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Our Mission |
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The mission of
The Wellness Community
is to help people affected by
cancer enhance health and
well-being through a
professional program of
emotional support, education,
and hope. All programs and
services are provided
free of charge. |
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Our programs for people with all types of cancer and their loved ones
provide the support and resources needed to maintain a high quality
of life and to cope with this life-altering condition. We offer
weekly on-going support groups, family and friends groups, networking
groups for people with specific types of cancer, educational programs,
exercise activities, stress management sessions, nutrition classes,
creative art workshops, and social gatherings.
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“Community” is perhaps
the most important aspect of The Wellness Community model of
care that differentiates the program from any other. Today, thousands
of people with cancer and their loved ones unite together through
our programs. People come at the time of diagnosis, during or at the
end of treatment, at recurrence or several years out of treatment.
They all come to learn they are not alone in their struggle--whether
for physical, emotional, or spiritual recovery. Together, they regain
a sense of control over their lives and ultimately discover that hope
is a valuable tool irrespective of the stage of their disease. |
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Our History
 The
Wellness Community was founded by Dr. Harold Benjamin in Santa
Monica, California in 1982. As a result of experience with his wife's
breast cancer and through subsequent years of study on the psychological
and social impact of cancer, Dr. Benjamin formulated the Patient
Active Concept. This revolutionary idea would be recognized years
later at Walt Disney World EPCOT Metropolitan Life exhibit as one
of the most significant developments in the evolution of modern health
care. In addition to the Patient Active Concept, the other
significant cornerstone of our program is that all services are provided
free of charge in a home-like, community setting. |
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The National organization was officially formed in 1989 to facilitate
expansion outside California. In 1997, the National headquarters moved
to Cincinnati, Ohio. A new Board of Directors was formed that reflected
more national representation and a new CEO was hired. In 2002, the
National headquarters relocated to Washington, DC and The Wellness
Community is preparing to celebrate its 25th Anniversary. To view
the national website click
here.
The Wellness Community of Philadelphia, one of 21 chapters
of TWC, is located in West Fairmount Park, Philadelphia with a satellite
in Lansdale, PA and off-site programs throughout the Greater Philadelphia
area.
The Wellness Community of Philadelphia was founded
in 1993 by Constance M. Carino, RN, DNSc, a breast cancer survivor
and Professor Emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1997,
The Wellness Community of Philadelphia moved to the historic Ridgeland
Mansion in West Fairmount Park after restoration through the generous
funding of The Suzanne Morgan Foundation. Our home in the beautiful,
serene park setting is now the foundation of a nurturing environment
away from and unlike that of the hospital, medical offices, and clinics
we traditionally associate with treating cancer. The property also
includes a renovated barn used for exercise programs and larger workshops,
and The Jean C. Holler Contemplation Garden,
a place of peace and tranquility.
The
Patient Active Concept
Being “Patient Active” is about feeling and acting
empowered. It refers to your active participation in the choices you
and your health care team make about cancer treatment and throughout
the cancer experience. Choosing to be “Patient Active”
is not one monumental decision but rather a series of small incremental
choices that help you regain a sense of control over your treatment
and in your life in general.
Among the many stressors that cancer and its treatment can bring,
research has shown that there are three particularly challenging psychological
and emotional stressors that people with cancer face, namely –
unwanted aloneness, loss of control, and loss of hope. A meaningful
way to reduce these stressors is to participate along with loved ones
and other people with cancer in the programs offered at The Wellness
Community. Being “Patient Active” means that you
take specific steps to learn to make informed decisions about your
cancer and its treatment, as well as the psychological, emotional,
social and spiritual issues that impact your health and well-being.
Please see Program and Services for a description of our programs. |
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