Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center Marks 10 Years of Hope and Healing at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands
For many families facing cancer, treatment is only one part of the journey. Recovery often brings its own physical, emotional and social challenges, creating a need for ongoing support long after appointments end. That's the role Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center has filled for the past decade at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center, providing free programs and services that help cancer survivors and their loved ones navigate life beyond diagnosis.
This month, Canopy is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, marking a decade of serving residents throughout The Woodlands, Montgomery County and the Greater Houston area. Since opening in 2016, the center has become a place where cancer survivors and caregivers can find education, encouragement, wellness resources and meaningful connections—all at no cost, regardless of where they receive treatment or their insurance coverage.
As cancer survivorship continues to grow nationwide thanks to advances in screening and treatment, centers like Canopy are playing an increasingly important role by helping patients focus not only on surviving cancer, but on improving their quality of life during and after treatment.
A Different Approach to Cancer Care
Located on the campus of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center, Canopy was established as one of the first comprehensive cancer survivorship centers of its kind in the Greater Houston region.
Rather than replacing medical treatment, the center complements it by addressing many of the emotional, physical and practical needs that often accompany a cancer diagnosis. Its mission is to serve as a caring community of hope, healing and empowerment for anyone affected by cancer—including caregivers and family members.
Programs are supported by Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center along with philanthropic contributions through the Memorial Hermann Foundation and Memorial Hermann In the Pink of Health, allowing every service to remain free to participants.
A Decade of Community Impact
Over the past year alone, Canopy has continued expanding its reach while serving hundreds of local families each month.
According to Memorial Hermann, the center has:
- Recorded approximately 1,200 guest encounters each month helping patients and caregivers throughout their cancer journeys.
- Offered more than 45 different programs and services, including exercise classes, nutrition education, counseling, support groups and wellness activities.
- Provided more than 250 complimentary wig fittings and customized prosthesis and bra fittings for individuals experiencing treatment-related side effects.
- Delivered more than 675 oncology-focused counseling sessions during 2025.
- Supported children and teenagers through 480 specialized counseling sessions in partnership with Wonders & Worries, an organization that helps children whose parents have serious illnesses.
Those services are designed to address much more than physical recovery. They help families cope with emotional stress, navigate changing relationships, stay active during treatment and build connections with others experiencing similar challenges.
"Reflecting on the past decade, Canopy has become a sanctuary for cancer patients and their loved ones," said Justin Kendrick, senior vice president and CEO of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands and Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital. "As we look ahead, we remain committed to supporting those touched by cancer by continuing to provide high-quality integrative services that enhance their quality of life."
Support That Extends Beyond Medical Care
Canopy's offerings span nearly every stage of the cancer journey, giving survivors and caregivers access to resources that are often difficult to find in one location.
Educational programs help newly diagnosed patients understand treatment, communicate effectively with their healthcare teams and identify available resources. A monthly Cancer Orientation support group introduces patients and caregivers to services available early in their diagnosis.
For those looking to improve physical well-being, Canopy offers a variety of gentle exercise classes including chair yoga, gentle yoga, restorative yoga, gentle barre, pilates, tai chi, meditation, weight training, and zumba.
Nutrition also remains a major focus through educational classes, cooking workshops and wellness programs designed to support healthy lifestyles during and after treatment.
Caring for the Whole Family
Cancer affects entire families, not just the individual receiving treatment.
Recognizing that reality, Canopy provides specialized support for spouses, caregivers and children. Through its partnership with Wonders & Worries, children and teens whose parents have cancer can participate in counseling sessions led by child life specialists, both in person and virtually.
The center also includes a children's playroom and family-centered activities designed to make visits more comfortable for younger family members.
Professional support is available through licensed counseling services, while an Oncology Nurse Navigator helps patients coordinate cancer-related care and answer clinical questions. A social work counselor is also available to assist with counseling, community resources and advance care planning.
Building Community Through Shared Experiences
Beyond clinical and educational support, Canopy creates opportunities for survivors and caregivers to build lasting relationships.
Its calendar includes a wide variety of social and therapeutic activities, including:
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Support Groups: Breast cancer support groups, survivorship support groups, Stage IV: Life In Between, Spanish-language support groups, Modern Widows support, TIRR Head & Neck Cancer Support
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Special Interest Groups: Bible study, book club, men's lunch, mah jongg, needlework
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Therapy: Pet therapy, art therapy, drama therapy, individual and family counseling
The center also maintains a closed Facebook support group where patients and families can connect with others experiencing similar journeys while receiving encouragement and information.
Expanded Hours Improve Access
As more younger survivors and working professionals seek support services outside traditional business hours, Canopy has expanded its availability.
The center is now open until 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, in addition to being open on the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Appointments for complimentary wig fittings and prosthesis fittings can be scheduled by calling 713-897-5939.
Residents can also register for support groups, educational classes and wellness programs by contacting the center directly.
Why Cancer Survivorship Centers Matter
Medical advances continue helping more people live longer after a cancer diagnosis, but survivorship often comes with ongoing physical, emotional and financial challenges. National organizations increasingly recognize survivorship care as an important component of comprehensive cancer treatment, emphasizing services that address mental health, nutrition, physical activity, rehabilitation and caregiver support.
For families across The Woodlands, Shenandoah, Conroe, Magnolia, Spring, Montgomery County and the Greater Houston region, Canopy has spent the past 10 years helping bridge that gap by providing resources that complement medical care while fostering connection and community.
As Canopy enters its second decade, its mission remains unchanged: offering hope, healing and practical support so that individuals affected by cancer can focus not only on treatment, but on living well throughout every stage of their journey.
For more information about programs, support groups, classes or volunteer and philanthropic opportunities, residents can visit Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center through Memorial Hermann or call 713-897-5939.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for the latest health and community initiatives across Montgomery County.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.