Group to Help Those With Brain Tumors

The Wellness Community, a nonprofit organization that provides free psychological and emotional support to people dealing with cancer, is offering a brain-tumor support group beginning Thursday.

Rebecca Dekker, a family therapist and brain-tumor survivor, will lead the monthly meetings. A resident of Thousand Oaks, Dekker said she went through her surgery and radiation treatment without the benefit of a support group because there wasn’t one in the Conejo Valley.

“I wanted to form a group as soon as I could effectively lead one and find a sponsor,” Dekker said.

Brain tumors often result in personality changes, mood swings and loss of vision or hearing, making it one of the most frightening forms of cancer for patients and their families.

Discussions will focus on coping skills, treatment methods, and medications and their side effects. Meetings are scheduled for the first Thursday of each month, 7 to 9 p.m., at The Wellness Community’s Westlake Village facility, 530 Hampshire Road. Call 379-4777 for information.