We’ve reached the end of another busy year! As I look back over all of our achievements, I am struck by so many things:

This year marks our 30th anniversary serving the Greater Philadelphia area. Since opening in 1993, we have served over 450,000 men, women and children affected by a cancer diagnosis.

Our program began as and remains available at no cost to families. We want to ensure that there is never a barrier for cancer patients, caregivers and families to receive the support they need.

We also know that the holidays can be difficult, stressful times for those undergoing cancer treatment. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice, resources and support.

Our program is available at seven locations. You are welcome to attend activities at any of these locations. Please check our calendar to see what is of interest to you!

Your continued support helps us serve many in our local communities facing one of life’s greatest challenges. Thank you for the many ways you support us. Your generosity makes a difference every day.

Last, and certainly not least, I send the very best wishes from our staff and Board of Directors to all of you for a happy and healthy holiday season!

Kelly Harris, CEO

Join us in welcoming our newest staff person at CSCGP, Cindy Epstein.

 Cindy’s role is the Development Associate. She has been working in the nonprofit community over 25 years and has shared in our meetings together “being part of nonprofit organizations is her career path, that she loves”. She is a pink sister, as she had a breast cancer diagnosis last spring, and melanoma over 20 years ago. Cindy is a social worker by training, receiving a master’s in social work from Columbia University. She is a mother of three boys and raised them in Bucks County, Pennsylvania with her husband of 26 years, Michael.

If you see Cindy around, say hi and join us in welcoming her to our family.

Join us in wishing Kathy O'Mara well as moves onto a much-deserved retirement.  Staff and Board Members are hosting an informal luncheon on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 for those wishing to celebrate Kathy.  

Per Kathy's instructions and as her final act as Director of Special Events, she requests that in lei of gifts, donations be made to CSCGP in her honor.  

Details: Wednesday, December 6, 2023 @ 12:30pm

Gilda's Club, 200 Kirk Rd. Warminster Pa 18974

RSVP required to 215-441-3290 or Tina@cancersupportphiladelphia.org

There's still time to celebrate the holiday season with your CSCGP community. The holiday party is the perfect opportunity to visit the beautiful Ridgeland Mansion and/or to meet fellow members in person!

RSVP 215-879-7733

Marian Vallotton shares her personal cancer journey.

On a hot July evening in 2016, I went to a nearby emergency room because I was experiencing discomfort in my chest. Hours later, I was told that I had thymic carcinoma, a cancer affecting a small organ just above the heart.

Just like that, I could see the life I cherished coming to a premature end. I was overwhelmed with anxiety, including the fear that I would not share in my daughter’s graduation from high school. Amid the clamor of a busy hospital, I could hear only my racing heartbeat.

This wasn’t my first bout with cancer, however. It was my fourth.

Roughly 9,000 people in the Greater Philadelphia Area are newly diagnosed with cancer each year, and most of them inevitably have a similar reaction. The emotional burdens the disease imposes on a patient, along with their family members and friends, cannot be overstated.  

That’s why Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia (CSCGP) offers free psychosocial and educational services to people with cancer and those close to them. From diagnosis to treatment and beyond, their licensed mental health professionals facilitate evidence-based counseling and support groups, healthy lifestyle classes and social gatherings for adults and children alike.

To read more about Marian's journey please click here 

On Thursday, October 12th, friends, supporters and donors joined together at The 30th Anniversary Evening in the Park Gala, benefitting Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia. 

Our guest speakers Miles, Madison and Lisa shared their stories and connected all in attendance with the experiences of families affected by cancer.

We appreciate everyone that came to the event and all the volunteers and supporters that raised their paddles, donated, placed an advertisement and gave so graciously to our community.

 This year’s Inspiration Award recipient, Nicole Dresnin Schaeffer, was honored for her tremendous commitment and enthusiasm in bringing support to families facing cancer in our local community.

Nicole has dedicated twelve years of service on the Board of Directors and countless hours assisting Cancer Support Community in its mission so that no one faces cancer alone. Pictured above Nicole stands side by side with her mom, Paula Dresnin as they celebrate this milestone together.

THANK YOU, NICOLE!

The Holiday Season can be predictably busy.  Unfortunately for those in treatment or who are grieving a loved one, energy levels are often unpredictable.  CSCGP is giving you permission to be gentle and make self-kindness a priority.

In between the holiday hustle and bustle, let's pause and reflect on how to best support yourself and your loved ones this holiday season.   

As we approach the Holiday Season, we ask that as you create your list of gifts, of who you want to get something special for this year, that you remember to add Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia and the hundreds of local families, men, women and children we serve to your holiday giving.

For many people holidays are a time to pause and reflect on the joy we have in our current lives, the gratitude and appreciation we feel. Our services of counseling, wellness activities are free to families experiencing a cancer diagnosis and are gifted by you from your generous donations. 

Listen to Miles Roland share his story.  To Donate click here 

Shop for good at kendrascott.com between December 1st - December 3rd, using promo code GIVEBACK-CSCPHILLY at checkout for 20% of your purchase to support CSCGP! When correctly applied, the words "shop for good" will appear in red under each item in the cart. 

Thank you!!