In 2023, Cancer Support Community of Greater Philadelphia (CSCGP) achieved remarkable milestones, reflecting its unwavering commitment to supporting individuals and families impacted by cancer. This year marked a significant expansion of their support services, reaching a broader demographic across the region. CSCGP's innovative programs, such as virtual counseling and support groups, tailored wellness activities, and educational workshops, have been a beacon of hope and guidance for many. These initiatives provided much-needed emotional, educational, and social support, proving invaluable in enhancing the quality of life for those affected by cancer.

The organization's impact was further amplified through its community outreach efforts. CSCGP successfully forged partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare providers, ensuring that comprehensive support was accessible right from the point of diagnosis. This holistic approach not only catered to the physical needs of patients but also addressed the psychological and social aspects of cancer care. Moreover, their fundraising events, including the annual gala and community-based activities, witnessed record-breaking participation and generosity, bolstering the financial resources necessary to sustain and expand their programs.

The board members and staff of CSCGP have been the cornerstone of these achievements. Their hard work, dedication, and compassionate approach have not only driven the organization's success but have also created a nurturing environment for those grappling with cancer. The board's strategic guidance and the staff's hands-on involvement in day-to-day operations and program execution have been instrumental in CSCGP's accomplishments.

Looking ahead to 2024, CSCGP is poised for even greater achievements. Plans are underway to introduce more personalized support services and to extend their reach to underserved communities. The upcoming year also promises new partnerships, aimed at understanding and addressing the evolving needs of cancer patients and survivors.

In conclusion, a heartfelt thank you to the board members, staff, volunteers, and supporters of the Cancer Support Community of Greater Philadelphia. Your tireless efforts, empathy, and commitment have not only made a profound difference in the lives of many but also set a path for a brighter and more impactful 2024. The collective endeavors of everyone involved with CSCGP are a true testament to the power of community in facing the challenges of cancer.

Happy New Year!

Jonathan T. Marks

Board Chairperson

Three new board members have joined Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia Board of Directors. Please join us in welcoming:

Anna Saunders Nero, MBA 

Jackie Allen, MBA

Linda McKenna, EdD

One of our greatest gifts as a Cancer Support Community is our volunteers.
We appreciate all of them in ways we can’t even begin to express!

 A big Thank You to Everyone's Friend & Santa for 18 years, John Boyes
(John is pictured below as Santa at the CSCGP Breakfast with Santa 2023)

One volunteer that stands out in our minds as a gift to us is John Boyes. Many people think he is part of our staff as he has been with us helping our community for 18 years. He is willing to do everything to help our facilities be safe and ready to welcome our visitors. Setting up for an event, changing a light bulb, and laying memory bricks in our gazebo, he is always willing to lend a helping hand. His connection with CSCGP began with his wife during her cancer diagnosis; Arleen became an active member and volunteer. She was a kindergarten teacher, and her love for making children happy led to John dressing up as Santa, first at her school and then visiting the kids for Breakfast with Santa here at CSCGP. When she passed away, John’s wife asked him to “keep up with Gilda’s.”

John has brought so much joy to our families. He shared that if I can make the kids smile by dressing as Santa and for one day, they can forget what they are going through and smile with Santa, I can’t think of a better gift. It “is a gift for me to do this to see their smiles on their faces.”

Thank you to our visitors from Johnson & Johnson who volunteered this past month. They came on November 28th and helped us prepare our site for winter. They raked leaves, organized and created an inventory of our pantry, and wrapped the gifts for Breakfast at Santa. (Pictured above are the Johnson & Johnson volunteers)

We also want to share our appreciation to another Johnson & Johnson group, the Innovative Medicine Division that did a canned goods collection drive to fill our pantries. The team provided items for meals and onsite healthy snacks for members. Our Children & Teen Coordinator was especially excited about the spaghetti and taco kits, for family meals before Children & Teen Support Groups.

In December we shared these donations with our members to "shop" and take home the donated items. We are happy to share 25 families participated in this opportunity.

And their giving did not end there! In addition, to their pantry items donated, they also had volunteers make beautiful no sew blanks for our members.

Thank you to all our friends at Johnson & Johnson!

Cervical cancer was once a leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States. Today, screening and prevention have greatly reduced the impact of this form of cancer. Still, more than 13,960 women in the United States are projected to receive a diagnosis of cervical cancer in 2023 and more than 4,310 die from the disease each year, according to the National Cancer Institute.... Click here to learn more about Cervical Cancer research from the American Association for Cancer Research.

Volunteers are an invaluable part of our Cancer Support Community. 

There are many opportunities to get involved: