WASHINGTON, DC — The Cancer Support Community (CSC), an international nonprofit, announced the addition of Kevin Stein, Ph.D., FAPOS to serve as Executive Director of its Research and Training Institute and spearhead the advancement of the organization’s expanding patient-centered initiatives and research.
Dr. Stein is Associate Professor in the Behavioral Sciences and Health Education Department of the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. He worked for the American Cancer Society (ACS) for 17 years, serving as the Director of the Behavioral Research Center and Vice President of Behavioral Research. During his career at ACS, Dr. Stein also oversaw the ACS Study of Cancer Survivors (SCS), a large-scale, population-based, national longitudinal study of quality of life among cancer survivors.
Stein’s work has appeared in more than 80 peer-reviewed publications and scientific journals. The National Institutes of Health, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute have all funded his research.
“Kevin is a renowned leader whose innovative approach to research will continue to enable us to elevate the voices of cancer patients among the most rigorous, influential forums, publications, and conferences,” said Kim Thiboldeaux, CEO of CSC. “We are an organization that is growing on multiple fronts, including in digital services and policy, and Kevin brings a track record of capturing unique patient-centered data that will enables us to improve the lives of individuals affected by cancer.”
Dr. Stein will take the reins of CSC’s Philadelphia-based Research and Training Institute in July. It is the first Institute dedicated to cancer related psychosocial, behavioral and survivorship research and training. The Institute seeks to examine the critical role of emotional and social support, financial burden, and patient navigation in improving the lives of people facing cancer, and to share its findings with the broader cancer community.
“I am thrilled to join the Cancer Support Community and build upon the amazing work the team at the Research and Training Institute has done over the past 10 years,” said Dr. Stein. “Social and emotional factors play an outsized critical role in a cancer patient’s quality of life and we have a responsibility to ensure those factors are not only understood, but also comprehensively addressed as part of a patient’s treatment, care, and survivorship planning.”
Dr. Stein received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Florida and Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from the University of South Florida. He completed a three-year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Psychosocial Oncology at the Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Stein is an active member of the International Psychosocial Oncology Society, American Psychosocial Oncology Society, The International Society of Quality of Life Research, and the Society of Behavioral Medicine. He was elected as a Fellow of the American Psychosocial Oncology Society in 2015.
Cancer Support Community Announces Three New Board Members
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Cancer Support Community (CSC), an international nonprofit organization, is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to its Headquarters Board of Directors: Bjoern Albrecht, Jing Liang, and Lynne O’Brien. The Board provides leadership and guidance for carrying out CSC’s mission to ensure that no one faces cancer alone.
“Bjoern, Jing, and Lynne bring such a diverse set of experiences and insights from the policy world and the private sector,” said Kim Thiboldeaux, CEO of the Cancer Support Community. “They’re joining our stellar Board, which is committed to advancing innovative ways to help us serve more patients and their loved ones.”
Bjorn Albrecht
Bjoern Albrecht is a partner at McKinsey & Company, a worldwide management consulting firm. He works with pharmaceutical and biotech companies, health systems, and providers on cancer-related topics. He leads the McKinsey Cancer Center, coordinating all of McKinsey’s work on cancer-related topics globally, and is also a leader in the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Products Practice in Europe. Albrecht manages the annual “McKinsey Cancer Congress Series” Satellite Symposium at the American Society of Clinical Oncology. He holds a Ph.D. in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and a BS in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Hamburg.
Jing Liang
Jing Liang is an entrepreneur and management consultant. He is the co-founder and managing partner of Umbrex, a global community of independent, top-tier management consultants. He also founded and serves as the CEO of Attenua, a biotech developing non-narcotic prescription treatments for chronic cough. He was a co-founder of Storelli Sports, the only brand devoted exclusively to the design and manufacture of head-to-toe soccer protection at every position. He holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics from Johns Hopkins University and a BS in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry from Penn State University.
Lynne O'Brien
Lynne O’Brien worked as a Policy Analyst with the White House Cancer Moonshot office under former Vice President Joe Biden. Previously, she worked as director of the Washington Government Affairs Office of DuPont Merck and DuPont Pharmaceuticals, working with members of Congress on issues involving the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, tax legislation, and health care reform. She started her career in DC with Williams and Jensen, a lobbying/law firm in Washington, DC, focusing on health care clients. O’Brien is also on the national board of the Leukemia, Lymphoma Society (LLS) and is a trustee of The Potomac School in McLean, Virginia. O'Brien graduated cum laude from Princeton with an A.B. in political science and earned her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. She is also a blood cancer survivor who finished treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2016.
BANFF, CANADA – (Thursday, September 26, 2019) – At a global conference featuring health experts and thought leaders, the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) presented Cancer Support Community CEO Kim Thiboldeaux with its President’s Community Award for Distinguished Contributions to IPOS.
Presented during a plenary session at the IPOS World Congress of Psycho-Oncology and Psychosocial Academy, the President’s Community Award for Distinguished Contributions is an award that is made to an individual, group or organization in the community that, in the opinion of the organization’s board of directors, has made an outstanding contribution of great significance to the Society.
Founded in 1984, IPOS was created to foster international multidisciplinary communication about clinical, educational, and research issues that relate to the subspecialty of psycho-oncology and two primary psychosocial dimensions of cancer: response of patients, families, and staff to cancer and its treatment at all stages; and psychological, social, and behavioral factors that influence tumor progression and survival.
“It is truly an honor to receive this recognition from the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS), and I accept on behalf of patients and families who are the inspiration for our work,” said Kim Thiboldeaux, CEO of the Cancer Support Community. “IPOS is an inspiring organization that brings together leaders from all corners of the world to advance ideas and policies that benefit individuals affected by cancer. I look forward to continuing to exchange ideas and share experience with fellow IPOS members to ensure that we have a global approach to addressing the needs of patients.”
“Kim Thiboldeaux represents the essence of this prestigious award,” said Maria Die Trill, Ph.D., President, IPOS Board of Directors. “Kim believes the patient’s voice must be at the center of the global conversation about cancer, and she works tirelessly to ensure that conversation is inclusive, robust, and results-oriented. Among her many contributions to our sector, Kim has brought new voices to our convenings and fostered a collaborative spirit that benefits all of us.”
As CEO of CSC, Thiboldeaux oversees all aspects of the organization, including the growing Cancer Policy Institute and Philadelphia-based Research & Training Institute—both of which were part of the IPOS convening’s program.
Elizabeth Franklin, LGSW, ACSW, Executive Director of CSC’s Policy Institute, delivered remarks at the IPOS convening regarding the organization’s CancerSupportSource®, which is a validated, flexible distress-screening program that, when fully implemented, automatically generates reports for clinicians and respondents that include tailored information based on respondents’ identified concerns.
In addition to Franklin’s remarks, CSC presented findings from a study in which its researchers surveyed 3,318 individuals diagnosed with cancer who are enrolled in CSC’s Cancer Experience Registry®. Participants provided demographic, clinical, and cost of care information, and completed the CancerSupportSource’s 25-item distress screening tool that includes 2-item depression risk and 2-item anxiety risk subscales. The study produced the following key findings:
Higher out-of-pocket costs predict increased concern about health insurance and money worries, which in turn predicts odds of anxiety risk and depression risk
Postponing psychological counseling to reduce cost of care predicts anxiety and depression risk odds
The need for doctor-patient cost of care communication and financial counseling to mitigate the impact of financial burden on quality-of-life, treatment, and health outcomes
In collaboration with the cast of Pretty Woman: The Musical, the gift is made in memory of Broadway Star Marin Mazzie and in honor of fellow cast member Jason Danieley
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - (June 7, 2019) – As announced on Broadway.com, the Cancer Support Community (CSC) has been awarded a grant in the amount of $25,000 by Broadway Cares/Equity Fight AIDS in collaboration with the cast of Pretty Woman: The Musical. The gift is in memory of three-time Tony nominee and 2017 American Theatre Hall of Fame Inductee Marin Mazzie and in honor of her husband, Broadway star Jason Danieley, both Cancer Support Community Champions.
Mazzie and Danieley, whose final performance in Pretty Woman was on Sunday, June 9, are longtime champions of CSC, a global nonprofit that provides more than $50 million in free support services to people living with cancer and their loved ones. Mazzie was honored posthumously this year with a Special Tony Award recognizing her legacy of advocacy and her leadership within the theatre community for women’s health issues and support of organizations such as CSC.
