Support Group

You are not alone. Whether you have a brain tumor or are caring for someone with one, it can be overwhelming and we are here to support you.

Support is available.

Brains Together hosts a monthly virtual support group for patients and caregivers. If you are a patient with a brain tumor or are caring for someone with one, it can be overwhelming.

Our goal is to provide a time to meet other people who are in a similar life situation and hopefully learn from each other. Our format is very casual and we encourage people to share their story if they want and if not, it just might help to listen to others!

We are fortunate to have a Mayo Clinic physician attend nearly all our meetings. This is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions, and have them explained in lay terms.

We encourage anyone interested to log on and see if we can help you learn and maybe leave with a sense of community having met others who are dealing with a brain tumor diagnosis.You do not need to be a Mayo Clinic patient to attend.

The group is led by Sue Steinmetz, a Mayo Clinic Research Coordinator in Neuro-Oncology and Shelly Kuhlmann, caregiver to 3 family members with brain tumors, both are the founders of Brains Together.

Upcoming Meetings

Virtual Support group meetings are held on the third Saturday of every month.​

18 May 2024
Support Group
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Virtual Event, MN
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15 June 2024
Support Group
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Virtual Event, MN
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20 July 2024
Support Group
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Virtual Event, MN
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17 August 2024
Support Group
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Virtual Event, MN
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21 September 2024
Support Group
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Virtual Event, MN
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19 October 2024
Support Group
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Virtual Event, MN
Find out more

Join Us!

Sign up to receive the virtual link to join our monthly support group.

Brain Tumor Assistance Programs

Glenn Garcelon Foundation

The Glenn Garcelon Foundation exists to empower and support brain tumor patients and their families by providing grants to those who meet their criteria. People with primary brain tumor of any type (malignant or non-malignant) are welcome to apply for assistance.

Family Reach

Family Reach is a national nonprofit dedicated to alleviating the financial burden of cancer. The majority of funds are used to support families with a child (aged 17 or younger) fighting pediatric cancer. However, they also provide assistance to young adults (aged 18 to 30) living with cancer, as well as parents living with cancer who have young children (aged 17 or younger). Family Reach’s efficient, solutions-driven model bridges the gap between hospital and home, quickly providing the vital support families need to stay afloat.

Mission4Maureen

Mission4Maureen is dedicated to providing financial assistance to families who are burdened with the staggering cost of brain cancer treatment. Financial aid is available for medical bills as well as child care, housing payments, utility bills, transportation, medication and other areas of assistance. An application with supporting documentation is required.

Support Group Testimonials

"The support group has been a place where we each try to help each other to understand the situations by welcoming those who are new to the group and sharing the experiences and information held by those who have been in the group for some time. Those that coordinate the group and the doctors that attend have been a wonderful support at all of our sides and capable of answering any questions that any of us have had about the complexities and results of brain cancer and the corresponding treatment research that develops as time goes on."
Mike K.
"The group creates a forum to allow us to better understand this disease, talk with clinical experts to address questions openly and honestly, and most importantly realize that we were not alone in this battle. In fall 2022, we attended the Brains Together Walk/Run and were thoroughly impressed by the number of people there to support this important cause and the commitment of so many to make this event such a success."
Terri K.
"It’s one thing to be invited someplace, but it’s another to feel welcome. Brains Together Support Group meetings and the annual walk / run do just that for patients, survivors and caregivers. In doing so, the physicality of people’s brain tumor journeys can be addressed, along with the psychology and emotions that accompany them."
Jennifer F.
"This group has become a safe and joyful space where I can learn about navigating life with brain tumors, ask anything, and share the vulnerable stuff that a lot of people in my life can’t quite understand. I’ve been invited into places of healing and growth I would never have found on my own."
Ashley C.
"Each month I receive so much more than I give at the Brains Together Support Group. Fellow patients and their caregivers energize and educate all of us who attend."
Mark R.
"Brains Together has given to me the feeling of not being alone."
Sasha F.