Cancer Support Community

About

In 1982, Harold Benjamin and his wife Harriet, a cancer survivor, founded The Wellness Community (which later became Cancer Support Community) in Santa Monica, CA. The founding was inspired by Harriet's cancer journey and Harold's research demonstrating that psychosocial support could significantly improve quality of life and potentially extend survival for cancer patients. What began as a single location offering free support groups and counseling has grown into a global nonprofit network with over 200 locations across 50 markets, serving hundreds of thousands of people annually. Cancer Support Community uplifts and strengthens people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care through education, research, and advocacy. All programs are provided free of charge, including counseling, support groups, educational workshops, healthy lifestyle classes, and social programs. The organization also operates the Cancer Policy Institute to advocate for patients and their loved ones, ensuring their voices shape healthcare policy. With a network of 48 affiliates and a dedicated headquarters staff in Washington, DC, Cancer Support Community remains committed to its founding principle: that no one should face cancer alone.