Membership Directory

History

“When we started I didn’t understand the value of the organization until I saw the results. I was astounded by the idea that the organization really, really helped people and still does.”

– Harry Davidow, Lynn Stern’s brother and Co-Founder

In 1988, Lynn Stern was watching the Phil Donahue Show with special guest Dr. Harold Benjamin, founder of The Wellness Community (TWC) located in Santa Monica, California. At the end of the segment Dr. Benjamin said, “If anyone is interested in starting a Wellness Community contact me.” As an ovarian cancer survivor and moved by his mission of providing education, hope and community to those impacted by cancer, Lynn picked up the phone and immediately contacted Dr. Benjamin.

Lynn traveled to Santa Monica, California, to learn more about the organization. She was so impressed and inspired by its philosophy, approach and impact on people affected by cancer that she returned home determined to bring the organization to the Greater Cincinnati community.

Thanks to her vision and the hard work of Lynn herself, co-founder Sherry Weathers and their group of friends and supporters, TWC arrived in Cincinnati in 1990. Today, it’s the third oldest affiliate. For nearly 30 years, the organization has brought support, education and hope to thousands of people impacted by cancer in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region.

In 2009, The Wellness Community’s national organization joined forces with a very similar organization, Gilda’s Club Worldwide, and became Cancer Support Community, creating a global network of more than 50 affiliates offering support at more than 150 global locations, the largest professionally led nonprofit network of cancer support worldwide.

Through cutting-edge psychosocial, behavioral and survivorship research, CSC works to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community.