Cancer Support Community (CSC)/Gilda's Club provides extremely valuable services at no cost to those affected by cancer, either as a patient, caregiver, or family member. The educational and emotional support programs are informational and very caring. In recognition and to support the programs, my lodge and a charitable fund where I am a trustee consistently donates grants and funding to help support the programs because they are so exceptional. We consistently refer friends and relatives and business associates to CSC and they are grateful for the support they receive. We also try to volunteer for programs to help CSC and the people it serves.
I want to tell you about the most amazing, organization and their impact in our local community:
Kelly is the CEO, who leads the Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia with passion, grit and determination to provide free local programs of support to anyone, at any age, at any stage of cancer.
Kelly fully carries out CSCGP’s mission:
To ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by Community. Programs are led by mental health professionals designed to enhance the mind body and spirit of people whose lives have been affected by cancer.
Beginning in March 2020, Kelly focused the staff to pivot and move the multi-site programs to a virtual platform for all ages and all stages of cancer. Yoga, Mental Health, Caregiving, Childrens’ and Teens Programs and more are offered at no cost to participants. This makes a difference in the lives of people affected by cancer.
Simultaneously, she led by example and worked round the clock and despite staff layoffs secured PPP loans and grants to keep the doors open.
Kelly is a cancer survivor who leverages her experience and knowledge to tailor the programs to the community it serves adapting to the ever changing needs of the community CSCGP serves. Kelly strongly supports a diverse and inclusive environment, is generous with her time and listens to members, donors, staff, volunteers and board of directors with an open mind. #Community is Stronger than Cancer
Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia helps so many families that are impacted by any type of cancer. All programs are at no cost to members, and the staff work tirelessly so no one has to face cancer alone. A worthy charity where you get a huge bang for your contribution dollar.
It is wonderful, to have such a tremendous facility in Philadelphia. So nice to take yoga or other therapy courses when you are affected by cancer. A place not just for the patient but also the family members. The best part it is free!
This team is amazing. They are so dedicated to their mission of ensuring that no one in our area faces cancer alone that even during the pandemic they continued their programs via Zoom. The compassion they show and support they provide is essential to so many of us who find out we or someone we love is diagnosed with cancer. Can't say enough good about CSCGP!
Although many people talk about their “battle” with cancer, I would describe my experience as a dance with cancer.
Why? Because I didn’t have to “face the music” alone. Instead, I had the support an entire community—Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia (CSCGP). It’s true that cancer was an inconsiderate, aggressive, and exhausting dance partner —one that cut in, uninvited, on my life. But through it all, right there beside me on the “dance floor,” were my fellow CSCGP members, ready to pick me up whenever I was down. We taught each other moves that helped us keep on dancing—no matter what. CSCGP’s professional staff, interns, and volunteers also showed us practical, creative, strategic, and fun ways to keep up with the ever-changing tempos of treatment. And the educational programs—provided by a community of experts—taught us steps we could take proactively during our dances with cancer. That’s why I was ready when, five years later, cancer tapped on my husband’s shoulder.
What makes all this possible? An even larger community—one that provides funding so all these programs can be offered free of charge to any adult or child whose life, like mine, has been touched by cancer. That’s the community that made it possible for me to join CSCGP—first as a member, and now as a volunteer, donor, and member of the board. It’s a community that’s BIGGER than cancer. And it’s a community that I invite you to become part of, as well.
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The Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia saved my life. The professional and caring staff, the varied and informative programs, the welcoming and supportive community, and the peaceful setting fill an important need largely unmet by doctors and hospitals. Not only did CSCP help my husband and me navigate the challenges of my treatment for breast cancer, but eight years later the experiences we had and the skills we learned continue to enrich the quality of our lives. I know I'll never be able to repay all the support I've received, free of charge, at CSCP. But I am committed to contributing as much as I can to this wonderful organization--both financially and as a volunteer--so that CSCP will continue to "be there" for other people diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones.
When I was first diagnosed with cancer in November 2017, I was utterly overwhelmed. The diagnosis came out of the blue, totally unexpected. Once I got over the initial shock, I began networking, talking to friends, friends of friends, health care professionals, and anyone else who could help me cope with having my life suddenly turned upside down. A neighbor recommended I take a look at the Cancer Support Community of Greater Philadelphia. In January 2018, I shyly slipped into a cancer patient support group in the lovely, historic Ridgeland Mansion. I felt welcomed and at ease right away. The opportunity to discuss my fears and setbacks has sustained me through three and a half years of treatment. Membership in the support group has shifted over the years, but every member has been deeply committed, thoughtful, and sympathetic. We’ve made jokes about our hair loss and numb feet, we’ve shared our coping skills, and we’ve bonded in a way that only people who have gone through the same harrowing experience can. I feel more confident facing whatever lies ahead for me knowing that there are so many people who have been through the same things I’ve been through. All of this has taken place under the guidance of knowledgeable, caring facilitators. The Cancer Support Community is very aptly named.
I don't know where I'd be without CSCGP by my side on this cancer journey! From individual counseling to movement to meditation and support group, CSCGP has been my rock. The diversity of FREE programs is amazing.
Excellent organization meeting the psychosocial needs of cancer patients and their families. A real gem.
The Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia provides Cancer Support for Life. It is the place to go for help if one is diagnosed with cancer or a family member or loved one is as well.
I have been working part time at the Cancer Support Community for almost 19 years. It is place where people living with cancer and their families find support, education and exercise programs specifically designed for people living with life threatening illness. I have referred my own family members to groups here and they have been very pleased with the supportive environment and caring attitude of staff and volunteers. It is definitely a place one can turn to so as not to face the caner experience alone.
As a Donor to the Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia (CSCP) I feel my contributions are going to a worthy cause that truly makes a difference in the lives of people affected by cancer. Frankly most of us have encountered cancer whether as a diagnosis or through a loved one or friend. Cancer does not discriminate. Since cancer affects most of us, survivors, caregivers, family and friends, we often inquire what can I do. I would wholeheartedly suggest you consider donating to CSCP, an organization that truly makes a difference and assures that no one faces cancer alone.
I have been involved with the Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia for almost ten years as a donor, a volunteer and now a Board Member. Our members will tell you that being a part of this community and participating in the free, professionally-led programs of support saved their lives. I have seen it first-hand. CSC's work is so powerful and so important that it has become virtually the only charity my husband and I support.
After 20 plus years with the Cancer Support Community (CSC) I can assure you that this is a non profit that is truly helping people overcome the devastating effects of a cancer diagnosis and treatment . The many programs availaable FREE to all participants are designed to mitigate all the "stuff" that accompanies medical treatment. This is offered on a scheduled basis in a beautiful restored home in a secluded area of Fairmoune Park. We all like the comfort of visiting our friends warm , comforting living rooms, and CSC offers that along with the tender thoughts that we are not alone in our battle to regain our lives prior to cancer . A visit to CSC can open a door to an improved experience in dealing with an unwelcome intrusion in our lives. Be willing to be helped!.
Great support during cancer and afterwards. Help find great doctors and care in the community, Great support when dealing with cancer so one can stay positive.
The CSCP is a gift to those affected by cancer! I was the the first among my family and friends to receive a cancer diagnosis. Despite generous support from those in my network, I felt alone. At CSCP I felt safe and supported by staff, volunteers, and my co-survivors. Never in my wildest imagination did I think I'd ever participate in a support group. But the survivors' group in which I participated helped me to navigate the waters of fear, anger, uncertainty, kindness, generosity, and acceptance with a modicum of grace.
When my wife was being treated for cancer, she joined a survivors' support group and I joined a caregivers' support group at the Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia. The weekly gatherings of my group helped me survive as a caregiver. Having the opportunity to talk about my fears, my hopes, my high moments, and my low moments with other people who were in similar situations helped me (and my wife) recognize that, whatever happened, we would get through it. In addition, the programs and presentations offered are a good source of reliable information that helped me make my way through a confusing and chaotic journey. Five years after my wife's diagnosis, I was diagnosed with cancer. My previous experience at CSCP helped me keep my own cancer treatment in perspective. My life has been better through my contact with the staff, the other participants, and the programs at CSCP.
I discovered this organization during my cancer treatment, and can't speak highly enough about the wonderful support that I received as I was going through my cancer process.
I came to CSCP a year after diagnosis, still embroiled in treatment; suffering mightily from side effects. Initially intimidated by the support group idea it was soon the highlight of my week. I learned so much about how to cope and how to get the help I needed from the medical community .In the group and many classes, truly, I remembered how to laugh again. What is better than that? I met the most amazing, courageous people, felt heard, respected, understood. At the time I could not afford exercise classes elswhere, nor had the energy for anything resembling a social life. This place and it's people- staff and co-survivors filled that gap and helped me grow wiser, healthier and happier with my new reality. I shall always be gratful. Later, as a volunteer, I continued to be uplifted and humbled by the courage of others and the sincerity of the staff and supporters of CSVP. Wether you/ friend/family are in the thick of your treatment or in recovery there is something there for you . Please don't hesitate to give your self this great gift.
As a volunteer, a donor, and a paid licensed and certified NIA instructor at The Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia I have witnessed first hand the profound positive impact this very special place has on the people it supports. All services are received free of charge and the benefits to those of us who offer those services to those who receive them is priceless. The Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia is a reflection of hope from the nature that surrounds the facility it calls home, from the variety of classes offered, from support groups, and from community events shared.