Support Groups

Evidence-based information to help support patients and caregivers through a diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

Support Groups & Information

CCRAN (Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network) was formed from a single information and support group in the Greater Toronto Area in July 2006. It is the largest and longest running colorectal cancer information/support group in Canada.

Its success is entirely based on its delivery of evidence-based information on the management and prevention of colorectal cancer, as well as caring interactions through peer-to-peer psychosocial support. Our monthly groups are open to patients of all stages and their caregivers.

Our information and support group model provides:

  • Monthly clinical research and treatment updates
  • Patient and caregiver sharing for optimal support
  • Regular colorectal cancer expert presentations

The benefits reported by our support group members include:

  • Gaining a better perspective on the illness and learning more about colorectal cancer
  • Getting access to highly skilled experts
  • Feeling more empowered and seeing improved outcomes
  • Becoming able to better cope with the disease and medical procedures
  • Having a chance to meet and form connections with people who have experienced similar journeys
  • Gaining access to authoritative factsheets, literature, and expert presentations about colorectal cancer
  • Having an opportunity to help other patients by participating in the groups’ activities
  • Gaining access to biotechnologies to help improve patient outcomes

CCRAN Information & Support Groups

National

> 50 Years Patient Population - Early Stage Disease (Stages I - III)

This group will target the Average Age Onset >50 years patient population with Early Stage Disease (Stages I - III) and their caregivers, scheduled for 1:00-4:00 p.m. EST every third Sunday of the month. It will be led by Cassandra Macaulay, CCRAN.
For more info or to RSVP, contact cassandra.m@ccran.org

>50 Years Patient Population - Advanced Stage Disease (Stage IV, metastatic)

This group will target the Average Age Onset >50 years patient population with Advanced Stage Disease (Stage IV, metastatic) and their caregivers, scheduled for 1:00-4:00 p.m. EST every third Sunday of the month. It will be led by Filomena Servidio-Italiano, CCRAN.
For more info or to RSVP, contact cassandra.m@ccran.org

<50 Years Patient Population - Early Stage Disease (Stages I - III)

This group welcomes the Early Age Onset <50 years patient population with Early Stage Disease (Stages I - III) and their caregivers, scheduled for 1:00-4:00 p.m. EST on every third Sunday of the month. It will be led by Dr. Petra Wildgoose, MD
For more info or to RSVP, contact cassandra.m@ccran.org

<50 Years Patient Population - Advanced Stage Disease (Stage IV, Metastatic)

This group welcomes the Early Age Onset <50 years patient population with Advanced Stage Disease (Stage IV, Metastatic) and their caregivers, scheduled for 1:00-4:00 p.m. EST on every third Sunday of the month. It will be led by Hayley Painter, R.N., Stage IV Rectal Cancer Survivor
For more info or to RSVP, contact cassandra.m@ccran.org

Ontario

Affiliated Group
Ottawa, Ontario (Now virtual)

The Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation’s MapleSoft GumDocs Centre, 1500 Alta Vista Drive.
Colorectal cancer patients, survivors and caregivers meet monthly to provide information and share their authentic lived experience.
Meetings are held on the Second Tuesday of each month (except July) 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
For more information please contact Robert Hamilton: robert.hamilton3@icloud.com.
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613-314-1395

Greater Toronto Area (Oakville) (Now virtual)

CCRAN Information/Support Group: A group designed to provide evidence-based information and support to people afflicted with all stages of colorectal cancer. Caregivers and family members are very much welcome.
Wellspring Cancer Support Centre, 2545 Sixth Line, (Dundas and Trafalgar Road), Oakville, Ontario
Meetings are held every third Sunday of the month 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
For more Information, please contact cassandra.m@ccran.org.
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833-792-2726 ext. 1001

Alberta

Edmonton, Alberta (Wellspring Edmonton)

11306 65 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 2Z8
Contact: Dr. Daniel Schiller
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833-792-2726 ext. 1001

CCRAN Affiliated Information & Support Groups

National

>50 Years Patient Population

Virtual Via Zoom

This group will target the >50 years patient population and their caregivers .
Meetings are held every third Sunday of the month.
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.  EST
Contact:  Frank Pitman
<50 Years Patient Population

Virtual Via Zoom

This group will target the <50 years patient population and their caregivers.
Meetings are held every third Sunday of the month.
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  EST
Contact:  Haylay Painter

Ontario

The Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation’s MapleSoft GumDocs Centre

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1500 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa

Colorectal cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers meet monthly to provide information and share their experiences.
Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month.
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.  (Virtual)
Contact:  Robert Hamilton
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613-314-1395

Wellspring Birmingham Gilgan House (Halton-Peel)

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2496 Sixth Line, Oakville

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month.
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. (Virtual)
Contact:  Robert Hamilton
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1 833 792 2726

Alberta

Wellspring Edmonton

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11306 65 Ave NW, Edmonton

Contact:  Dr. Daniel Schiller
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780-758-4433

Quebec

Anyone in the province of Quebec is welcome to participate in this Zoom meeting to gain access to colorectal cancer information and support. Offered every third Tuesday of the month.
1:30 – 3:00 p.m.  (Virtual)
Caregivers are welcome.
Languages Spoken: English and French
Contact:  Mr. Frank Pitman
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519-941-2562