WASHINGTON — This week a leader in the cancer community emerges, thanks to final steps uniting two well-known non-profits. The Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club Worldwide will unveil their new, combined identity – the Cancer Support Community – at a landmark Cancer Summit on Saturday, November 7. The Cancer Support Community will likely be the largest professionally-led network of cancer support worldwide.

As the number of cancer survivors in the United States surpasses 12 million, the demand for support services throughout the continuum of care is increasing. The Cancer Support Community is poised to help meet these needs through their innovative and comprehensive offerings to those affected by cancer.

“Our common history and commitment to the cancer community is what brought us together,” said Kim Thiboldeaux, president and CEO of the Cancer Support Community. “This union creates a strong, vital, global network that will bring the highest quality cancer support to the millions of people touched by cancer.”

These offerings include a comprehensive menu of personalized and essential services, including support groups, counseling, education and healthy lifestyle programs. Additionally, the organization is working to expand its vital services to meet the urgent needs of cancer patients and their loved ones. To ensure no one has to face cancer alone, these support services will soon be available to people in all 50 U.S. states and internationally through the Cancer Support Community’s network of community-based centers, and at hospitals, community oncology practices and other non-profits, as well as online. The Cancer Support Community is also exploring the use of novel technologies, including mobile, to help extend the reach of these meaningful resources.

“As a cancer survivor, I understand the emotional and social impact of this disease,” said Ted Kennedy, Jr. “So does the Cancer Support Community. The organization’s work is critical as it helps optimize patient care by providing essential, but often overlooked, services that complete the cancer care plan.”

Many people experience distress due to cancer, but very few take advantage of emotional and social support services. In 2007, the Institute of Medicine issued a groundbreaking report, Cancer Care for the Whole Patient, declaring psychosocial support an essential part of cancer care. This report validated what the two organizations have known and worked hard to deliver for more than 45 years combined. The Cancer Support Community will continue to build upon this legacy, helping people live better by empowering them to identify and address their individual needs and connecting them to a supportive community.

“From my perspective, the marriage of these two respected organizations marks one of the most significant events in the cancer non-profit community this year,” remarked Kennedy.

The Cancer Support Community is now the largest employer of psychosocial oncology mental health professionals in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the organization includes a network of nearly 50 local Gilda’s Clubs and Wellness Community centers worldwide, more than 100 satellite locations and online support services that extend around the world. For more information about the Cancer Support Community, visit www.cancersupportcommunity.org.

About the Cancer Support Community
Backed by evidence that the best cancer care includes emotional and social support, the Cancer Support Community offers these services to all people affected by cancer. Likely the largest professionally-led network of cancer support worldwide, the organization delivers a comprehensive menu of personalized and essential services. Because no cancer care plan is complete without emotional and social support, the Cancer Support Community has a vibrant network of community-based centers and online services run by trained and licensed professionals. For more information, visit www.cancersupportcommunity.org.

In July 2009, The Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club joined forces to become the Cancer Support Community. The combined organization provides high-quality psychological and social support through a network of nearly 50 local affiliates, more than 100 satellite locations and online.