My Nonprofit Reviews

Although my own father died of cancer, as did both of his brothers, I had no personal experience with the Simonton Cancer Center prior to volunteering and later becoming a member of the board of directors. For my dad’s sake, I wish I had known about the program. I was actually drawn to Simonton Cancer Center after meeting the Executive Director, Karen Simonton. Karen’s compassion for the patients and dedication to the work is paramount to the organization's continued success.

In the spirit of learning about the organization, I observed one of the week-long patient retreats held in Santa Barbara at the very beautiful and serene sanctuary, La Casa de Maria. In just a few days of community and guided exploration, there was a palpable shift in energy from a dark hopelessness to light and life among the participants. Patients who came into the program with no idea of what to do next, left with a plan and a trained support person. I saw eyes of hope where hopelessness had been just a few days earlier.

Pioneering the mind-body connection in cancer therapy, Dr. O. Carl Simonton was ahead of his time when he developed a whole person model of cancer recovery; an intervention program that addresses the mind-body connection of illness by tapping into a person’s own “inner guide to health.”

Through imagery and belief work participants learn to access their own inner wisdom; through relaxation exercises participants learn how to reduce stress; and during one-on-one and group sessions, participants learn how to communicate effectively and ask for the support they need.

For over 40 years the Simonton Cancer Center has been teaching mind-body techniques that have been proven to promote health, increase survival, decrease tumor growth, and improve quality of life. While there may be other mind-body programs for cancer patients, survivors, and their families; Simonton Cancer Center is the original, the longest running, and in my opinion-the best.

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