by Shelby Campbell
Photo courtesy of cscct.org
Austin, Texas now has an organization to support people touched by cancer with their psychosocial needs.
Cancer Support Community is a nationwide organization that
came into existence through the 2009 merger of The Wellness Community and
Gilda’s Club Worldwide. However, it is because of four determined individuals
that CSC-affiliate Cancer Support Community Central Texas is in Austin today.
The organization’s journey began when Tere Holmes met Kate
Cleary on the set of a documentary for breast cancer. In hair and makeup, the
women discussed the need for support during
their breast cancer journeys.
Cleary lived in St. Louis, MO., during most of her battle with
breast cancer and took advantage of support through The Wellness Community,
while Holmes was in Austin without access to support groups. After agreeing
Austin would benefit from a support community, Cleary said Holmes got a crazy look on her
face.
“You know what we outta do, is just start one,” Holmes said.
Cleary had her doubts, but Holmes reassured her that with her
administrative background, they could do it. At that point, they reached out to
The Wellness Community as well as Gilda’s Club and later learned of the merger.
While going through the process, they knew they needed to bring
more leaders on board. As time went on, Kelli Sureck, another breast cancer
victim, and Seth Winick, who previously worked with the American Cancer Society,
joined the cause.
Although these four co-founders have all been directly
affected by breast cancer, they want to emphasis to the community that there is
more than just pink. There are other victims of different cancers seeking
support, and these co-founders all understand the importance of providing that
community.
“We know it’s the right thing to do,” Holmes said.
Today, the organization has raised over $150,000, and is
currently promoting upcoming events to raise more money to meet their goal of
opening their doors before the end of 2013.
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