The Wellness Community-Greater Miami has changed its name to Cancer Support Community. Although the name has changed, the mission of the organization remains the same — to provide psychological and emotional support programs, free of charge, to people with cancer and their loved ones.
The name change is the result of the national level merger of The Wellness Community National and Gilda’s Club Worldwide. The combined organization, Cancer Support Community, now is one of the largest professionally led networks of cancer support worldwide.
“We believe that our new name better reflects what we do,” said Pam Zakheim, founder and executive director of the Miami organization. “Nothing else is changing. We will still offer the same wide range of support services we have always offered, and they will continue to be provided free of charge. All donations we receive will still be completely tax deductible and the money raised in Miami will stay in Miami.”
The name change announcement was made at the organization’s annual fundraiser, the Heart of Gold Gala, held on Mar. 20 at the Eden Roc Miami Beach. The event featured a fabulous silent auction live auction hosted by CBS Early Show chief weathercaster Lonnie Quinn, a delectable dinner and live music and dancing by the Z-6 Band. This year’s Heart of Gold cancer survivor, David Octavio Gandell, was honored as international recording gospel singer Javen sang Count It All Joy during an inspiring slide show.
“Our ability to help support and give hope to thousands of families dealing with cancer would not be possible without the time, dedication and heart-felt generosity of our host committee and local community,” said Cindy Eckhart, director of development of Cancer Support Community. “We’d like to thank Nordstrom, our Presenting Sponsor, and our Gold Sponsors including Rudy Kranys, Sharon Kranys, Adam Carlin, Ollie Hill, and Bonnie and Rick Muller. The event raised over $200,000.”
As the number of cancer survivors in the United States surpasses 12 million, the need and demand for support services is increasing. At Cancer Support Community Greater Miami, people with cancer develop the emotional stamina needed as they go through their treatments and are provided with the knowledge to enable them to find hope and support at all stages of their disease.
The support groups, educational workshops, mind-body stress reduction programs and social activities offered are all facilitated by paid professionals licensed in their fields of expertise.
Cancer Support Community Greater Miami is located at 8609 S. Dixie Hwy. For more information, call 305-668-5900 or visit online at < www.twcmiami.org >.
