Our Mission
Cancer Support Community Delaware is a statewide nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. Our members are adults, teens and children with cancer and their family members/caregivers. As all of our services are provided free of charge, we must rely on the generosity of government, foundations, corporations and individuals to continue our programs.
Other notable things about Cancer Support Community Delaware:
- CSCDE provides statewide cancer support programs
- All programs are led by licensed mental health professionals
- More than 82% of the money we raise goes directly to programs
- All services are offered free of charge
- Money raised in Delaware, stays in Delaware!
Our Purpose
Our services are unique. We are the only organization in Delaware dedicated exclusively to helping people cope with and manage the emotional aspect of cancer, using the “patient active” concept. We also focus on the cancer participants’ family and/or caregivers, including children and teenagers.
Our History
The Cancer Support Community National, formerly The Wellness Community National, was founded in 1982 by Dr. Harold Benjamin in Santa Monica, California. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1990, Cindy Dwyer teamed up with her friend Ellen Hamilton, to start a Cancer Support Community in Delaware (The Wellness Community Delaware). Motivated by a mutual friend, Mary Moller, and several other cancer survivors, a facility was opened in Wilmington, Delaware in 1996. Subsequently, facilities were opened in Dover in 2002 and in Rehoboth Beach in 2005.
On July 1, 2009, the Cancer Support Community joined forces with Gilda’s Club Worldwide to become the largest provider of psychosocial cancer support in North America. Our combined organization is comprised worldwide of nearly 50 local affiliates, 12 affiliates in development and over 100 off-site and satellite locations.
Our Programs
We provide weekly support groups facilitated by trained, licensed and experienced psychotherapists. At these meetings, people with cancer and their caregivers explore new ways of dealing with the physical and emotional problems associated with the disease. In addition, the following is a partial list of our offerings: Kids’ Circle; Teen Talk; Family Groups; Specific Cancer Site Groups; Introductory Meetings; Relaxation:Tai Chi; Yoga; Educational Workshops; Exercise; Nutrition Seminars; Art Therapy; Community-Based Program Initiative, working with the under-served population in downtown Wilmington; and Community Events.
Our Results
Evidence-based results from participants in our programs indicate that:
- 88% felt less alone
- 87% were happier because they were in group
- 85% believed they improved the quality of their lives
- 82% regained a sense of hope
- 75% strengthened their will to live
- 72% believed the relationship with their loved one(s) improved
Local Collaborations
We collaborate with all of the major doctors, hospitals, community and cancer organizations in the state.
Our Donors
Delaware Health Fund was and continues to be critical to our success in reaching all Delawareans. We also receive donations from corporations, foundations, individuals and special events.
Our Vision
To provide the most comprehensive and beneficial psychosocial support services to all people in New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties.