Find a program
Scroll down to find a program that’s right for you.
Register online
Visit our registration page to sign up for a program.
Register today >
Visit or call
Call us at 630.323.5150 or visit our Hinsdale location, The Kay & Mike Birck Home of Hope.
There’s a lot to think about when you’re living with cancer — whether you’re diagnosed or close to someone who is. Get support, build knowledge, and connect with others through classes, lectures, social events, and supportive groups led by our experts. All services and programs are at no cost to you.
Oncology experts and community volunteers
are a big part of what we do.
Come join us! Find a program that fits your needs and your schedule.
Welcome to Wellness Orientation
Drop-ins Welcome
New to Wellness House? Join us for an orientation that provides an overview of programs, a tour of the facility, and a chance to meet staff.
Learn more ›
Beginning Mat Yoga
Drop-ins Welcome
Gentle, beginner and restorative mat-based yoga postures.
Learn more ›
Beginning Chair Yoga
Drop-ins Welcome
Gentle, beginner and restorative chair-based and standing yoga postures.
Learn more ›
Tai Chi
Drop-ins Welcome
This ancient form of movement and exercise leads to harmony of mind and body while decreasing stress.
Learn more ›
Qi Gong and Tai Chi
Drop-ins Welcome
Learn a set of calming movements to enhance strength and circulation.
Learn more ›
Nia®
Staff Registration Required
Nia® is a mind-body movement practice for all ages and levels of fitness using choreography to soul-stirring music.
Learn more ›
Exercise for Getting Well
Staff Registration Required
Self-paced aerobic exercise followed by gentle instructor-led exercises for people experiencing physical difficulties due to cancer treatment, with focus on reducing treatment side effects, improving activities of daily living, and maintaining strength and endurance.
Learn more ›
Exercise for Staying Well
Staff Registration Required
Self-paced aerobic exercise followed by instructor-led exercises for increasing endurance, strength, flexibility and balance.
Learn more ›
Exercise for Living Well
Staff Registration Required
Aerobic warm-up followed by a new resistance plan each month designed to teach independent exercise.
Learn more ›
Pink Ribbon Fitness
Staff Registration Required
Customized exercises for breast cancer survivors.
Learn more ›
Pilates
Staff Registration Required
Beginner mat Pilates.
Learn more ›
Core, Balance & Flexibility
Staff Registration Required
Cardio warm-up followed by exercises that use core muscles to increase strength, endurance and balance.
Learn more ›
Open Gym
Drop-ins Welcome
Participants may use the exercise facilities for independent exercise.
Learn more ›
Mindfulness for Everyday Living
Drop-ins Welcome
Through practice and discussion, learn the benefits of mindfulness meditation in this group setting.
Learn more ›
Flute Circle
Drop-ins Welcome
Learn to play the Native American flute and how to express yourself through music. No experience necessary.
Learn more ›
Kids Group
Staff Registration Required
A group designed to support kids ages 6-12 in developing coping skills, clarifying misconceptions surrounding cancer, and promoting feelings of normalcy as they meet other children impacted by cancer.
Learn more ›
Turtles
Staff Registration Required
This is an 8-week, weekly bereavement support group for children ages 6-12.
Learn more ›
Teen Time
Staff Registration Required
A support group for teens ages 13-18 who have a family member with cancer or who have lost a family member to cancer.
Learn more ›
Turtles Parents Group
Staff Registration Required
This is an 8-week, weekly bereavement support group that will help connect you with other parents and receive support around your loss, discuss parenting concerns, and find ways to help your family heal.
Learn more ›
Caregiver Support Group
Staff Registration Required
Network with other caregivers in this ongoing 8-week support group meets at the same time as the Cancer Support Group.
Learn more ›
Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group
Staff Registration Required
Join other women facing metastasis of their breast cancer. This weekly group will focus on the ongoing challenges that arise from dealing with treatment, relationships, and facing the future.
Learn more ›
Living with Recurrent or Metastatic Cancer Support Group
Drop-ins Welcome
This weekly group focuses on issues regarding recurrent and metastatic cancer and welcomes individuals diagnosed as well as family members supporting a loved one with cancer. Caregivers are welcome to attend with or without the individual with cancer.
Learn more ›
Spiritual Side of Cancer
Drop-ins Welcome
The focus of this monthly group is to create an environment in which people feel free to discuss the challenges and joys found in the spiritual side of the cancer journey.
Learn more ›
Young Adults with Cancer Networking Group
Drop-ins Welcome
This group provides emotional support and an opportunity to meet other young adults receiving treatment.
Learn more ›
Brain Tumor Networking
Drop-ins Welcome
Individual networking groups give people an opportunity to meet with others experiencing the same type of cancer and their caregiver.
Learn more ›
Bladder Cancer Networking
Drop-ins Welcome
Individual networking groups give people an opportunity to meet with others experiencing the same type of cancer as well as their caregivers.
Learn more ›
Breast Cancer Networking
Drop-ins Welcome
Individual networking groups give people an opportunity to meet with others experiencing the same type of cancer and their caregiver.
Learn more ›
Carcinoid Cancer Networking
Drop-ins Welcome
Individual networking groups give people an opportunity to meet with others experiencing the same type of cancer as well as their caregivers.
Learn more ›
Colon/Rectal Cancers Networking
Drop-ins Welcome
Individual networking groups give people an opportunity to meet with others experiencing the same type of cancer as well as their caregivers.
Learn more ›
Gynecologic Cancers Networking
Drop-ins Welcome
Individual networking groups give people an opportunity to meet with others experiencing the same type of cancer as well as their caregivers.
Learn more ›
Head & Neck Cancers Networking
Drop-ins Welcome
Individual networking groups give people an opportunity to meet with others experiencing the same type of cancer as well as their caregivers.
Learn more ›
Leukemia & Lymphoma Cancers Networking
Drop-ins Welcome
Individual networking groups give people an opportunity to meet with others experiencing the same type of cancer as well as their caregivers.
Learn more ›
Lung Cancer Networking
Drop-ins Welcome
Individual networking groups give people an opportunity to meet with others experiencing the same type of cancer as well as their caregivers.
Learn more ›
Multiple Myeloma Cancer Networking
Drop-ins Welcome
Individual networking groups give people an opportunity to meet with others experiencing the same type of cancer as well as their caregivers.
Learn more ›
Pancreatic Cancer Networking
Drop-ins Welcome
Individual networking groups give people an opportunity to meet with others experiencing the same type of cancer as well as their caregivers.
Learn more ›
Prostate Cancer Networking
Drop-ins Welcome
Individual networking groups give people an opportunity to meet with others experiencing the same type of cancer as well as their caregivers.
Learn more ›
Bereavement Drop-in
Drop-ins Welcome
For recently bereaved adults who have had a cancer-related loss.
Learn more ›
Transitions for Spouses
Staff Registration Required
This is a committed bereavement support group to help spouses and partners develop coping techniques. The group meets twice every month.
Learn more ›
Transitions Alumni Networking
Alumni Drop-ins Encouraged
Join other adults who have completed the Transitions for Spouses or Turtles bereavement programs at this monthly group to continue
supporting one another.
Learn more ›
Arlington Heights – Mindful Yoga
Drop-ins Welcome
Nurture your entire being with mind/body movement.
Learn more ›
Chicago – Gynecologic Cancer Support Group
Drop-ins Welcome
Ongoing support group for women with gynecologic cancers to share medical information, connect with others in similar circumstances and improve their coping skills.
Learn more ›
Chicago – Breast Cancer Support Group
Drop-ins Welcome
Ongoing support group for women with breast cancer to share medical information, connect with others in similar circumstances and improve their coping skills.
Learn more ›
Palatine – Wellness Through Deep Hypnosis
Registration Required
Dr. Scot Giles, renowned medical hypnotherapist, guides the group through self-hypnosis designed to help release pain and facilitate healing.
Learn more ›
Online Welcome to Wellness Orientation
Staff Registration Required
Join us for an online orientation and tour from the comfort of your own home. After registering, you will be provided with a link via email to join the meeting.
Learn more ›
Kidney Cancer Networking
Drop – ins Welcome
Individual networking groups give people an opportunity to meet with others experiencing the same type of cancer and their caregiver.
Learn more ›
Thyroid Cancer Networking
Drop-ins Welcome
Individual networking groups give people an opportunity to meet with others experiencing the same type of cancer as well as their caregivers.
Learn more ›
Cancer Support Group
Staff Registration Required
Ongoing 8-week support group for people with cancer to share medical information, connect with others in similar circumstances and improve their coping skills. This group meets at the same time as the Caregiver Support Group.
Learn more ›
Arlington Heights – Lung Cancer Support Group
Staff Registration Required
Ongoing support group for people with lung cancer and their caregivers to share medical information, connect with others in similar circumstances and improve their coping skills.
Learn more ›
Berwyn – Yoga for Breast Cancer Survivors
Drop-ins Welcome
Nurture your entire being with mind/body movement. Classes taught in Spanish and English.
Learn more ›
Palatine – Reiki Clinic
Staff Registration Required
Discover this Japanese form of healing energy that helps reduce stress, promote relaxation, and balance the mind and emotions.
Learn more ›
Veterans Networking Group
Drop-ins welcome
All military veterans diagnosed with cancer, and their adult family members, are invited to participate in our new drop-in networking group.
Learn more ›
Parent and Caregiver Support Group
Staff Registration
An 8-week group for parents and care- givers who are navigating through their own cancer journey while also raising and caring for their young.
Learn more ›
Ostomy Networking Group
Drop-ins Welcome
In this new networking group, we invite participants with all cancer-related ostomy types to share support and information so that you can continue to live life to its fullest.
Learn more ›
University of Illinois Chicago – Cancer Connections Group
Drop-ins Welcome
An opportunity for people with cancer to share their cancer stories, connect with others in similar circumstances and improve their coping skills.
Learn more ›
University of Illinois Chicago – Nutrition Connections
Drop-ins Welcome
An opportunity for patients and caregivers to consult with our dietitian and have their questions about cancer and nutrition answered.
Learn more ›
Melanoma Networking
Drop-ins Welcome
Learn more ›
Exercise for Getting Well Fundamentals
Staff Registration Required
Gentle instructor-led, chair-based exercises for participants experiencing physical difficulties due to cancer treatment.
Learn more ›
Oak Park (Rush) – Cancer Connections
Drop-ins Welcome
This group provides an opportunity for people experiencing cancer to share information, connect with others in similar circumstances and improve coping skills.
Learn more ›
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center’s Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy Program Presented by Wellness House
Staff Registration Required
This will be an 8-week committed group, with the expectation that participants will choose either group option and commit to attending that group.
Learn more ›
Sarcoma Networking Group
Drop-ins Welcome
Individual networking groups give people an opportunity to meet with others experiencing the same type of cancer as well as their caregivers.
Learn more ›
Finding a Friend in Your Body After Cancer: Learning to Use Your Body as a Resource
Registration Required
(please attend each of the four sessions)
Join us in this four-week series with the intention of learning how to befriend your body again and use it as a resource and an ally as you navigate your way through the cancer journey.
Learn more ›
Drawing with Pastels
Registration Required
Attendance at first session is required to continue with series.
Create colorful drawings with the portable medium of pastels.
Learn more ›
Rerouting: Choosing Your Course After Cancer 5-Week Post-Treatment Series
Registration Required
Learn more ›
Guided Meditation
Registration Required
Learn to relax your body, still your mind and engage your spirit through guided meditation. No meditation experience required.
Learn more ›
Individual Meditation Instruction
Staff Registration Required
In these 30-minute sessions, Angela will help you refine and strengthen your personal practice based on your individual needs and goals. No prior
meditation experience required.
Learn more ›
Clay
Registration Required
Join us for fun with this natural and earthy material. We will go over basics and add some twists.
Learn more ›
Couples Connecting: Couples Networking Group
Staff Registration Required
Please join us for this new networking group specifically designed for couples. Each month will focus on partnership through a different and unique phase of treatment.
Learn more ›
Tai Chi Fundamentals
Registration Required
Tai Chi Fundamentals® offers a simplified introduction to traditional Yang-style Tai Chi.
Learn more ›
Advance Care Planning Series – Living Well Curriculum
Registration Required
In this series, Mary Mulcahy and Randi Belisomo from Life Matters Media will facilitate an interactive discussion on enhancing comfort and confidence in end of life decision making and care.
Learn more ›
Spring Kitchen Makeover Series
Registration Required
Join us for this cooking demonstration and discussion.
Learn more ›
Mixed Media Art
Registration Required
Please register for each class separately.
Join Caring Arts Foundation to explore and develop your own creative center for the purpose of healing.
Learn more ›
Post-Treatment Networking Group
Drop-ins Welcome
This group provides an opportunity to connect with other participants who have finished treatment and are navigating the question of “what now?”
Learn more ›
Wellness through Deep Hypnosis
Registration Required
Dr. Scot Giles, renowned medical hypnotherapist, guides the group through self-hypnosis designed to help release pain and facilitate healing.
Learn more ›
Mind Science Yoga Workshop
Registration Required
This workshop highlights the benefits of Mind Science Yoga.
Learn more ›
Cooking Up Wellness
Registration Required
Learn to appreciate real, fresh foods and simple culinary principles for cancer prevention and survivorship.
Learn more ›
Plant Your Own Organic Salad Greens Container Garden
Registration Required
You will learn useful tips and cost-effective strategies for planting, growing, harvesting and caring for your container.
Learn more ›
Loyola – Beyond Cancer Wellness Program
Registration Required
Experts in four different areas of health and wellness will discuss techniques, personalized tools and plans to help you manage stress, practice self-care and learn to enjoy life as a cancer survivor.
Learn more ›
Spring Garden Walks
Registration Required
Susan Beard guides participants on the garden walks and takes them through many of Hinsdale’s finest gardens.
Learn more ›
Elmhurst – Cooking Up Wellness
Registration Required
This class and cooking demonstration will feature recipes to help you deliciously incorporate cancer-fighting foods into a diet for optimal health.
Learn more ›
Wellness in Action: Hands-on Cooking Class
Registration Required
Join Angela for this hands-on learning experience in cooking your basic, but at times tricky, health-promoting foods.
Learn more ›
Online Sidelining Side Effects
Registration Required
This program will focus on nutrition and lifestyle strategies to minimize or even prevent side effects of treatment.
Learn more ›
Stress-Free Saturday
Registration Required
Enjoy the benefits of starting your weekend stress-free! Come to this class and experience a variety of stress reduction techniques, including several
forms of meditation.
Learn more ›
Coping with Emotions and Cancer
Registration Required
In this presentation Sarah Rosenbloom, PhD. will discuss on the common emotions that can occur during one’s cancer journey and how to best cope with them.
Learn more ›
Stress Free Saturday for Kids
Registration Required
Join us as we embark on a journey of relaxation!
*Note that this program is scheduled during Stress-Free Saturdays for adults. Come together as a family; no need for childcare!
Learn more ›
Painting on a Canvas Bag
Registration Required
Be eco-minded and creative when you use your own canvas bag painted with the image of your choice. Bag will be provided.
Learn more ›
Sidelining Side Effects
Registration Required
This single-session class is designed specifically for individuals undergoing or about to begin treatment.
Learn more ›
Like What You See! Quick Steps to an Enhanced You
Registration Required
Learn how to deal with some of the aesthetic side effects of treatment. Watch and learn how to tie scarves, quick makeup tips, and how to create eyebrows to improve your appearance and raise your confidence.
Learn more ›
Improving Quality of Life by Getting Rid of Stiffness and Pain During and After Cancer Treatment
Registration Required
In this presentation, Eric Owens will discuss simple therapy options to help
alleviate chronic pain caused from every day movements as well as pain caused from cancer treatment.
Learn more ›
Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy Networking Group
Staff Registration Required
This group will provide participants the opportunity to exchange ongoing support toward maintaining and building on the meaning-based self-care plans they achieved in the 8-week MCP course.
Learn more ›
Cancer Nutrition 101: Step-by-Step Program to a Cancer Fighting Diet Discussion
Registration Required
This four-week series will begin a step-by-step journey to changing the way you eat. Each week will be a building block of information to establish habit changes while focusing on a plant-based diet.
Learn more ›
Community Acupuncture
Staff Registration Required
Join Bridget to experience the benefits of acupuncture in a community setting that allows 3-5 participants to experience acupuncture at the same time.
Learn more ›
Rerouting: Choosing Your Course After Cancer, Abbreviated Session
Registration Required
Join us for this new interactive program that will provide you with the information you need to create your own action plan as you choose your own course after cancer treatment.
Learn more ›
Gardening Safely and Sensibly for the Oncology Survivor
Registration Required
In this presentation, you will learn tips for sensible garden planning,smart digging and lifting, friendly tools and gardening warm-ups, as well as ideas on how to prevent common injuries to the back, knees, and hands as we continue to heal.
Learn more ›
Book Club: A Life of Being, Having and Doing Enough
Registration Required
Discussion of the book written by Wayne Muller
Learn more ›
Date Night: Couples Cooking Class
Registration Required
Join us for this cooking class to focus on nourishing your body and relationship.
Learn more ›
Monthly Meditation
Registration Required
Experience peace and serenity in the stillness of meditation and facilitate healing of mind, body, and spirit.
Learn more ›
Restorative Yoga
Staff Registration Required
Gentle, floor-based yoga postures that utilize props for slow, passive stretching.
Learn more ›
Vintage Book Club
Registration Required
Through the reading of classic passages and books, this club will address questions and thoughts such as, how do we reconfigure a purpose for ourselves as we age and deal with cancer at the same time?
Learn more ›
Reiki for You
Registration Required
In this class, you will learn about working with Reiki energy and how to offer Reiki to yourself every day.
Learn more ›
Arlington Heights – REROUTING: Choosing Your Course After Cancer
Registration Required
Join us to gain the information you need to begin creating your own action plan as you choose your course after cancer treatment.
Learn more ›
ALAS Wings – Expressive Arts
Drop-ins Welcome
Join us to express yourself with a variety of art mediums. Classes taught in English and Spanish.
Learn more ›
GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors)
Drop-ins Welcome
Wellness House is hosting this group, organized by the Chicago-area chapter of the Life Raft Group. This group is for anyone diagnosed with GIST and their caregivers.
Learn more ›
Look Good, Feel Better
Registration Required
Spend some time with others in active treatment learning how to manage hair, nail and skin changes due to cancer treatment.
Learn more ›
Wellness Ongoing: Nutrition Discussion Group
Registration Required
Maintaining a healthy diet can be difficult. Join this discussion group to connect and share ideas with one another.
Learn more ›
The Five Most Current Components of a Nutrition Support Plan for those with Blood Cancers
Registration Required
In this presentation, you will learn that a nutrition plan may help with symptom management and other outcomes during treatment as well as the top 5 dietary recommendations for adults with blood cancers.
Learn more ›
Macrame
Registration Required
Learn the art of knotting cord or string in patterns to make decorative articles.
Learn more ›
Mercy – Mindfulness Meditation
Drop-ins Welcome
Discover ways to live life more effectively in the present moment, even through difficult times.
Learn more ›
Crystal Bowl Meditation
Registration Required
Come enjoy the beauty and vibration of Crystal Singing Bowls.
Learn more ›
Post-Treatment Side Effects of Radiation
Registration Required
Dr. Kalakota will present on the effects that radiation treatment can have on an individual and discuss ways to help manage those side effects.
Learn more ›
Elmhurst – Introduction to Yoga
Registration Required
We’ll learn about the origins and benefits of yoga.
Learn more ›
Sound Meditation: Immerse Yourself in Healing Vibration
Registration Required
Join us to learn about and experience this healing connection.
Learn more ›
Summerfest Family Picnic
Registration Required
Come kick off the summer with an evening of food and fun for the whole family with fellow Wellness House participants. Bring along children, grandchildren, and friends to spend time together and play games.
