News

CSC Named #6 Most Impactful Non-Profit in the Field of Cancer Care

The Cancer Support Community is honored to be recognized by Philanthropedia, a Guidestar organization, as the 6th most high-impact non-profit working in the field of cancer in the U.S. Philanthropedia surveyed 46 experts to identify 16 top non-profits -- out of 73 reviewed -- making an impact in cancer care at the national level.

Experts praised CSC for our work in providing valuable education and support programming and for being at the forefront of psychosocial research: 

“There is no other organization I trust more in regards to the psychosocial impact of cancer. Their programs are very professional and compassionate.”

“The Cancer Support Community provides credible information and a safe environment for patients across the country. In addition, their leadership in survivorship research is unparalleled.”

“The Cancer Support Community has filled an important role in the cancer field by addressing psychosocial and mental health issues. They have also made valuable information available to cancer patients.”

The recent release of the Breast Cancer M.A.P. Index affirms the importance of our work supporting people impacted by cancer throughout each stage of the cancer experience.  

Several experts referenced the high-quality resources CSC makes available through our Frankly Speaking About Cancer educational series. 18 informative publications are available via our online catalogue, free of charge for anyone facing a cancer diagnosis.  In fact, all of our services and programs are provided at no cost to any person impacted by cancer. Through our global network of affiliates, CSC will continue to provide support services through professionally-led programs, in print, over the phone and online, so that no one has to face cancer alone. 


*Philanthropedia (at Guidestar) is a nonprofit organization working to help donors make smarter donations by connecting them with some of the highest impact nonprofits in a cause. They are different from other online rating sites or donation sites because they use experts to identify high-impact nonprofits

CSC Hosts National Cancer Summitt

CSC Hosts National Cancer Summit on 2007 IOM Report, Cancer Care for the Whole Patient

On November 5th, the Cancer Support Community hosted it’s biennial National Cancer Summit in Washington, DC to detail national progress made towards implementing recommendations in the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) 2007 report; Cancer Care for the Whole Patient: Meeting Psychosocial Health Needs. The Summit was moderated by Susan Dentzer, editor-in-chief of Health Affairs and on-air analyst on health issues with the PBS NewsHour, and featured some of the most respected leaders in the cancer community. These panelists included Dr. Roger C. Herdman, Director of the Board on Health Care Services, at the Institute of Medicine, Dr. Stephen B. Edge, Chair of the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and Dr. Allen S. Lichter, Chief Executive Officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. 


As the health care community is becoming increasingly aware that psychosocial care is as important as medical care in the face of a cancer diagnosis, these panelists addressed what their respective organizations are doing to advance patient-centered care in the face of a cancer diagnosis, specifically addressing social and emotional needs. They also spoke of the many gaps that still need to be bridged, including incorporating practices like distress screening and survivorship care planning into quality cancer care.  


The panelists spoke to an esteemed crowd of representatives from CSC affiliates, members of the advocacy community and leaders from non-profit and other cancer organizations. The Summit also featured an exhibit where non-profit organizations from across the country showcased their many achievements and initiatives in advancing quality care for those living with cancer. 


Prior to the Summit, attendees spent a fun evening at a “Motown” themed party which featured a live band a great chance for leaders in the cancer community to connect and have fun! Be sure to check out our facebook albums below for pictures from the events!

CSC Announces New Findings in Breast Cancer Survivorship through Inaugural M.A.P. Index

New CSC Data From Breast Cancer Survivors Shows Social & Emotional 

Issues are not Adequately Addressed

WASHINGTON, DC, October 11, 2011 – New data collected from more than 1,000 breast cancer survivors finds that many experience significant social and emotional issues not adequately addressed by the current standard of care. The research indicates high levels of distress among breast cancer survivors and minimal awareness of tools and programs designed to improve communication between patients and physicians when weighing a patient’s treatment options. Survey participants also reported that plans intended to improve coordination between multiple care teams were rarely implemented. These findings are outlined in an inauguralBreast Cancer M.A.P. Index, released today by the Cancer Support Community (CSC), a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that social and emotional support are critical, integrated components of complete cancer care, through original peer-reviewed research, personalized support and education services. 

CSC’s Research and Training Institute surveyed 1,043 breast cancer survivors as part of its Breast Cancer M.A.P. (Mind Affects the Physical) Project. The goal was to better understand three key areas of their psychosocial needs: patient-physician communication when making treatment decisions, screening for social and emotional distress and the role of survivorship care plans post-treatment. CSC and its 21-member Advisory Council analyzed the statistically significant data, generating new insights into the social and emotional experiences and needs of breast cancer survivors. The M.A.P. Project was supported by generous grants from The Breast Cancer Fund of National Philanthropic Trust with additional support from Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

“We have made extraordinary advances in the treatment of breast cancer but it’s clear from these findings that the full spectrum of care isn’t currently being delivered to survivors,” said Lidia Schapira, M.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital and M.A.P. Project advisor.  “We hope this report encourages the cancer community to pursue a renewed focus on providing social and emotional support to people with breast cancer, and improve the standard of care for the growing survivor population.”

Highlights from the data include:

Communication Around Treatment Decisions
The majority of patients surveyed felt unprepared for arguably the most important conversation following a breast cancer diagnosis—discussion of cancer treatment options with their doctor.

• 75 percent of respondents reported that it is highly important to receive 
  help gathering informational materials before the first meeting with a 
  specialist
• However, only 15 percent reported that their physician or specialist provided them with materials before their first visit after being diagnosed with breast cancer
• Less than half, 48 percent, were not fully satisfied with the questions they 
  asked during the initial visit with a breast cancer specialist

Survivorship Care Planning
A survivorship care plan (SCP) is a tool designed to include treatment and other clinical details that are critical to an individual's long-term care. The intent is to improve communication between patients and their various care providers to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to cancer care after treatment ends. SCP’s are the central recommendation of a 2005 report from the Institute of Medicine, yet M.A.P. Project data show the implementation of SCPs into the standard of care is virtually non-existent and patient awareness is low, despite high-demand from survivors.

• 90 percent of survivors surveyed did not receive a SCP
• Of the survivors who did not receive a SCP, 96 percent report that they would have liked to receive 
  one
• Of the survivors who did receive a SCP, 71 percent found the plan to be 
  useful or very useful

Screening for Social and Emotional Distress 
Distress screening is a systematic process in which cancer survivors are asked by their health care providers about problems that may be causing them anguish. In the United States, 85 percent of cancer patients are treated in a community setting, where distress screening is largely non-existent. The M.A.P. Project data indicate most cancer patients experience distress that is often overlooked, especially as patients transition from active treatment to survivorship care[i].

• 87 percent of respondents rated at least one social, physical or emotional 
  issue as a moderate to very severe problem
• The most frequent causes of distress, as reported by survivors, include: fatigue, sexual dysfunction, and sleep issues
• Conditions most frequently associated with distress were depression and 
  co-morbidities (when a patient is faced with two or more conditions or diseases)

Study findings suggest the need to begin distress screening at the moment of diagnosis to improve health outcomes for survivors. 

“I’m extremely proud of the Institute’s work that takes the vision of the Cancer Support Community one step further, helping to advance our understanding of the social and emotional needs of survivors,” said Kim Thiboldeaux, president and CEO of the Cancer Support Community. “These insights will inform CSC’s development of resources and programs to improve the experience of people with breast cancer from the point of diagnosis through long-term survivorship. We are excited to be sharing these inaugural findings with the cancer community and look forward to continued research examining the needs of this growing population for years to come.”

“The Breast Cancer M.A.P. Index is a tremendous opportunity for breast cancer survivors to participate in a community and be of service to others who may face this disease in the future,” said Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, founder and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “The Index is allowing us to identify gaps that can lead to better treatment support and aftercare going forward. I’d encourage all of my fellow survivors to read the Index, and participate in ongoing surveys.”

With generous support from the Breast Cancer Fund of National Philanthropic Trust and Susan G. Komen for the Cure, CSC’s Research & Training Institute is continuing to recruit breast cancer survivors to join the M.A.P. Project. By joining this unique registry and sharing their breast cancer experience, survivors have a unique opportunity to help researchers better understand the full impact of breast cancer and ultimately influence the development of innovative ways to improve the cancer experience for millions. Survivors interested in participating in the M.A.P. Project may join online at www.breastcancerregistry.org or call 1-888-MAP-CSC9 (1-888-627-2729).  Anyone interested in learning more about the registry should visit the website for additional information.

To access the Institute’s full Breast Cancer M.A.P. Index, visit:
www.cancersupportcommunity.org/breastcancermap  

Cancer Support Community Resources For Those Impacted by Breast Cancer
CSC’s acclaimed educational series, Frankly Speaking About Cancer, provides valuable cancer information with a focus on emotional and social support. Through informative booklets, professionally-led workshops, tailored web content and a weekly Internet radio show, Frankly Speaking About Cancer addresses a variety of cancer-related topics, and is available at no cost to individuals affected by cancer. Publications specific to breast cancer include:

• Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Advanced Breast Cancer
• Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Breast Reconstruction
• Frankly Speaking About Cancer: When a Women You Care About Has Breast Cancer
• Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Cuidador a Cuidador (From Caregiver to Caregiver)

About the Cancer Support Community’s Research and Training Institute 
The first Institute in the United States dedicated to psychosocial, behavioral and survivorship research and training in cancer, this dedicated group examines the critical role of social and emotional support for those living with cancer.  The Institute’s peer-reviewed research on the distinctive needs of survivors and caregivers throughout each phase of the cancer experience, informs CSC’s patient and caregiver forums, retreats and state-of-the-art training programs for health care professionals.

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. 

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

For up-to-date information on the organization’s resources and ongoing initiatives, including the Cancer Support Community’s National Cancer Summit taking place November 5, 2011 in Washington, D.C., visitwww.cancersupportcommunity.org, follow CSC on Twitter or “like” CSC on Facebook.  

Contact: 
Jennefer Witter
The Boreland Group
(718) 543-1503
Jwitter@theborelandgroup.com 

Regan Hiatt
Cancer Support Community 
(646) 600-7563 
regan@cancersupportcommunity.org

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Panera Bread of Kansas Donates over $32,000 to Gilda’s Club of Kansas City

Panera Bread of Kansas Donates over $32,000 to Gilda’s Club of Kansas City
4^th Annual Swing for Life Golf Tournament and Pink Ribbon Bagel Sales Help Support Gilda’s Club

Prairie Village, Kansas – Panera Bread of Kansas, with 23 Kansas City metro locations, 4 in Wichita and additional locations in Lawrence, Manhattan, Topeka and St. Joseph, was proud to support Breast Cancer Awareness during the month of October. The 4^th Annual Swing for Life Golf Tournament was held at Leawood South Country Club on October 10^th, 2011.

Through sponsorships, entry fees, mulligan sales, raffle tickets and in-kind donations the one day event raised over $25,000 to be donated to Gilda’s Club of Kansas City, an organization that provides networking and support activities to cancer patients.

In addition to the Golf Tournament proceeds, Panera Bread of Kansas also donated 10 cents from every Pink Ribbon Bagel sold and $1.00 from every baker’s dozen sold during the month of October to Gilda’s Club of Kansas City. Because of the amazing support of our customers, the sales of the Pink Ribbon Bagels and baker’s dozen added another $7,300 for the charity for a grand total of $32, 965.83 to be donated.

Gilda’s Club of Kansas City, an affiliate of The Cancer Support Community, opened its clubhouse near the Country Club Plaza in October. It is named for and inspired by comedian Gilda Radner of “Saturday Night Live” fame, who died of ovarian cancer in 1989. The core components of Gilda’s Club are support, education, healthy lifestyle, social connection and resources and referral. All programs are free of charge.

According to Vanessa Finley, Executive Director for Gilda’s Club of Kansas City, “This very generous donation from Panera Bread will go towards providing emotional and social support to people in the Kansas City area who have been impacted by any type of cancer. Specifically, this contribution will cover a portion of the annual costs of providing two critical components of the full Gilda’s Club Program. The first is the Healthy Lifestyle component where members participate in a variety of nutrition activities. The second component is Noogieland, the children’s program that provides a warm, supportive environment for children whose lives are affected by cancer in some way.”

About Panera Bread of Kansas

Panera Bread of Kansas operates 31 bakery-café locations in both Kansas and Missouri, including the Kansas City metro area, Wichita, Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan and St. Joseph. Coming soon to Derby, KS, Brookside, KCMO and Sedalia, MO.

Founded in 1993, Panera Bread of Kansas takes pride in providing great customer service from friendly associates who offer an “everyday oasis” for valued guests. For more information, please visit www.panerakansas.com.   

CSC Named #6 Most Impactful Non-Profit in the Field of Cancer Care

Cancer Support Community Named #6 Most Impactful Non-Profit in the Field of Cancer Care

Gilda's Club Kansas City is an affiliate of the Cancer Support Community (CSC) and is honored to announce that CSC has been recognized by Philanthropedia, a Guidestar organization, as the 6th most high-impact non-profit working in the field of cancer in the U.S.

Read more about this recognition on our headquarter's webpage.

Buy Pink Ribbon Bagels at Panera Bread and Support Gilda's Club KC!

The 31 Panera Bread locations in the KC Metro Area, Wichita, Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan, and St. Joseph are celebrating the tenth anniversary of their Pink Ribbon Bagel campaign, which has raised $1 million for breast cancer charities.

This year, Gilda's Club Kansas City has been chosen as the benefiting charity. For every baker's dozen of the Pink Ribbon Bagels you purchase in October, one dollar will be donated to Gilda's Club KC! They will also donate ten cents of every single Pink Ribbon Bagel sold.

What a delicious way to support Gilda's Club Kansas City. For more information, visit Panera Bread's community events website page. 

Golfers Weather the Heat to Golf Fore Gilda

The sun was shining bright and smiles abounded as 120 registered golfers teed off to support Gilda's Club Kansas City on Monday, July 18th. To view select pictures of the day, please visit our Facebook photo album. To see ALL the pictures and/or to download them in high-resolution, feel free to peruse our Flickr set.

Thank you to all who supported this fun event at Creekmoor Golf Course!

Gilda's Club KC selected as charity partner by Outdoor Living Show Home

Gilda's Club Kansas City is proud to announce a partnership with the Outdoor Living Show Home! Learn about today's shift from house size to house performance, and about the ever-increasing shift toward outdoor living. As a charity partner, Gilda's Club KC is working with Forner - La Voy Builders, Rockwood Falls, and the Will To Succeed Foundation, as they provide a unique opportunity for you to experience what it is like designing and building your own custom home! 

Follow along with the homeowners, and we will take you inside the construction process as we chronicle each step, with both pictures and narrative. Plenty of tips, insight, and know-how await, whether you are considering a new home, a remodel, or just have an interest in the home building process.

Follow along at the Outdoor Living Show Home's website www.OutdoorLivingShowHome.com. And in July of 2011, you'll get to actually tour the home and help a great local charity -- Gilda's Club Kansas City!

Click here for tour dates and times.

Giggle with Gilda 2011 - "I was laughing so hard my cheeks hurt!"

Giggle with Gilda - April 16, 2011

Giggle with Gilda 2011 starring The Second City National Touring Comany and featuring Kansas City's own Saturday Night Live star Jason Sudeikis was a great success! More than 1400 people attended the event at The Midland by AMC. Surprise guests George Wendt and Kim Kazurinsky arrived in time to help with the raffle drawing for tickets to see Saturday Night Live in New York and Second City in Chicago. It was a great night of fun and laughter for a great cause - Gilda's Club KC!

To view pictures from the night, check out the Gilda's Club KC Flickr page or the Gilda's Club KC Facebook page.

Thank you to everyone who attended. A very special thank you to our Giggle with Gilda sponsors:

GIGGLE SPONSORS

HCA Midwest Health Systems

Lathrop & Gage LLP

MarketSphere Consulting LLC

The Midland by AMC

Dr. Bill Smith, Director of Breast Imaging, Univ. of KS Hospital

SMILE SPONSORS

Barkley

Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Cosentino’s Downtown Market

Craig Sole Designs

Genentech Inc.

Joni & Chuck Etherington

Marlene & Mike Fishman

Kain-McArthur Inc.

The Q Hotel

Saint Luke’s Cancer Institute

VML Foundation

MEDIA SPONSORS

FUNNY 102.5

KCPT-TV

ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS

The Belden-Stratford Hotel & Suites

Big Foot Creative

Carey of KC, Kansas City Transportation Group

ComedyCity

Country Club Bank

Drunken Fish

Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue

Frontier Airlines

Jeff Hoffman, ColorJar

Improv Thunderdome

Todd Lamanske, Magician

The Last Tangle Salon

Lockton Cos. LLC

Marc Moreano Foundation

The Roasterie

Debbie Sauer Photography

Smart Cookies Bakery

Tenman Design

Trabon Cos.

Treat America Food Services

US Bank

Steve & Marta Williamson

Henry Wurst Inc.

Gilda's Club featured in the Kansas City Star

There is a great article on the front page of the Kansas City Star today about the importance of social and emotional support for people impacted by cancer. Gilda's Club Kansas City and the upcoming Giggle with Gilda fundraising event at the Midland by AMC are featured. What a wonderfully reasearched and written article by KC Star journalist Lisa Gutierrez!

GCKC Begins Recruitment for Program Director

Gilda's Club Kansas City has begun the search to fill its vacant Program Director position. If you are interested in applying please review the position announcment, which includes instructions for application.

Brandon Carr and Shatory Campbell Selected as Honorary Chairs for Giggle with Gilda

Kansas City Chiefs starting cornerback Brandon Carr and Shatory Campbell, will serve as Honorary Chairs of Giggle with Gilda on April 16, 2011, at The Midland by AMC. Attendees of the the after-show VIP Cast Party will have an opportunity to meet Brandon and Shatory along with Jason Sudeikis and the Second City National Touring Company cast.

Event tickets are still available. Click here for more information.

Gilda's Club KC Joining Panel on "Anything Goes" on KKFI Today

Tune it to KKFI (90.1 FM or online at www.KKFI.org) at noon today to listen to "Anything Goes" with Charles Ferruzza. The panel will include Gilda's Club Kansas City's Executive Director/CEO, Vanessa Finley.

Watch Us on KCPT on Friday, March 4th!

Gilda's Club Kansas City and its upcoming Giggle with Gilda event at The Midland by AMC will be featured during the KCPT March pledge drive. Specifically, volunteers will be staffing the phones on Friday, March 4, 2011, during the the airing of SCTV (Second City TV) Golden Classics starting at 8:30 p.m. 

Additionally, Giggle with Gilda event tickets along with limited after-show meet-and-greet cast party tickets will be given as member gifts for those who pledge at specified levels throughout the pledge drive.

Watch us Friday night and support TWO great causes KCPT public television AND Gilda's Club Kansas City!

Jason Sudeikis, headliner for Giggle with Gilda, featured in the Kansas City Star

There is a great article about Kansas City's own, Jason Sudeikis, written by Robert Butler in today's FYI section of the Kansas City Star. Jason will be our headliner for this year's Giggle with Gilda starring The Second City National Touring Company at The Midland by AMC on April 16th. Tickets go on sale to the public today!

Chiefs Cornerback Brandon Carr Hosts Fundraiser for Gilda’s Club

On Tuesday, January 4, 2011, Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Brandon Carr held an autograph session and raffle at Rumors Steakhouse in Lee’s Summit to raise funds for Gilda’s Club Kansas City. After being interviewed by Nick Wright on What’s Wright on 610 Sports Radio, Brandon Carr signed autographs for those who made a contribution to Gilda’s Club.

Additionally, Brandon Carr very graciously donated memorabilia for a raffle at the end of the evening. Items included the pink gloves he wore during the October 24 game, the pink cleats worn during the October 24 game, a football signed by Matt Cassel, and a football signed by the entire Chiefs team. The event was attended by more than a hundred people and raised $2000. Thank you, Brandon, for hosting such a memorable and fun event. Good luck in the playoffs!

Visit the photo album on Gilda’s Club Kansas City’s Facebook page to see additional photos of the event. To hear Brandon's interview on What's Wright click here.

Gilda's Club Holds Holiday Open House

On December 13, 2010, Gilda’s Club Kansas City hosted a Holiday Open House. This was a great opportunity for visitors to see the progress we have made with the Clubhouse, meet our staff, and to learn about healthy eating and cold & flu prevention techniques. Approximately fifty people come by to have a tour and/or sit in on one of the two presentations. A big “Thank You!” to Cancer Treatment Centers of America for sponsoring this event.

The evening’s formal activities began with a cooking demonstration from Lisa Markley, healthy eating specialist from Whole Foods in Overland Park. She made a salad featuring kale, which is one of the healthiest vegetables out there but can be quite difficult to make tasty. With Lisa’s recipe, though, she made a delicious salad that is sure to be incorporated into many of the attendees’ home menus. 

After Lisa’s demonstration, Gilda’s Club CEO, Vanessa Finley, introduced Katherine Anderson of Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). Katherine is director of naturopathic medicine at CTCA in Tulsa, where she is part of a unique approach to patient care. She and her team of naturopaths work with oncologists to complement patients’ traditional cancer treatments with natural therapies, such as nutritional supplementation, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy and counseling. Katherine provided naturopathic prevention and treatment tips to help us all through the cold & flu season.

Gilda's Club Hosts CTCA Cancer Fighters Group

On Monday, November 8, 2010, the Kansas City chapter of Cancer Fighters of CTCA held its inaugural meeting at Gilda's Club Kansas City. The Cancer Fighters group is made up of patients and their families who have or continue to receive treatment at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, which is national network of hospitals providing a comprehensive, fully integrative approach to cancer treatment through its locations in Chicago, Philadelphia, Tulsa, and suburban Phoenix. The newly formed Kansas City Cancer Fighters helped with holiday decorations at the Clubhouse and will look for other volunteer opportunities through Gilda's Club.

For more information about Cancer Treatment Centers of America visit their website at www.cancercenter.com.  

Gilda's Club is recruiting for Program Director

We are currently accepting resumes for our Program Director position. The deadline to apply is November 5, 2010. For the position description and application instructions, please click here.

Local Celebration for Lee National Denim Day

With Lee Jeans headquartered in the Greater KC area, a special celebration was held for local supporters on October 8, 2010. Lee National Denim Day Ambassador, Felicity Huffman, was in attendance to announce at the Power & Light District the estimated funds raised for 2010, which was $4 million nationally! The Gilda’s Club crew was out in force and a fun time was had by all. For more information about Lee National Denim Day click here.