Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor is a local nonprofit affiliate of The International Cancer Support Community (CSC), opening our doors in 2007. The Cancer Support Community is the largest and most comprehensive program in the country devoted solely to providing emotional support and education to people with cancer, their caregivers and children – all free of charge.
ABOUT US
OUR VISION
Everyone impacted by cancer receives the support they want and need at every phase of their experience.
OUR MISSION
CSC uplifts and strengthens people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care.
There are five core programs at the Cancer Support Community:
1. Support
2. Education
3. Healthy lifestyle activities
4. Social events
5. Resource connections & financial assistance
The components of CSC programs have been shown to improve patient health, mental health, and quality of life. The Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor is a unique, grassroots organization that was founded locally by a group of committed community volunteers who have each been personally touched by cancer, and who understand that traditional medical treatment is only one piece of successful cancer care. A volunteer Board of Directors governs the Cancer Support Community, and program guidance is offered by a Professional Advisory Board, consisting of experts in the fields of oncology and social services.
Whether a patient, survivor, loved one, or caregiver, Cancer Support Community offers a variety of professionally led programs designed to enhance the quality of life and strengthen survivorship. Offered in person & virtually, our community-based support is offered at no cost, thanks to the support of foundation grants, corporate sponsorships and individual donors.
The CSC recognizes that patients and loved ones holding marginalized identities face inequities throughout the cancer experience. We are committed to providing equitable access and a safe space for members of any race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and ability.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - GENERAL
Q: What is the Cancer Support Community?
A: The Cancer Support Community is a community of people affected by cancer. We are a nonprofit organization offering free psychological and social support for the whole family, the whole time. Our services include support groups, stress management programs, exercise classes, educational workshops, and social activities. Our local CSC opened in 2007 and is an independent chapter of a national organization that started in 1982.
Q: How did the Cancer Support Community start locally?
A: Efforts that brought the Cancer Support Community to Greater Ann Arbor were spearheaded by local social worker Katie Pelz-Davis. When Katie’s husband Glenn was diagnosed with lung cancer in the late ’90s, Katie went in search of support services for her family – only to find they did not exist. To ensure other families would be able to find the support they needed, Katie pulled together a group of committed community volunteers who had each themselves been personally touched by cancer. This group understood that traditional medical treatment is only one piece of successful cancer care, and they set out to bring services to our area. The Cancer Support Community opened its doors locally in November 2007.
Q: How is the Cancer Support Community Linked with Glida's Club?
A: In 2011, the national headquarters offices of The Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club became one combined organization – Cancer Support Community. Cancer Support Community is the largest professionally-led network of fee-free cancer support worldwide and is better equipped to meet the evolving needs of people touched by cancer by offering innovative and comprehensive support services.
Q: Why would someone need these services? Isn't medical treatment enough?
A: For many people, cancer affects much more than one’s physical body. People touched by cancer often also have emotional, psychological and social needs – and medical care might not be enough. Through research, we know that services like those offered at the Cancer Support Community (called psychosocial support services) succeed in decreasing fatigue, depression and anxiety and that they increase people’s ability to cope, their quality of life and even their immune system response. The evidence to support this type of care is so promising that the Institute of Medicine published a report stating that psychosocial care should be seen as an integral part of cancer care.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - FUNDING AND VOLUNTEERING
Q: How can I get involved?
A: There are many ways to get involved with this wonderful center. Of course, if you are touched by cancer you can come and use the services. Everything is free. You can volunteer – either regularly or for activities as they come up. You can make a donation of money, services or items the center needs. You can also get involved in a leadership capacity by volunteering on the Board of Directors, the Community Council or the Professional Advisory Board. If you would like to explore these, or other options, feel free to call Bonnie at the center, or look for opportunities online under the volunteer section.
Q: How is the program funded?
A: The Cancer Support Community is funded by a combination of private donations, fund-raising events, and grants. Gifts to the Cancer Support Community have immense value as we could not exist without this community support. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.
Q: How do I review your finances?
A: We love it when people take a financial interest in The Cancer Support Community! Click the links to review our 990 and annual report.
Q: Are there certain items you need donated?
A: Yes! Gifts of items we use regularly help us save money and direct those funds toward programs for cancer survivors and their loved ones. An updated list of needs can be provided through our office.
Q: What kinds of items do you accept for donation?
A: Below is a list of items that we are currently accepting for donation.
Kitchen & Bathroom Supplies:
- Individually wrapped snacks
- Bags of apples or oranges
- Keurig coffee K-cups
- Bottled water
- Juice boxes
- Toilet paper
- Trash bags (kitchen and bathroom size)
- Liquid hand soap
- Cleaning supplies
- Bottled water
- Paper plates
- Paper napkins
Office Supplies:
- Printer paper
- Blank name tags
- Red 2 pocket folders
- Four drawer filing cabinet
Q: Do you use volunteers in any way?
A: Yes! We have a very small paid staff. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Cancer Support Community. They do everything from greeting new participants and answering phones, to delivering calendars in the community, to running exercise programs. We encourage you to call the center if you would like to volunteer or submit a volunteer application online following the volunteer opportunities link.
2010 Hogback Road, Suite 3, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
734-975-2500
Info@cancersupportannarbor.org
OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS
