Rockford cancer center starts men’s support group

ROCKFORD — The inaugural meeting of a cancer support group for men will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday in the lower level of Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2821 N. Bell School Road.

Healing Pathways-Cancer Resource Center’s monthly sessions, planned for the third Saturday, will be led by Norm Shirk, a licensed clinical professional counselor and director of Pastoral Care and Volunteer Services for SwedishAmerican Health System, and Paul Anthony Arco, a two-year cancer survivor.

The group aims to help men share their feelings, questions or concerns with others in similar situations. It is open to any man, whether he’s undergoing treatment, a longtime survivor, the caregiver of a cancer survivor or patient.

“The cancer journey can be long, difficult, and tough to talk about, especially for men, who tend not to express fears and concerns very openly,” Shirk said. “It is our hope that this support group be a safe, relaxing place for any man working through a cancer diagnosis.”

For more information, visit healingpathwayscrc.org or call 815-395-5649.