A Place to Connect, Share & Feel Supported
The heart of MCR’s support groups is connection. We are dedicated to honoring each person’s unique cancer experience while creating a safe and welcoming space to uplift, encourage, and support one another.
Cancer can be one of life’s most vulnerable and personal challenges, often bringing unexpected emotions, questions, and self-discovery. You don’t have to navigate those moments alone. With the MCR community standing beside you, there is a place to share the difficult days, celebrate the victories, and connect with others who truly understand.
Our support groups are about empowerment—helping you find strength, hope, and confidence throughout your journey. Through shared experiences, compassionate listening, education, and encouragement, we are here to support you wherever you are on your path.
All are welcome. All are accepted. All are heard.
“Stronger Together” - Thursdays
Weekly one hour group sessions with Dena Jackson, cancer survivor and certified life coach and Dr. Bongaard Maui Cancer Resources Medical Director.
A place to meet and share your story,
feelings and more. A place of support.
FREE ZOOM MEETING
Thursdays at 10am
Head & Neck “Meet Up”
LAST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
Nov 20th and December 18th
Monthly one hour sessions with Talbot Shibley, cancer survivor and Dr. Bongaard Maui Cancer Resources Medical Director.
FREE ZOOM MEETING
Last Friday of each month at 4pm
“Finding Calm in the Chaos”
FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH
Monthly one hour sessions with Dr. Bongaard Maui Cancer Resources Medical Director.
Simple tools to reduce stress, quiet the mind, and feel more grounded during the cancer journey.
FREE ZOOM MEETING
First Monday of each month at 5:30pm
Free Zoom Meet Up
Meeting ID: 556-047-4757
Passcode: MCWR
OUR CANCER SUPPORT TEAM
DR BRIDGET BONGAARD
I am Dr. Bridget Bongaard, founder and Medical Director of Maui Cancer Resources and a board-certified Internal Medicine physician. I founded MCR with the belief that no one should have to navigate the complexities of cancer alone.
As Medical Director, I oversee all MCR support groups and work alongside our dedicated facilitators to provide medical guidance, education, and compassionate support. Together, we create a safe and welcoming environment where patients, survivors, and caregivers can connect, share experiences, ask questions, and learn from one another.
Cancer can bring many questions and uncertainties throughout diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and survivorship. My role is to help participants better understand their journey, identify questions to discuss with their healthcare team, and feel more confident advocating for their own care.
Our support groups combine professional guidance with the invaluable experiences of others who have walked a similar path. My goal is for every participant to leave feeling heard, informed, connected, and supported throughout their cancer journey.
Medical Director
DENA W. JACKSON
I am a Certified Life Coach specializing in stress and anxiety, as well as the owner of Oneloa Massage Therapy. With more than 35 years of experience in massage therapy and over a decade of running a successful practice in beautiful Kapalua, West Maui, I bring a compassionate and holistic approach to supporting others.
My own life experiences, combined with continued education and a deep commitment to wellness, led me to the world of coaching. I find great fulfillment in helping individuals navigate stress, anxiety, emotional challenges, and the physical discomfort that can accompany the cancer journey.
Over the years, I have seen how physical pain, emotional tension, and feelings of overwhelm can be eased through a combination of supportive coaching and practical self-care techniques. Together, we explore mindfulness, self-awareness, relaxation practices, problem-solving strategies, and simple self-massage techniques that can be used in everyday life.
My goal is to provide a safe, supportive space while empowering each person with practical tools to reduce stress, find greater peace, and restore a sense of balance and well-being throughout their journey.
Certified Life Coach
TALBOT (TAL) SHIBLEY
I am a Head & Neck cancer survivor, and my own journey through treatment and recovery has inspired me to support others facing a similar path. I understand firsthand the challenges, questions, fears, and adjustments that can come with a Head & Neck cancer diagnosis, and I hope to use what I have learned through my experience to help patients, survivors, and their loved ones feel less alone along the way.
As a facilitator of the Head & Neck Cancer Support Group, I provide a welcoming space where people can connect, share experiences, ask questions, and learn from others who truly understand the journey. Whether someone is newly diagnosed, currently in treatment, navigating recovery, or adjusting to life after cancer, I am here to listen, encourage, and offer support from a survivor’s perspective.
Outside of my involvement with the cancer community, I am a father, grandfather, and outdoor enthusiast who embraces life here on Maui. My experience with cancer has given me an even greater appreciation for connection, community, and making the most of each day.
Cancer Survivor
VERONICA SHIBLEY
As an oncology nurse, I have had the privilege of caring for and supporting individuals as they navigate the many challenges that can come with a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. My nursing experience has given me a deep appreciation for not only the medical side of cancer care, but also the emotional, practical, and day-to-day concerns patients and their families experience throughout the journey.
I am honored to help facilitate Maui Cancer Resources’ Head & Neck Cancer Support Group alongside Tal, a Head & Neck cancer survivor. Together, we bring both the clinical perspective and the lived experience of cancer survivorship to create a welcoming and supportive environment.
My goal is to provide a space where patients, survivors, and caregivers can connect with others who understand, share their experiences, ask questions, and find encouragement. Head & Neck cancer can present unique challenges during treatment and recovery, and no one should feel they have to navigate those challenges alone.
I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of Maui Cancer Resources and to help build a community where people feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout their cancer journey.
Oncology Nurse
CARL POWELL
Based in Maui, Carl Powell is an award-winning speaker, best-selling author, and a trusted voice in senior living and brain health. As the Director of Voices of Care, he helps seniors and caregivers navigate the journey of aging and brain health, encouraging them to live active, fulfilling lives.
What started as a best-selling book, Voices of Care, has since blossomed into a supportive community and a popular podcast, which Carl co-hosts with Maggie Linton.
Carl also serves on the Hawaii Dementia Initiative board and the AARP Speaker Board, leading national webinars and workshops focused on keeping minds sharp. At the heart of everything he does is a simple mission: to empower people to feel their absolute best—both physically and mentally—for years to come.
Author, Speaker
Your Gift Makes a Difference
Your support makes compassionate cancer care and community possible.