Caring for the Caregiver at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Caring for the Caregiver is an educational and supportive program for caregivers.  

Topics of discussion include strategies for:

• Self-care
• Mindfulness
• Stress management
• Relaxation
• Compassion fatigue
• Keeping active
• Dealing with worry and anxiety

Occasional guest speakers will participate including dietitians, social workers, and others who focus on self-care and wellness.

Educational literature will be available to take home on session topics. Registration is not required; drop-ins welcome. This event is free of charge.

Download the 2021 Caring for the Caregiver schedule. This series will is held on the 2nd Tuesday and 4th Wednesday of each month from 1-2p.m. at:

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
5115 Centre Ave
2nd Floor Conference Room

Meet Our Caregiver Support Expert

Christie Santure, BSN, RN, OCN
Christie Santure, BSN, RN, OCN, has been practicing as a nurse for 40 years. She moved to Pittsburgh from Michigan in 2008 and has been working as a treatment room nurse administrating chemotherapy on the 2nd Floor of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Shadyside ever since. She has received the UPMC HOPE Award, the UPMC ACES award, and has been nominated three times for the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing Cameo of Caring award for her work developing and sustaining the Caring for the Caregivers support group as her Senior Nursing II project. Most recently, Christie won a national award for creating this program – the 2020 CURE Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing.

Caregiver Testimonials

Taking care of a loved one with cancer can be difficult. Since its inception, Caring for the Caregiver has helped many cancer caregivers in the Pittsburgh area. Below are some words from our caregivers:

• “We can only heal in a community." - Gary Marzolf
• “This is a group where we share our experience, strength and hope with other caregivers. We can express our feelings, share our problems and successes, and offer support to each other.” - Curt M.

Contact Us

For more information, please contact  or Christie Santure at santurec@upmc.edu or call 412-692-4724.