An unexpected cancer diagnosis will undoubtedly change a person's life abruptly and profoundly. Finding social and emotional support during this time of great uncertainty can help patients and caregivers feel more in control of the situation and offer a sense of hope. The Cancer Support Community was formed to ensure that people impacted by cancer have access to information and resources to empower them through the daunting physical, financial and emotional challenges they face.
The organization was formed following the merger of two non-profits with similar goals: The Wellness Community, which was dedicated to providing free support and education to families affected by cancer, and Gilda’s Club, which was founded by Gene Wilder following the death of his wife, Gilda Radner of Saturday Night Live Fame. Since 2014, the local branch of the organization, the Cancer Support Community of Greater Philadelphia (CSCGP), has helped hundreds of thousands of families in Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Philadelphia and Delaware Counties.
CSCGP provides approximately150 free programs every month for children, teens, and adults whose lives have been impacted by any form of cancer, at any stage of the disease. These programs include support groups, bereavement groups, mind, body & wellness programs, lectures & educational workshops, nutrition programs, special programs for kids and teens, creative expression programs, social events, and resources/referrals. In addition to their usual program calendar of support, during the pandemic, CSCGP has provided tangible support when possible, such as meal deliveries, food pick up and holiday gift drives for families impacted by cancer.
The organization holds special meaning for local resident, Dave Marcolla, a realtor with Keller Williams Newtown who began volunteering with the non-profit in 2001. Dave has served as a committee leader and board member and currently serves as chair of the annual “Pints in the Park Beerfest” fundraiser and as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors. As a long time advocate for CSCGP, Dave feels honored to be able to spread awareness of the wonderful programs provided by the organization. “As a realtor here in Newtown, I meet and interact with so many families touched by cancer. I’m always thrilled to be able to offer them information on our Warminster based organization and help them take advantage of our many programs, free of charge.”
To ensure that all people impacted by cancer continue to receive support throughout their cancer journey, all CSCGP programs are currently being offered virtually. CSCGP looks forward to resuming in-person program when it is safe to do so at Gilda’s Club in Bucks County and The Suzanne Morgan Center at Ridgeland in West Fairmount Park. CSCGP social workers can also be found at satellite locations in area hospitals including Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Alliance Cancer Specialists at Grand View, Alliance Cancer Specialists at Doylestown, and Doylestown Hospital Doylestown Health. Please email Info@CancerSupportPhiladelphia.org or call 215-441-3290 for more information or to join, or visit www.cscgp.org to register for New Member Orientation.
CSCGP does not receive any funds from insurance reimbursements, and relies solely on the generosity of donors. CSCGP has several upcoming fundraisers including a Virtual Wine Tasting, Designer Bag Bingo Raffle and numerous 50/50 opportunities throughout the spring. You may also honor or memorialize your loved one by purchasing a brick in either Gilda’s Gazebo Garden or the Jean C. Holler Memorial Garden at Ridgeland.
Too often, individuals say “I wish I had known about this organization earlier in my cancer journey". Please help share the mission of CSCGP with loved ones impacted by cancer, so that no one faces cancer alone.
For more information or to donate visit https://cancersupportphiladelphia.org.
