Staying ‘In Fashion’

Fundraiser supports work of Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia

The word “cancer” puts a stake through one’s psyche.

It changes a person’s life in an instant and has a chain reaction that affects all other members in that human’s sphere. It means dedication to that disease. The next year will include doctors, donors and decisions.

It is why a dynamic healing organization titled the Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia (CSCP) was “born” in Fairmount Park at the Suzanne Morgan Center more than 35 years ago.

Begun by physician Harold Benjamin, with the assistance of spouse Harriet, the couple eventually decided to join forces with comedian Gilda Radner’s healing enterprise as both women had been affected by and succumbed to the many times deadly disease. The enterprise was initially dubbed “The Wellness Community.” Its purpose was to be a haven where newly diagnosed patients had a “safe” place in which to come to acceptance of the illness and the realities of a life associated with it.

Now offering support services at four locations — Ridgeland, Warminster, Abington and Doylestown — the list of subjects to learn about or become involved in is seemingly endless. From knitting and needlecraft to tai chi or Zumba, along with movie nights or cooking classes (healthy eating suggestions provided), whole families are invited to take part in the patient’s hoped for journey to recovery.

One of CSCP’s most looked-forward-to events is its “In Fashion” fundraiser, held at the Merion Cricket Club in Haverford. A soldout crowd was packed in tight for pre-dining libations before they got to see the latest in clothing for the well-dressed woman before a heart-healthy luncheon was served.

Know of a person in need of being cheered up by finding others in their same health dilemmas or need to know medical aid? CSCP has participants of all ages, stages and abilities involved in its outreach and understanding programs. Visit the website at cancersupportcommunity.org to join others who are walking the same walk.

Iliana Strauss of Villanova and Barbara Eberlien of Philadelphia stop to say hello to Monica Bibeau of Gladwyne, Kasey Riemer of Wayne and Marie Pronzato of Radnor.

Sheila Grubb of Villanova and Nancy Shein of Bryn Mawr (right) get advice from savvy Main Liner Caroline O’Halloran of Malvern.

Andrea Freundlich of Villanova, Maryanne Dean of Villanova, Pia Halloran of Haverford and Nancy Dubow of Bryn Mawr support CSCP’s annual luncheon.

Andrea Alexanian of Chestnut Hill hangs out with Nina Rosenthal of Villanova, Shana Schwartz Bryn Mawr and her Penn Valley pals, Nan Meyers and Sandy Edelstein.

Newtown Square resident Judy Boyd shares a high-top table with Marybeth Christiansen of Wayne.

Jeff Kellnes of Glen Mills stops to speak with Chere Onofrio of Newtown Square.

Amanda Burch of Haverford enjoys a chat with Sharon Bozenka of Newtown Square.

Lisa Cooper of Gladwyne learns more about CSCP from one of its board members, Charlotte Suspenski of Haverford.

Emma Rumbaugh of Berwyn and her seat mate Susan Zaharchuk of Blue Bell wait for the fashion show to begin.

Cancer Support Community advocates Chestina Dowgiewicz of Lower Gwynedd finds a friend in Jill McCabe of Marple.

Lisa Farrell of Newtown Square and Denise Bellisario of Wayne raise an “ice tea” toast to the Cancer Support Community’s annual lunch and fashion show.