Learn more ›
Berwyn – Cooking Up Wellness
Registration Required
This class and cooking demonstration will feature recipes to help you deliciously incorporate cancer-fighting foods into a diet for optimal health.
Learn more ›
Cancer and Fertility
Registration Required
Please join Julian Schink, M.D. in this special conversation on how cancer affects fertility, the fertility-preserving options available, and starting a family after cancer treatment.
Learn more ›
Nature
Registration Required
Join Michael for a group share and brainstorming session to discuss the
powerful mind, body and spirit effects of actively connecting with nature for overall well-being.
Learn more ›
ALAS Wings – Expressive Arts
Drop-ins Welcome
Join us to express yourself with a variety of art mediums. Classes taught in English and Spanish.
Learn more ›
Plant Your Own Holistic Herb Container Garden
Registration Required
You will learn about how to care for and harvest from your container. Culinary uses will also be discussed.
Learn more ›
Wellness in Season
Registration Required
Join us for a fun class of cooking with a focus on preparing for the 4th of July.
Learn more ›
Webinar: Financial Wellness
Registration Required
During this 60-minute webinar you will learn how to not let this time in your life derail your long-term financial goals with step-by-step suggestions on how to handle many of the financial issues we know you are currently faced with.
Learn more ›
River of Life: Explore and illustrate the flow of your life’s journey toward wellness
Registration Required
Learn to explore and improve health management skills and overall well-being through the metaphor of a flowing river.
Learn more ›
Taste of Wellness House Nutrition Fair
Registration Required
Join us for Taste of Wellness House Nutrition Fair, featuring local vendors, cooking demonstrations, and practical culinary workshops designed to educate and promote a whole food, plant-based, cancer-fighting diet.
Learn more ›
Renew Your Reiki
Registration Required
Join us to renew your Reiki practice. This program is for Reiki practitioners
of any level who have taken a Reiki class at Wellness House or with other
teachers.
Learn more ›
Mercy – Head and Neck Support Group
Drop-ins Welcome
Individual networking groups give people an opportunity to meet with others experiencing the same type of cancer as well as their caregivers.
Learn more ›
Caregiving: Self-Care and Nutrition
Registration Required
Come together with other caregivers to discuss practical ways to manage self-care and nutrition while navigating the complexities of a cancer experience.
Learn more ›
Make an Intention Bracelet
Registration Required
Join Bridget Juister for this creative workshop and walk away with
a beaded bracelet that not only looks great, but is woven with symbolism
and intentions.
Learn more ›
Updates in Sarcoma Treatment
Registration Required
*This lecture will begin the conversation in the Sarcoma
Monthly Peer Networking Group.
Learn more ›
Webinar: Cooking Up Wellness
Registration Required
This live webinar and cooking demonstration will feature recipes to help you deliciously incorporate cancer-fighting foods into a diet for optimal health.
Learn more ›
Berwyn – Fighting Fatigue with Exercise
Drop-ins Welcome
Learn how exercise can help reduce the severity of fatigue to help improve overall quality of life during and after cancer treatments.
Learn more ›
Hot Topics in Breast Cancer
Registration Required
Join the top oncologists, surgeons, and healthcare professionals in the Chicagoland area to learn about the latest updates in the research and treatment of breast cancer.
Learn more ›
Elmhurst – Talking to Kids about Cancer
Registration Required
We’ll discuss the challenges of parenting while managing an illness.
Learn more ›
Oncology Essential Oils: How to Use Essential Oils to Help Ease Side Effects of Treatment
Registration Required
This workshop will review the basics of Essential Oils and safety factors.
Learn more ›
Grace – How a Childhood Cancer Survivor and Her Mother Navigated Illness and Recovery
Registration Required
(Please register each family member individually)
Bring your entire family to join speaker/author Melinda Marchiano and
her mother, Lee Marchiano, as they share experiences from their family’s journey.
Learn more ›
Kids Kamp
Registration Required
Join us for our annual Kids Kamp for kids ages 5 – 12. This is an opportunity to participate in fun summer activities, meet other kids who have experienced cancer in the family, build confidence, and simply HAVE FUN!
Learn more ›