"It's Made a Deep Difference for Me"

What Does Supporting

Cancer Connection Mean to You?

Anne C. at High Horse Hill Retreat in 2017

Cancer Connection Community Members,

We've heard from many caring people who have donated to our emergency campaign, now that we’re nearly two-thirds of the way toward “securing our future.” Anne C., pictured above at our 2017 High Horse Hill half day retreat, wrote, "Thank you for all that you do for so many. I have benefitted myself, and it has made a deep difference."

I love to hear from those who have used our services and want to give back. They know intimately what it's like to have a space in the turmoil of cancer to breathe, rest, and be oneself. To spend time with family or with members of our community away from cancer. To do new things—or favorite things they haven’t been able to do, like exercise, or meditate.

Owen O. and family at the 2019 WMASS Mother's Day Half Marathon

and Barbara R. making calls to Secure Our Future

Many of you have family who have used Cancer Connection. Like Owen O., pictured above, you're determined to ensure it's there for the future. Owen talked with our volunteer Barbara R. about making a special gift. He said, "You and your organization are really doing God’s work, so I thank you on behalf of all our family and all folks who are dealing with cancer, and the anxiety and pain it causes to its victims and their loved ones. It is great to know that cancer victims are never alone.”

Owen said he and his family walked the Half Marathon in memory of his cousin's husband. He said, "I understand your organization was of great comfort to her and their two children."

That's why we're reaching out to everyone who has supported our free programs and services. So we're here to provide that much-needed comfort.

Please share why YOU give. Why you care about our cause. What you hope your impact will be on the future of community cancer support. Simply reply to this email. If it would be OK to share your thoughts, please let us know that, too.

During this time when we must safeguard the health of our participants, we offer remote-accessible programs that provide space to breathe or a place to talk. If you, or a loved one or colleague, would be interested in our programs, please see our listing below.

Before I go, I must encourage you to vote if you haven't already. Claim your power. Every vote counts. And so your vote is counted, make sure you know how to vote. See below for more information about the election and how to cast your vote.

Respectfully,

Beverly

The Reverend Beverly L. Herbert, M.Div., C.F.R.E.

Executive Director

P.S. JUST IN! NEWS about the campaign: as of today, together we have raised $77,215 in donations, pledges, and grants and $76,854 in Thrift Shop sales since launch on August 5th. We are 62% of the way, $154,000. Have you made your special gift yet?

DONATE TODAY

More information about the election and your vote

HOW TO VOTE

With Your Support

Our Services Continue Remotely

PROGRAMS: UPDATED FOR NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

Elizabeth Cahn, Program Director, says, "We are so glad to be able to offer online programs to stay connected with those affected by cancer during this time. But we also miss being able to offer the variety of in-person programs that you are used to seeing from Cancer Connection and we look forward to the time we can return to that way of supporting our participants."

“Test meetings” for programs will help participants successfully use RingCentral. When you sign up for a program, you will be given information on how to access a test meeting. Tech support is also generally available one half-hour prior to programs offered through RingCentral. Please plan to log in to all meetings at least 5 minutes early.

INTEGRATIVE THERAPIES CONTINUE BY PHONE

Several of our regular integrative therapists provide support by phone.

We focus on guided imagery and relaxation. Two options:

• Calming Strategies and Relaxation Recordings, with Ann Buscemi

• Calming Strategies – Telehealth: phone sessions with Nancy Carter-Price, Peggy Schjeldahl, and Bernadette Nicholson

SUPPORT GROUPS: MEETING REGULARLY

All Support Groups are meeting on their regular schedules using video and audio-conferencing tools.

For more information about the programs listed above, call our Center at 413-586-1642 and leave a phone message and available times. A Befriender will call you back.

Or click here to email our program staff.

Donate to Provide These Great Programs

Another Way to Provide Support:

Consider Being a Board Member

Cancer Connection is recruiting additional members for our Board of Directors.

Whether you are a community resident, business professional, parent, or retiree; a Cancer Connection participant, current volunteer, integrative therapist; or a professional with experience and skill in one of these areas: finance, law, fundraising and development, communications/marketing, or health and human services, Cancer Connection needs you. We invite you to apply. We're looking for individuals of all ages (18 and older). Cancer Connection is committed to diversity and inclusion on its Board and we welcome individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

The Board member application is available at cancer-connection.org. Please email Executive Director Beverly Herbert at [email protected] for more information and to send your application. We hope you will consider joining us!

If being a board member isn't right for you right now, please spread the word to those you know who would bring passion and commitment to CC's board. And consider joining a committee, working with staff and Board members on various projects. If you are interested in volunteering, you can learn more on our website and email our Center at [email protected] for more information.

Warmly,

Lisa

Lisa M. Sihvonen-Binder, MS NMP

President, Board of Directors