Tossing a pebble into a pond causes a ripple which eventually grows into a wave. This metaphor has been used over and over again in life, but it rings true for Sue Weldon, CEO and Founder of Unite for HER, a local non-profit organization supporting those affected with breast and ovarian cancer. Unite for HER’s reach has grown like a wave in recent years, now stretching across the country helping those undergoing treatment and it all started by tossing out a pebble of hope.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, Sue is no stranger to the struggles of treatment. Her search for complementary therapies and resources helped her through her recovery, though she quickly became aware of how hard it is for most women to receive these additional supports, as they were not covered by insurance or easily accessible. These services also came with hefty price tags that are often financially prohibitive for many patients.
“The inspiration for Unite for HER came while I was at an event. I saw this woman out of the corner of my eye. She’s bald, her hair is out, and I could tell by the yellowish skin. I was looking in a mirror. I knew that woman,” said Weldon. “I went up to her and told her about all the tools that I did to help me heal, but as I was talking she started tearing up and said ‘Good for you, I could never afford that.’ It broke my heart.”
That was the moment that began it all; the moment Unite for HER was born. Now in their 15th year, the nonprofit has grown beyond helping solely in the Philadelphia region to providing services and support to those affected nationwide regardless of their socioeconomic status or background.
“Our goal is to empower our women by providing and funding integrative therapies,” said Weldon.
Each person who is a part of the Unite for HER program has access to comprehensive education, services, and tools that enrich their health and well-being and most importantly, they have a loving community behind them every step of the way.
“The hallmark of the Unite for HER program is the Wellness Passport. Each individual in the program receives a Wellness Passport for integrative therapies and services worth $2,000,” Weldon said.
Integrative therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, yoga, Reiki, nutrition, professional counseling, and meditation, enable individuals going through treatment to be renewed in their mind, body, and spirit, which is crucial to holistic healing. In fact, 80% of patients in the program reported significant improvement in their side effects, 94% of patients felt that Unite for HER made a positive impact on their quality of life during and after treatment, 27% of patients reported that they were able to eliminate or reduce at least one prescribed medication, and 93% of patients reported that the program reduced their level of stress, according to Unite for HER.
The therapies and services offered are not a one-size-fits-all type of option. Each person gets to choose which therapies and services they feel will compliment their treatment best. The program is truly tailored to each individual.
“Every woman gets to choose the modalities that she believes will help her. It’s a beautiful partnership” said Colleen Connor, volunteer for Unite for HER.
Unite for HER pivoted course in 2020 in response to the Global Pandemic. While the world took a break, cancer diagnosis did not. Services and therapies changed from in-person to Zoom and Unite for Her pivoted alongside the world. They found they were able to reach more members through an online approach and with the aid of the Care Box that is mailed out to each new member. This opportunity helped to expand Unite for HER to a national level. Now, as our world has reopened, the nonprofit has partnered with more than 80 hospitals across the country to help provide services. They are now prioritizing underserved communities and people of color across the country, knowing that they often face the most disparity in healthcare services. By pairing with Unite for HER, these members receive much needed support they wouldn’t otherwise find.
“So many women say that their doctor helps them with healing their cancer, but Unite for HER helps them heal their soul,” said Connor.
In 2023 alone, they supported 5,322 members nationwide. Half of those receiving help in 2023 were members of color or underrepresented. In addition in 2023, they provided 25,085 integrative therapies to members, hosted 61 wellness events, and partners with more than 80 hospitals nationwide.
“We measure our goals and success by how many women we can get to,” said Weldon. These numbers have grown quickly in recent years as news of Unite for HER has spread and they continue to expand. Weldon does not see the momentum slowing down now that they are at a national level. In addition to members receiving these valuable integrative therapies and services, awareness about breast and ovarian cancer is spreading to non-members, through fundraising efforts that are also spreading beyond West Chester.
As a nonprofit, Unite for HER relies on the generosity of donors and the community to help fund their programs and services. There are many ways our West Chester community can support this foundation. Major fundraisers throughout the year include the Pink Invitational, a gymnastics competition drawing more than 4000 athletes to the Philadelphia Convention Center; the Bloom Fashion Show; the Unite for HER 5k; and Harvest, a unique farm-to-table event featuring inspired culinary creations from over 25 top chefs in the Philadelphia region. Student events are also very popular ways for Unite for HER to not only raise funds, but to spread awareness of breast and ovarian cancer to young adults. These events take place across the country and are a great way to raise funds on a community level.
For a more hands-on approach, volunteers are always needed to help assemble Care boxes which are mailed out to members nationwide when they are first enrolled. Care box builds are a great way to do team building for businesses and organizations of all sizes. Care box builds are also available for individuals who want to lend a hand. Reach out to Unite for HER for more information on how you can get involved to help!
No one wants to hear the diagnosis, but Weldon on her team are empowering those affected in ways that was never thought of before. “By nurturing a culture steeped in empathy, trust, and innovation, Unite for HER has emerged as a beacon of hope for individuals seeking comprehensive, holistic care on their cancer journey,” said Weldon.
To learn more about Sue Weldon’s journey and the Unite for HER organization, visit their website at UniteForHER.org.
“Our goal is to empower our women by providing and funding integrative therapies,” said Weldon.
“So many women say that their doctor helps them with healing their cancer, but Unite for Her helps them heal their soul,” said Colleen Connor, volunteer for Unite for Her.
