The Power of Connection

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Written By Carrie Callas, Executive Director
Connection can make a powerful difference for people navigating cancer. A diagnosis can quickly lead to feelings of uncertainty, fear, and intense isolation—experiences that research shows are common among those facing cancer, even for those who have a network of family and friends.

Recent findings published in the ASCO Educational Book reinforce just how essential connection truly is. The study highlights the deep emotional toll cancer takes, noting that both patients and their care teams face high levels of distress and isolation. It also underscores the unique benefit of supportive communities. As the authors write:

“Support groups serve as platforms for sharing experiences, emotional support, and practical advice, meaningfully enhancing mental health and coping strategies. This communal environment reduces feelings of isolation and provides comfort through shared experiences.”

 

Support Group Growth — Because of You:

At the Cancer Wellness Center, our community of donors and supporters has directly helped grow our support groups, fostering the powerful connection that so many people need. Because of you, we are growing our support groups in 2026 with more than 40 groups available. Our groups will continue to have a wide range offerings for children, caregivers, survivors, and those who are grieving. Led by licensed clinical professionals, these groups provide exactly the kind of communal, healing environment identified in the research: a place where people can speak honestly, feel understood, and gain both emotional strength and practical tools for coping.

Your support ensure that these groups remain free of charge, removing financial barriers at a time when emotional support is needed most. Within these groups, participants find:

  • Relief from isolation, discovering others who deeply understand their experience.
  • Emotional resilience, built through shared understanding, coping strategies, and supportive discussion.
  • A true sense of belonging, which many describe as life‑changing.

These outcomes aren’t just compassion in action, they’re evidence‑based. And your giving is what makes them possible. It is inspiring to have a community that steps forward when someone needs help. Because you stepped forward, someone found the strength to keep going. Someone discovered a circle of support when their world felt unbearably small. Someone was reminded—at exactly the moment they needed it—that they were not alone.