Mesothelioma Support Groups for Veterans: What One Orlando VA Program Reveals Posted on October 15, 2026October 15, 2026 by Christopher Dryfoos 4 Min Read If you're a U.S. veteran or family member facing mesothelioma, it can feel like no one understands what you're going through. Mesothelioma support groups for veterans can connect you with people who do. The Orlando VA Healthcare System recently showed why peer support matters. Its Cancer Survivorship Program brings veterans together every month to talk about life after cancer treatment, and participants say the group has helped them feel less alone. Keep reading to learn how the program works, which support groups are available to veterans with mesothelioma, and how the Mesothelioma Veterans Center can help you join one. Ready to get started? Sign up for our Virtual Support Group now. Sign Up for Our Mesothelioma Support GroupNext Virtual Meeting: Wednesday, October 21 at 8 p.m. ET | 5 p.m. PT Save Your Spot Why Veterans Still Need Support After Cancer Treatment For many civilians and veterans with mesothelioma, finishing treatment brings relief and hope. But it’s also natural to feel worried about the future. Brittany Hahn, Supervisory Social Worker for Oncology at the Orlando VA, compares survivorship to an iceberg. While a veteran may seem normal to family and peers after completing treatment, they may actually be struggling. Survivors may feel anxious about what comes next and fearful of the cancer returning as they address lingering symptoms and adjust to life after treatment. "People think you're done with treatment, so everything must be back to normal," Hahn explained. "But there is a new normal, and veterans deserve support as they learn how to navigate it." Inside the Orlando VA Cancer Survivorship Program Hahn launched the Cancer Survivorship Program in November 2025 as a monthly virtual group for veterans across Central Florida. According to the VA, the program has already served more than 50 veterans and continues to grow. Dr. Ashley Brevil, Supervisory Social Worker for Specialty Programs, said survivorship support fills a critical gap in cancer care. Members in the support group discuss: Mental health Survivorship Wellness VA resources The program isn't specific to mesothelioma, but its lessons apply to any veteran living with cancer. For example, Army Veteran Thomas Jenkins, who has faced lung cancer, said the group helped him feel understood. "You often question if you're alone. Then you hear other veterans talking about the same fears, the same pain, the same experiences. It helps you realize you're normal." – Thomas Jenkins, U.S. Army veteran with lung cancer Craig Cusanelli, who served in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1973, also participated. "I realized there were others who faced similar challenges," Cusanelli reflected. "Everyone gained something from it from day one." Mesothelioma Support Groups for U.S. Veterans U.S. veterans with mesothelioma and their families can find support in person, by phone, and online. Most support groups are free, and many are led by professionals like nurses or social workers. For example, the Mesothelioma Veterans Center support group meets monthly via Zoom and is tailored to U.S. veterans, civilians, and families fighting this cancer. The group is co-led by Major Jonathan Nelson, a mesothelioma nurse, and an oncology social worker. By joining, you can get advice on treatment, VA benefits, and coping in one place. Save your spot for our next meeting today. Other options for mesothelioma support include: Meso Foundation: Hosts online support groups via Zoom and Facebook for patients, loved ones, and survivors. CancerCare: Offers online, video, and in-person groups for patients, caregivers, and those who have lost a loved one. Cancer Hope Network: Connects patients and caregivers with a peer mentor who faced a similar diagnosis. Cancer Survivors Network: An online community from the American Cancer Society for patients and families. Hospital groups: VA and civilian hospitals sometimes host cancer support groups. For instance, Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston runs one through its International Mesothelioma Program. We've also launched a new Facebook group where U.S. veterans and loved ones affected by mesothelioma can connect. This allows them to get on-demand support that fills the gap in between our monthly Zoom meetings. Benefits of Mesothelioma Support Groups A support group means you don't have to face a diagnosis alone. Groups can help both mesothelioma patients and families feel less alone, get tips, and move forward. Support groups for mesothelioma can offer: Connection: You'll meet fellow patients and U.S. veterans who understand the worries and wins of a cancer journey. Coping skills: Hear how others manage life with cancer and pick up tips for coping with your own diagnosis. Practical advice: Share and receive tips on managing treatment options, finding emotional support, and accessing VA benefits. Caregiver support: Family members can get advice, share stories, and avoid burnout. Professional guidance: Groups led by nurses or social workers can answer questions and point you to resources. Less isolation: Hearing others describe the same fears can help you realize you're not alone. By joining a support group, many other veterans and civilians have found ways to more easily cope with the realities of a mesothelioma diagnosis. You Don't Have to Face Mesothelioma Alone The Orlando VA's survivorship program shows that cancer doesn't end when the appointments do, and that joining support groups can make the road easier. Whether you choose our support group or another, joining one can ease isolation and give you tools for what comes next. The Mesothelioma Veterans Center can help you: Join a mesothelioma support group with experts on staff Explore mesothelioma treatment options Access VA benefits Get additional resources Call (877) 450-8973 to speak with our team, or sign up for our next support group meeting.