Patient Support and Advocacy Services

Patient Support Groups are not currently meeting due to COVID-19 Protocols. Please call (910) 715-4220 for more information.

Clara’s House offers a welcoming setting for several patient support groups.  Here, recovering patients find a caring, peaceful environment for sharing experiences and learning from one another.  Advocacy groups also provide forums for obtaining health information and referrals to resources and services.

Clara’s House currently hosts advocacy groups for patients and caregivers living with cancer, Parkinson’s disease, aphasia and dementia.  For more information, please contact the house manager at (910) 715-4220.

Cancer Advocacy Groups

A diagnosis of cancer can feel like the end of the world.  Many have found that a cancer advocacy group can help them deal with the realities of having and living with cancer.  Cancer groups hosted at Clara’s House include:

Yoga and Meditation – Created for cancer patients, this class is led by a credentialed instructor.  Learn exercise, meditation, breathing and relaxation techniques to help you in managing and coping with your disease – in both body and spirit.  

Young Adults with Cancer – Founded by Genevieve Sounia, a beloved community member who spent time at Clara’s House, this group helps members cope with the unique problems that young adult cancer patients often face.  These can include issues for families with children, financial concerns, lifestyle changes and the challenges of planning and scheduling treatments.  

Genevieve Sounia

Read more of Genevieve's story here.

Journaling – Many cancer patients find that keeping a journal is a way to get in touch with their thoughts, concerns and joys – and to share them with their loved ones.  The group meets monthly with a supportive instructor who facilitates the discussion. 

Look Good Feel Better- This is a free program offered at Clara's House in conjunction with the American Cancer Society for women dealing with hair loss and skin changes from chemotherapy and radiation.  Participants lean specific techniques and receive hands-on assistance from licensed cosmetologists as well as a personal make-up package.  To register or for more information, call (800) 227-2345 or (910) 715-4220. 

Other Advocacy Groups

Parkinson’s Support Group of the Sandhills – This group focuses on education, encouragement and support for those living with Parkinson's Disease and their caregivers, family and friends. Metings are on the second Tuesday of every month at 10:30 a.m. Meetings are held in the Shadowlawn room or Clara's House. For more information, contact house manager Kelly Pritchard at (910) 715-4224.

Music Therapy for Parkinson's Disease - Join us in a fun atmosphere to address speech, movement and fine motor skills for individuals with Parkinson's. Led by certified music therapist Rachel Shell. Classes are help beginning Oct. 6, 2022, the first Thursday of every month from 3-4 p.m. Care partners are welcome to enjoy quiet time at Clara's while their loved one participates in Music Therapy. To register or for more information, please contact Kelly Pritchard (910) 715-4224 or kpritchard@firsthealth.org.

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