Chicago City Wire

Northwestern Medicine Living Well Cancer Resources has expanded its services to the Northwestern Medicine St. George Cancer Institute in Orland Park, Illinois. The move aims to provide more support for people affected by cancer in southwestern Chicago and surrounding areas.

Living Well Cancer Resources has been offering supportive care for over 20 years, growing from a small initiative into a nationally recognized program with locations in Geneva, Warrenville, and now Orland Park. Its services include counseling, support groups, fitness classes such as yoga and Tai Chi, art therapy, nutrition classes, medical presentations, and a wig boutique. All offerings are free for cancer patients and their families.

Terrence Moisan, MD, president of the St. George Foundation, stated: “The directors of the St. George Foundation have long realized the critical importance of supporting southwestern Chicago and the surrounding regional communities with advanced, academic level cancer care. This resource advances the entire spectrum of care from prevention through diagnosis, treatment and long-term support.”

Timothy Kuzel, MD, medical director for oncology at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital said: “Cancer care isn’t just about medicine—it’s about healing the whole person. At the Northwestern Medicine St. George Cancer Institute, we’ve created a space where patients can find strength through movement, expression through art, and connection through community. These supportive services are more than amenities. They’re lifelines that help people rediscover joy and resilience during one of the hardest journeys of their lives.”

Amber Commodore sought help from Living Well after her breast cancer diagnosis in December 2024. She attended virtual support meetings to manage her diagnosis and plans to participate in more programs as she begins radiation treatments at St. George Cancer Institute.

“Talking with others who are on the same path has helped me process all the new information and emotions I’m experiencing,” Commodore said.

Commodore noted that she chose St. George because it is convenient with ample parking and helpful staff.

“I’m so excited that Living Well Cancer Resources is expanding its programming so I can attend some of the other offerings when I begin my radiation treatments in November,” Commodore said.

DeShunn Bray was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2025 and used hand massage services during chemotherapy infusions at Living Well.

“Those sessions were just everything,” Bray said. “They really helped with my neuropathy and there is nothing like the comfort the human touch provides during a challenging time.”

Bray also participated in Beautiful You Workshops focused on coping with hair loss due to treatment.

“I felt comfort being in a room with other women who looked like me, even if we are in different stages of our journeys,” Bray said.

Services available at St. George include individual wig consultations (with 60 wigs distributed since May 2025), monthly exercise consultations for survivors during or after treatment, popular fitness classes such as Tai Chi: Meditation in Motion and Chair Yoga (with new classes planned for January 2026), chairside visits offering hand massages or art projects during infusion treatments, pop-up art therapy classes expanding to monthly sessions next year, Beautiful You Workshops teaching scalp care techniques for those experiencing hair loss from treatment as well as makeup lessons and accessory tips; plus an area set aside for stress relief activities like puzzles or coloring pages.

The Northwestern Medicine St. George Cancer Institute offers comprehensive cancer care supported by Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University at Northwestern Memorial Hospital—including diagnostic imaging (PET/CT/MRI), an infusion center with private rooms, on-site pharmacy/lab facilities; radiation oncology including access to proton therapy at Warrenville; as well as supportive oncology services provided by Living Well Cancer Resources—allowing patients local access to advanced care without traveling into Chicago.

Christopher George, MD described Living Well’s impact: “In the cancer clinic, there often isn’t time to address all the holistic needs of cancer patients. Living Well more than fills that gap, providing patients and families with practical tools that improve well-being.”

Living Well marks its 20th anniversary this year since its founding on September 1st ,2005—offering dozens of programs aimed at ensuring no one faces cancer alone.