Cancer Lifeline

It started with a mission to help the people whose lives were affected by cancer. In 1973, Gloria Gutkowski, facing her third recurrence of cancer, was dismayed by the lack of support available through the medical community. She gathered a group of doctors, nurses, social workers, friends and family members around her dining room table – and Cancer Lifeline was born. Since the beginning, Cancer Lifeline has constantly introduced and championed new advances in cancer support and now offers diverse experiential support groups and classes, informational presentations, and exercise programs tailored to the unique challenges of people who have (or have had) cancer. In addition, as the survivorship rates for cancer have improved over time, Cancer Lifeline has focused on the new realities of many who are living with cancer for extended periods of time. Our years of experience have revealed four common needs which guide our programming: Need for Information Need for Inclusion not Isolation Need to Express Feelings Without Fear of Judgement Need for Choice and Control Cancer Lifeline is committed to broadening access to our services through hospital partnerships, access to up-to-date cancer resources, and by sharing our expertise with like-minded community organizations who want to develop their own programs.

Everyone is touched by cancer at some point in their lives, either as a patient or as a loved one. Cancer Lifeline helps thousands of cancer patients build strength through our support groups, classes in nutrition, exercise, personal expression, stress reduction, and personalized emotional support. Whether you are newly diagnosed, through treatment and looking to adjust to the new reality, or you know someone with cancer, Cancer Lifeline has services that can meet you where you are now, and help you.