Our programs, for people with all types of cancer and their loved ones, provide the support and resources needed to maintain a high quality of life and to cope with this life-altering condition. We offer:

• support groups for people with cancer and for their loved ones  
• educational workshops on various topics related to cancer treatment and survivorship
• healthy lifestyle programming to support fitness, good nutrition, stress management, and creative expression
• social events to enhance community and fun
• resources and referral

THE CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY OF PHILADELPHIA

The CSCP was founded by a group of dedicated volunteers in 1993 (as The Wellness Community of Philadelphia) at a small office on City Avenue.  In 1997, the CSCP moved to its current location at Ridgeland in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia.  Renovated and restored through community gifts, Ridgeland is a warm, home-like setting, where people with cancer and their families feel safe to talk about the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.  Members may also enjoy The Jean C. Holler Contemplation Garden where exercise and mind-body programs take place.  Meetings and larger programs are held in a renovated barn on premises.

In 2009, the headquarters of The Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club merged as the Cancer Support Community (CSC).  Some affiliates have kept their original name, while others are now using Cancer Support Community.  The Wellness Community of Philadelphia became the Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia in 2011 and is one of almost 50 Cancer Support Community affiliates nationwide.  There are also several international locations and more in development in the U.S.

In July 2009, The Wellness Community (TWC) and Gilda’s Club Worldwide (GCWW) joined

forces to become the Cancer Support Community. The combined organization provides

professionally-facilitated emotional and social support, education and healthy lifestyle programs through a network of nearly 50 local affiliates, more than 100 satellite locations, and

online. Prior to the integration, both organizations had a rich history of providing social and emotional support to all people impacted by cancer. Because of the shared passion for providing a supportive community for people touched by cancer, TWC and GCWW united to better meet the needs of people touched by cancer with strength, conviction and a single mind towards ensuring that no one should have to face cancer alone.

The Wellness Community was founded by Dr. Harold Benjamin in Santa Monica, California in 1982. As a result of his experience with his wife Harriet Benjamin’s breast cancer and through subsequent years of study on the psychological and social impact of cancer, Dr. Benjamin formulated the Patient Active Concept©.

 

Patient Active Concept©

Being “Patient Active” is about feeling and acting empowered. It refers to your active participation in the choices you and your health care team make about cancer treatment and throughout the cancer experience.  Choosing to be “Patient Active” is not one monumental decision but rather a series of small incremental choices that help you regain a sense of control over your treatment and in your life in general.

Among the many stressors that cancer and its treatment can bring, research has shown that there are three particularly challenging psychological and emotional stressors that people with cancer face, namely – unwanted aloneness, loss of control, and loss of hope. A meaningful way to reduce these stressors is to participate along with loved ones and other people with cancer in the programs offered at The Cancer Support Community. Being “Patient Active” means that you take specific steps to learn to make informed decisions about your cancer and its treatment, as well as the psychological, emotional, social and spiritual issues that impact your health and well-being.

PROGRAM FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY

Vision Statement

That no one should have to face cancer alone.

Core Values

The Cancer Support Community stands for…

• Commitment to Excellence

CSC is committed to evidence-based practice and organizational excellence in mission delivery.

• An Essential Part of Care

CSC believes that caring for the whole person and family is an essential part of quality cancer care and that all people affected by cancer should be made aware of and have access to psychosocial care as part of cancer treatment and survivorship.

• No Charge for Services

CSC endeavors to provide as many programs as possible at no charge to our Members.

• Collective Wisdom and Individual Experience

CSC encourages Members to share their own experiences and expertise because it creates collective wisdom that in turn enriches the Community as a whole.

• Empowerment through Community

CSC believes that Members can become empowered to improve their health and well-being through opportunities in a community setting in which they gain knowledge, control, and a connection to others.

• Respectful and Inclusive

CSC is respectful and welcoming to all people touched by cancer with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Members are invited to “come as you are” in an environment that welcomes humor, honors learning and encourages meaningful  exchanges with others.