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It slows time; it creates fear; it causes intense self-examination.

It can be isolating, and it always is life-altering,

But the journey is easier in the company of others who truly understand.

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Cancer Connection

Is Moving to

41 Locust Street!

(Across the street from Cooley Dickinson Hospital)

We will be CLOSED

July 26 to August 2

·       August 3 (Tuesday): Support groups only resume

·       August 5 (Thursday): Complementary Therapies resume

·       August 9 (Monday): Drop-in hours resume

·       During August, phone calls will be taken during drop-in hours only:        

Monday: 10 to 2 PM

Tuesday: 10 to 2 PM

Wednesday: 10 to 12 PM

Thursday: 10 to 2 PM

CANCER CONNECTION offers a haven where people living with cancer, their families and their caregivers can learn how to cope with their changed lives and bodies and emotional turmoil by sharing strategies and resources. All of our offerings are free of charge. There is much we can do when we learn to team with the medical system and draw on our own strengths, the constellation of complementary therapies, and the wisdom of our peers who have traveled the same road before us.

Since its founding in 2000 by Deb Orgera and Jackie Walker, Cancer Connection has dedicated itself to creating a creative environment emphasizing vitality and good times rather than isolation and illness.  Our center is a welcoming, home-like environment where people can seek comfort and draw strength during every step of the cancer experience. We are able to offer our services free of charge, thanks to the generosity of the individuals, corporations and foundations that support our work.

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Cancer Connection will be moving in August!

Cancer Connection will be relocating in August to larger, more versatile and completely handicap-accessible space at 41 Locust Street in Northampton, directly across the street from Cooley Dickinson Hospital.  “We are thrilled with the prospect of moving into a new center that will accommodate the diverse needs of our clients and the increasing demands on our space.  It is designed to serve us for our next 10 to 15 years and beyond,” said Neisner.

Building Campaign underway

Cancer Connection announced its $125,000 “Growing Plans” building campaign to cover the cost of renovating the new space.

Several supporters of Cancer Connection have independently chosen to create “cluster gifts” of $1,000 or $2,500 in tribute to others by seeking contributions from the family, friends, neighbors and colleagues of the people being honored.  One tribute cluster is underway to honor the vision and work of Deb Orgera and Jackie Walker, who founded Cancer Connection ten years ago.   A second has been organized in memory of Tom Vesely, a beloved member of the Cancer Connection community.   A third will honor Vivien Weiss, LMHC, facilitator of the gynecological cancer support group, and the caregivers and families and bereavement groups.   The breast cancer support group is hoping to pay tribute to its past, present and future members.

The names of those honored in this way will be recognized in a commissioned mural in the entryway of the new center, designed by an artist chosen in a juried competition in July.

For more information or to contribute to the Building Campaign call 413-586-1642

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We're always in need of Volunteers to support our work. If you'd like to help out in the office, work with our participants, staff an outreach table or help out with a fundraising event, let us know!  

Volunteer training is ongoing.

Please call 586-1642 to set up your interview and training dates.

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Cancer Connection Video

To watch our video, select the appropriate bandwidth: 56k | Broadband   Troubleshooting To watch RealOne videos, you must first download the RealOne Player plug-in. A free version is available.

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A cancer diagnosis is much more than a medical ID tag.