Cancer Support Community Jennifer Sinclair, M.Ed, NCC, LPC Program Director
The Women’s 5K and the Cancer Support Community have gone as far back as 2004 when it was established as The Wellness Community. It then merged with Gilda’s in 2009 and became Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley (CSC). The W5K Classic has been a grant sponsor since it was established and is estimated to have helped hundreds of people and their families in the Lehigh Valley. The CSC not only helps people in the Lehigh Valley with Cancer but it saw a need for helping families who have loved ones suffering from Cancer.
According to Jennifer Sinclair, Program Director for the CSC programs established through grants received by organizations like the W5K Classic they have been able to increase quality of life, increase sense of control, increase sense of hope, build stronger relations with others who share similar circumstances and improve healthy lifestyle practices.
What Programs does the Cancer Support Community Fund through the The Women’s 5K grants?
W5K Grants have allowed the CSC to offer beneficial programs for people affected by breast and gynecological cancers. We continue to introduce new programming ideas that provide women with opportunities to share their stories, practice self-care strategies, and become more educated about their diagnoses and survivorship. In addition the W5K has provided funds for Monthly Breast Cancer Support Group, Monthly GYN Support Group, Monthly Lymphedema Support Group, and various fitness/wellness programs.
What’s special about the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley?
Below are just some of the ways we support the Greater Lehigh Valley community:
- We are the most experienced organization offering social, emotional and psychological support in the Lehigh Valley.
- All programs are free to participants who may take as many as they like.
- All participants can browse our resource library; surf the internet for cancer information, the Virtual Cancer Support Community and Group Loop websites, or just stop in to have a snack with friends.
- We are a non-profit, and we rely completely on donations. The money we raise stays in the Greater Lehigh Valley.
What is your Vision?
To be the recognized regional leader for comprehensive programs of support, education and hope for persons affected by cancer (patients, family, friends and health care professionals).
What are your Beliefs?
- Many, many people recover from cancer.
- Cancer patients can benefit from sharing experiences and support with others, and need not be alone.
- Cancer patients can participate in their recovery along with their healthcare team.
- Family members and friends of an individual with cancer, including children, can also benefit from information and support.
- By reducing isolation, managing stress, and having hope, cancer patients can enhance the quality of their lives, positively affect their immune system, and gain strength in the fight for recovery.
Every year the CSC of the Greater Lehigh Valley showcases their programs at our Josh Early Women’s 5K Health Expo to get the word out to the community that they aren’t alone in the fight against cancer and that programs for themselves and their families.