This month, we’re thrilled to feature Rachel Ciborowski from our Individual Giving team. Individual Giving focuses on the cultivation and stewardship of individual donors (rather than foundations or other grant-making organizations). This important work requires close collaboration across the organization. Individual Giving sits within our broader Development department, which strengthens donor relationships and raises funds to support CancerCare’s free programs and services.

This winter has been a little warmer for those affected by cancer due to the Winter Warmth Program, one of the initiatives provided by CancerCare for Kids. Now in its 6th season, the program sent care packages containing winter accessories, including a donation of socks by BOMBAS, to nearly 200 children and teenagers from 76 families in the tri-state area.

CancerCare’s free programs and services are made possible by a variety of client-facing and behind-the-scenes teams. Beginning this month, we will be featuring staff members from across the organization to recognize their important contributions to CancerCare. It takes a village!

It’s hard to believe that 2021 is nearly over! Throughout the year, CancerCare has continued to support the growing and changing needs of those impacted by a cancer diagnosis. We are excited to share a selection highlights and achievements.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Winfield Boerckel, MSW, MBA, LCSW-R, heads CancerCare’s Long Island office and leads our national lung cancer program. After 25 prolific years at CancerCare, Win will be retiring this December. We are honored to share a retrospective of his time in oncology social work and how lung cancer has changed since 1996.

Recently, Triage Cancer and CancerCare, in collaboration with Eisai Inc., partnered to develop Magnolia Purpose in Planning^®, a program that connects people affected by cancer to a library of personal affairs planning resources, all on one website. The program highlights the importance of ensuring those living with cancer, as well as their families and caregivers, are equipped with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions.

CancerCare’s free programs and services are possible thanks to the generosity of our donors, supporters and funders. Jewelry brand Awe Inspired is one of our longtime supporters. During checkout, Awe shoppers can choose from a list of impact-driven nonprofits to receive 20% of the proceeds from their purchase. We spoke with Awe founder Jill Johnson, a three-time cancer survivor, about her cancer experience, the importance of giving back and why she supports CancerCare.

As summer draws to a close, many families and kids start looking ahead to back-to-school season—and our CancerCarefor Kids team does too! 2021 marks the sixth year of our Back-to-School Program, which provides brand-new backpacks full of school supplies to children and teens in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

In the second installment of our focus on Cancer Out Loud: The CancerCare Podcast, Sarah and A.J. reflect on memorable episodes and what’s next for the show.

Today marks the season four debut of Cancer Out Loud: The CancerCare Podcast! We are exciting to continue amplifying the stories and experiences of people living with cancer, caregivers and the bereaved.