“I am so happy for Broadway Cares to make this special gift in collaboration with all at Pretty Woman: The Musical from resources raised during our spring fundraising campaign,” said Tom Viola, Executive Director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. “I know that the support, counsel and care that Marin and Jason received from Cancer Support Community was an invaluable assist and embrace to them both. What has made this experience even more resonant – and I imagine something that Marin would especially love - is that through their experience, the Broadway community has been introduced to this organization, augmenting the assistance offered by The Actors Fund to those facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis in our theatrical family.”
“We are truly humbled to have been selected by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the cast of Pretty Woman: The Musical,” said Kim Thiboldeaux, CEO of the Cancer Support Community. “All of us at CSC have tremendous admiration and gratitude for all that Marin and Jason have done for us—and that Jason continues to do—on behalf of cancer patients and their loved ones. We deeply appreciate this incredibly generous gift that will advance CSC’s mission to provide free support services to and advocate for individuals affected by cancer.”
Cancer Support Community Welcomes New Senior Leaders
Hildy Dillon and Ted Miller bring diverse set of experiences to organization focused on empowering people affected by cancer
WASHINGTON, DC — The Cancer Support Community (CSC), an international nonprofit, is pleased to announce the addition of a national public health leader and a former Obama administration official to its leadership team.
Hildy Dillon, MPH, will serve as Vice President, Education and Support Programs, and Ted Miller will assume the post of Vice President, Development and External Affairs.
Kim Thiboldeaux, CEO of CSC, a nationally recognized thought leader, author, and advocate for cancer patients, said Dillon and Miller would be a critical part of the organization’s mission to keep the patient experience at the forefront in the conversation on cancer.
“I am thrilled to welcome Hildy and Ted to our team,” said Thiboldeaux, who was recently named to the board of directors of the Biden Cancer Initiative. “They both bring considerable expertise and track records of accomplishment. Working with our already strong and growing staff and affiliate network, they will further enhance the resources we provide patients and expand the number of supporters engaged in advocating for people affected by cancer.”
Vice President, Education & Support Programs
Hildy Dillon, MPH, joins CSC as the Vice President, Education and Support Programs. In this role she oversees CSC programs and services for people living with cancer, their caregivers and loved ones, including education and outreach, the Cancer Support Helpline, online virtual support services, programmatic professional training and program development and dissemination across CSC’s affiliate network and beyond.
Prior to joining CSC, Dillon was Vice President for Mark Krueger & Associates (MK&A), a global healthcare stakeholder relations firm. Before MK&A, Dillon spent nearly 15 years at the national headquarters of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, most recently as the senior vice president of patient & professional programs. Prior to LLS, Dillon was the manager of smoking or health programs at the national office of the American Lung Association and began her career at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in the Clinical Chemistry Research Department and in the MSKCC Office of Cancer Communications.
Dillon serves as the patient advocate on the Lymphoma Committee of the National Clinical Trial Network’s Southwest Oncology Group and for the National Cancer Institute’s Lymphoma Steering Committee and has served as an advisor for industry and many non-profit organizations, including CSC’s CML and Myeloma Cancer Experience Registries.
Dillon holds a B.S. in Biology from the SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry and an MPH from CUNY Hunter College Graduate School of Health Sciences.
Vice President, Development and External Affairs.
Ted Miller joins CSC as the Vice President, Development and External Affairs. He oversees the CSC’s individual fundraising efforts, special events, and communications. He is also charged with elevating CSC's patient-focused mission through partnerships and cause marketing efforts.
Before joining CSC, Miller served in the Obama administration as the Chief of External Affairs at the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that administers AmeriCorps and provides $600 million in funding to more than 3,000 nonprofits.
In 2014, Miller directed the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps, which culminated in a White House event with Presidents Obama and Clinton, simultaneous ceremonies in all 50 states, and digital engagement that reached 52 million social media users in 24 hours. Miller also served as a strategic advisor for partnerships with corporations and foundations whose financial contributions enabled thousands of additional individuals to participate in AmeriCorps.
The University of Kansas graduate’s previous experience includes senior-level roles with former Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle and then-Rep. Sherrod Brown of Ohio. Miller also worked with multiple campaigns and at NARAL Pro-Choice America, where he secured funding for groundbreaking programs focused on Latino and millennial voters.
WASHINGTON, DC – (Thursday, October 17, 2019) - On Saturday, November 9, Sally Werner, M.S.H.A., B.S.N., RN, Senior Vice President, Affiliate Relations, Cancer Support Community, will lead the “Support Groups” session at CURE®’s Patient Focused Sessions during the Physicians’ Education Resource® 14th Annual New York Lung Cancers Symposium®. Werner will also take part in the “Psychosocial” panel discussion. The Symposium is being held in New York City at the New York Marriott.
“I am pleased to be able to participate in this important patient focused meeting,” stated Werner. “At CSC, we know all too well the distress, anxiety, and feeling of loss of control that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis. I look forward to highlighting the positive impact that joining support groups can have and the importance of psychosocial care as part of a patient’s comprehensive cancer care.”
CURE® is partnering with CancerCare, the Cancer Support Community, LUNGevity, the GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer and the American Lung Association to present the 2019 New York Lung Patient Sessions, a full-day, patient-focused event hosted in tandem with the 14th Annual New York Lung Cancers Symposium®. This educational and interactive program will provide a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment of lung cancer. For 14 years, the meeting has brought together experts to discuss lung cancer and increase attendees’ understanding of lung cancer therapy.
For more information about CSC’s lung cancer education resources, click here.
To learn more and to register for the patient-focused sessions, click here.
For more information and to register for the 14th Annual New York Lung Cancers Symposium®, click here.
About CURE Media Group
CURE Media Group is the leading resource for cancer updates, research and education. It combines a full suite of media products, including its industry-leading website, CUREtoday.com; innovative video programs, such as “CURE Connections®”; a series of widely attended live events; and CURE® magazine, which reaches over 1 million readers, as well as the dynamic website for oncology nurses, OncNursingNews.com, and its companion publication, Oncology Nursing News® journal. CURE Media Group is a brand of MJH Life Sciences™, the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in the U.S. dedicated to delivering trusted health care news across multiple channels.
About Physicians’ Education Resource® (PER®)
Since 1995, PER® has been dedicated to advancing cancer care through professional education and now advances patient care and treatment strategies on a wide variety of chronic illnesses and diseases. In 2016, PER® initiated continuing medical education (CME) programming in the cardiovascular and endocrinology areas. While expanding into topics outside of oncology, PER® stands as the leading provider of live, online and print CME activities related to oncology and hematology. The high-quality, evidence-based activities feature leading distinguished experts who focus on the application of practice-changing advances. PER® is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education and the California Board of Registered Nursing. PER® is a brand of MJH Life Sciences™, the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in the U.S. dedicated to delivering trusted health care news across multiple channels.
In Big Advance for Patients, Cancer Support Community Adds Digital Nonprofit MyLifeLine to Its Network
As research shows more consumers are searching online for health information, this union will deliver innovative digital services for cancer patients
The Cancer Support Community (CSC), an international nonprofit organization, announced today that MyLifeLine, a foundation whose digital platform has been engaged in transforming the experience of cancer patients over the past decade, will join CSC to bring together more than 30,000 patients, survivors, and loved ones in search of connection and community.
The addition of Denver-based MyLifeLine adds to the global network of 196 service locations, including 47 CSC and Gilda's Club affiliates, partnerships with hospitals, and educational resources that touch one million people each year. CSC's role as the leading voice for patients also includes in-depth research and policy advocacy.
"Together, we will build on our shared mission to ensure that no one faces cancer alone, and we will do so in an innovative, groundbreaking way," said Kim Thiboldeaux, CEO of CSC. "We will transform the way individuals whose lives are disrupted by cancer get information and build a community of friends and family to help them through this experience. We will also increase the patient's voice in policy debates and form new partnerships with corporations, foundations, and other organizations."
Marcia Donziger, a cancer survivor whose personal experience and that of her friends inspired the creation of MyLifeLine 10 years ago, will join CSC as Vice President, Digital Strategy and Business Development.
"I believe this collaboration is a major victory for people impacted by cancer. As a cancer survivor, I know firsthand the stress, anxiety and isolation that cancer inflicts upon patients and their families," Donziger said. "MyLifeLine was created as a gift for all patients diagnosed after me. I wish I had a tool like MyLifeLine to help me coordinate the care and support I needed. The Cancer Support Community elevates the MyLifeLine community in a meaningful way by integrating their award-winning cancer education materials and personalizing the resources based on everyone's unique situation. This new endeavor is a dream come true for me as I have admired the work of Cancer Support Community for decades."
Thiboldeaux and Donziger said they are committed to a seamless transition that engages the individuals and groups that rely on both organizations' services.
Jan. 30, 2018 —Today, the Cancer Support Community and MyLifeLine are announcing a major step forward for cancer patients.
MyLifeLine will become part of the CSC family to create an even more dynamic and innovative support network for patients and their loved ones.
Together, we will build on our global network of CSC and Gilda’s Clubs affiliates, partnerships with hospitals, 196 locations where services are available, and educational resources that touch one million people each year.
MyLifeLine’s digital platform, which has been engaged in transforming the experience of cancer patients for the past decade, brings to CSC more than 30,000 patients, survivors, and loved ones in search of support and community.
As research shows that more and more consumers are turning to online resources for health information, this alliance positions us to deliver expanded digital services in an innovative, groundbreaking way.
In addition to marking a milestone for the delivery of resources and psychosocial support, this combination of educational content and digital resources enables us to do even more to advance our shared mission. We can increase the patient’s voice in policy debates and form partnerships with new companies and organizations that want to help patients living with a cancer diagnosis.
As we embark on this new endeavor, we are also committed to ensuring a smooth transition that engages the individuals and groups that rely on both resources—and have established one-stop shops on both websites to help answer questions and provide updates.
In fact, Marcia Donziger, a cancer survivor whose personal experience and those of her friends inspired the creation of MyLifeLine 10 years ago, will join the Cancer Support Community as Vice President, Digital Strategy and Business Development.
We are so thrilled to share this news and look forward to sharing with you the new advances that will help ensure no one faces cancer alone.
Kim Thiboldeaux
CEO, Cancer Support Community
Marcia Donziger
Founder, MyLifeLine
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MyLifeLine?
MyLifeLine believes a strong support community is critical to healing. The mission is to empower cancer patients and caregivers to build an online support community of family and friends to foster connection, inspiration, and healing through free, personalized websites. MyLifeLine benefits include helping each patient take back control while receiving social, emotional and practical care from loved ones to ease their daily burdens.
Why is MyLifeLine becoming part of CSC?
MyLifeLine is becoming part of CSC to create a more dynamic and innovative support network for cancer patients and their loved ones online and at brick-and-mortar locations. We believe our merger is a 1+1 = 3 equation and a major step forward for cancer patients.
What will the organization be named?
Cancer Support Community is the name of the organization. MyLifeLine is the name of the online community platform where patients connect with their own friends and family for support.
How will the new organization function in comparison to CSC and Gilda’s Clubs affiliates?
MyLifeLine is not an affiliate. It is a digital patient-centric community platform now offered by CSC for affiliates to leverage and grow their networks. Affiliates will be able to offer MyLifeLine to patients and caregivers as a solution that will ease these families’ daily burdens while giving an additional sense of hope, optimism and meaning to the experience of cancer.
How will MyLifeLine users learn about the affiliate network?
The 30,000+ active patients, caregivers, friends and family currently using MyLifeLine will now see a promotion of the CSC network affiliate map on every patient community site. Our longer-term development plans include figuring out how to recommend specific affiliates by the zip code each patient or caregiver identifies as their own. When a patient signs up to use MyLifeLine to ease the communication burden with family and friends, we will customize each patient community site with a link to their local affiliate’s events and programs.
Questions for MyLifeLine Members
Will you still provide the services I use?
Yes, the same service will continue to be provided.
Will the services still be free?
Yes.
As a MyLifeLine member, will my personal data still be protected?
Yes, your personal data will be protected. We will not sell or share your information with outside groups.
What changes could I see?
CSC’s logo and a link to its resources will be on every page. We encourage you to discover the many wonderful resources now available through CSC. They also have an Affiliate Network. Make sure to check if there is a local affiliate in your area, so you can access a variety of in-person support programs. Over the next few months, we will be integrating CSC’s education, information and resources in a customized way to your personal community page. Our longer-term goal is to build the gold-standard customizable platform for you to build your community. We will be offering the right resources for your unique situation at the right time. We will also be asking for your feedback along the way!
If I have made donations to MyLifeLine, will my contribution continue to be used to strengthen it?
Yes. MyLifeLine and CSC will pool resources to create a more dynamic and innovative support network for cancer patients and their loved ones online and at brick-and-mortar locations. We believe this is a major step forward for cancer patients, and we would not have made it to this point without the generosity of supporters like you.
WASHINGTON, DC (Aug 04, 2017)— The Cancer Support Community (CSC), an international nonprofit, today announced the results of its study from the Cancer Experience Registry of cancer caregivers at the 2017 American Psychological Association Annual Convention.
Findings show that among other things, cancer caregivers experienced substantial anxiety (48 percent of respondents) and elevated fatigue (37 percent). Additionally, the top needs expressed by caregivers include:
72 percent wanted better understanding of the patient’s medical condition, treatment, and prognosis
62 percent wanted to learn how to manage personal stress
62 percent lacked information about available financial resources
54 percent desired guidance on how to navigate the health care system
Also of note, caregivers experiencing more unmet needs were people who reported less knowledge about the patient’s cancer. They felt less prepared to provide and coordinate care, and they experienced greater burden.
“The emotional and physical health of cancer caregivers are seldom monitored, so caregivers tend to fall through the cracks,” said Alexandra Zaleta, Ph.D., Senior Director of Research at CSC. “Early recognition of distress and appropriate intervention are imperative for the well-being of the caregiver and long-term care of patients.”
“My mother’s diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer was an overwhelming and confusing experience,” said Anabella Aspiras, RN, MPA, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at CSC, and a former caregiver. “I was fortunate enough to benefit from the free services and programming for caregivers provided by my local CSC affiliate, which gave me hope and helped me to stay positive.”
149 caregivers took part in this study. They are a part of CSC’s Cancer Experience Registry that includes over 12,000 patients and caregivers of 45 cancer types.
See full poster presented at the 2017 American Psychological Association Annual Convention.
Brian d'Arcy James Runs Chicago Marathon in Honor of His Father and Cousin to Benefit the Cancer Support Community. Go TEAM TOM!
Photo by: Jordan Matter
WASHINGTON, DC — Brian d'Arcy James of Netflix’s series 13 Reasons Why, Academy Award-winning film Spotlight, and Tony Award-winning Broadway hit Hamilton is set to take on the 26.2-mile-long challenge of the 2017 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 8th and raise money to support cancer patients and their loved ones served by the Cancer Support Community.
“Like most everyone, my life is touched by cancer. My father Tom James died of cancer at age 50 and my cousin Tom is currently fighting cancer,” said James. “This is why my brother Andrew and I are running the Chicago Marathon under the banner of TEAM TOM to benefit the Cancer Support Community. What makes CSC so wonderful to me is the wide approach they take to not only support patients who are dealing with diagnoses, but also the friends and family around them who are as well.”
“We were very heartened when Brian and Andrew reached out and said they want to run the Chicago Marathon to benefit the Cancer Support Community in honor of their father and cousin,” said Kim Thiboldeaux, CEO of CSC. “We wish Brian and Andrew the best of luck and we will loudly cheer on TEAM TOM on race day!”
In 2012, James performed at CSC’s annual Spring Celebration Gala in New York City at which quintessential American fashion designer Carmen Marc Valvo was honored. In supporting CSC, James joins a prominent group that includes Tony winner LaChanze, Daytime Emmy nominee Katherine Kelly Lang, former WBA middleweight boxing champion Daniel Jacobs, Orange Is the New Black actress Alysia Reiner, David Alan Basche of TV Land's The Exes, and Broadway’s Golden Couple Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley.
This year is the 40th anniversary of the Chicago Marathon. Chicago is one of the biggest marathons in the world attracting tens of thousands of runners to the race to raise money for different charities. The race is on Sunday, October 8, 2017.
All funds raised will benefit the Cancer Support Community.
Brian d’Arcy James was awarded the 2016 SAG Award, Critics Choice Award, Gotham Award and the Independent Spirit’s Robert Altman Award for Best Ensemble, for his portrayal of “Matt Carroll” in the 2016 Best Picture Oscar®-winning film Spotlight starring opposite Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, and Rachel McAdams.
James is a celebrated stage actor who has received three Tony nominations for his work on Broadway in the hit musical “Something Rotten,” “Shrek the Musical,” and “Sweet Smell of Success.” In 2015, he originated the role of King George in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton” off-Broadway and was honored to reprise it on Broadway this summer.
His upcoming film projects include: MARK FELT: The Man Who Took Down The White House, with Liam Neeson (September); Aaron Sorkin’s directorial debut, Molly’s Game, opposite Idris Elba and Jessica Chastain (November); Stephen King’s 1922, directed by Zak Hilditch; Song of Back and Neck, directed by Paul Lieberstein; Theresa Rebeck’s Trouble, starring Anjelica Huston; and Danny Strong’s JD Salinger biopic Rebel in the Rye, starring Nicholas Hoult and Kevin Spacey.
In Toronto, Brian was honored by the Creative Coalition for his work in film, presented by Molly’ Game director Aaron Sorkin.
On television, James co-stars as Henry Baker in the hit Netflix series “13 Reasons Why.” Other credits include ‘Manhunt: Unabomber,” “The Big C,” and “Smash.”
As a concert artist, James has performed worldwide at venues that included The White House, Madison Square Garden, and Carnegie Hall.
DENVER – (July 13, 2018) – The Cancer Support Community (CSC), a global nonprofit, announced today a new partnership with Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC) that will enable Colorado’s largest and most comprehensive provider of cancer care to expand its supportive care for patients and caregivers.
Built on CSC’s national program model, thanks to the generous financial support of the Barbara Bradley Baekgaard Family Foundation, this agreement will make services available across RMCC’s 13 primary clinic locations with CSC satellite hubs being established at RMCC’s clinics in Lone Tree and in Colorado Springs. Now, anyone throughout Colorado impacted by cancer will have access to CSC’s comprehensive, scientifically validated psychosocial support programs, including professionally facilitated support groups, education, social connections, healthy lifestyle classes, and other resources.
CSC and RMCC leaders made the announcement at the Colorado State Capitol where Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne read a proclamation commemorating Colorado Cancer Caregivers Day. The proclamation recognizes those who provide essential support during a patient’s diagnosis.
“Bringing the Cancer Support Community to the Colorado community builds upon our vision to lead the way in cancer care. We believe that the CSC and RMCC collaboration tightly aligns with our shared values: minimizing the impact of illness and expanding the meaning of life for patients and their loved ones,” said Susan Ash-Lee, Director, Supportive Care, RMCC.
“Today marks a major step forward for cancer patients and caregivers in Colorado. We are honored to work with RMCC to provide free supportive resources that will help patients gain a sense of control at a time when a medical diagnosis can make life seem so chaotic,” said Kim Thiboldeaux, CEO of CSC.
The announcement marks another milestone for CSC in Colorado. In January, the Denver-based MyLifeLine.org Foundation, a unique web-based communication platform that connects cancer patients and caregivers to their community of family and friends, became part of CSC, and Denver is now the global nonprofit’s digital hub.
The ceremony at the Capitol also featured two caregivers, Jen and Britton Thomas, whose story helped inspire the proclamation. Jen and Britton each utilized the free services provided through MyLifeLine and relied heavily on its care coordinator features to ease the daily burdens while navigating their spouses’ cancer journeys. In addition, Britton’s wife received treatment at the RMCC.
Unfortunately, their spouses each passed away too young. Years later, Jen and Britton met serendipitously through MyLifeLine and bonded over shared caregiving experiences. In time, they fell in love and got married to begin a new life together and they now have a baby daughter, Ashlyn, who turned one on June 17.
“We share our story so that other families facing a cancer diagnosis know that you do not have to endure this experience alone,” said Britton and Jen Thomas. “So many parts of our story—from MyLifeLine to RMCC are connected through CSC, which means enhanced services for patients and caregivers.”
