More than 60 Thyroid Cancer Support Groups in 35 States

Extensive Web Site Now Includes Local Support Group Web Pages; Other Free Resources Help Thyroid Cancer Survivors and Loved Ones

Thyroid cancer, one of the few cancers that is increasing in overall incidence, has a worthy opponent. ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, an all-volunteer nonprofit support organization, offers free local support groups in 61 cities throughout the United States in addition to a wide array of services and resources.

Free support groups and one-to-one support are the backbone of ThyCa, offering survivors, families, friends, and caregivers an opportunity to share their experience in a safe, supportive environment. In addition to local support groups, ThyCa offers e-mail groups plus one-to-one support by e-mail and phone.

An award-winning Web site, www.thyca.org, provides extensive information about thyroid cancer. This month ThyCa introduces customized Web pages, one for each support group. These pages allow local groups to post meeting information and highlight speakers and activities. The Web site offers visitors a menu of resources on thyroid cancer, ways to receive and provide support, a free online newsletter, a free downloadable low-iodine cookbook, news about free educational workshops, information about the annual 3-day international conference for thyroid cancer survivors and caregivers, and links to other sites.

ThyCa volunteers, including the Webmistress, Betty Solbjor of Massachusetts; Los Angeles Support Group Facilitator, Joel Amromin; and ThyCa Support Groups Coordinator, Sara Gorrell Brenner of Virginia, are credited with bringing the local pages to life. “Working with hundreds of other volunteers, Betty Solbjor, Joel Amromin, and Sara Gorrell Brenner represent the heart of ThyCa—survivors who are giving back,” commented Gary Bloom of Maryland, ThyCa Board Chair.

Support groups for thyroid cancer survivors are organized coast to coast by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. ThyCa is a national nonprofit, volunteer organization providing services and resources, free of charge, to thyroid cancer survivors and their families.

For more information visit the web site, e-mail thyca@thyca.org, or call toll-free 877-588-7904.