork by Kathy Parsonnet and Deborah Steele.
