Community Spotlight: Cancer Connection

Meet our May 2025 Community Spotlight organization. Cancer Connection’s mission is to provide a haven where people with cancer and their loved ones can learn how to navigate the complicated cancer journey through one-to-one guidance, education, peer support, integrative therapies, and creative programs to strengthen body and spirit.

“All of the services and programs at Cancer Connection are offered free of charge.”

Founded in 2000, Cancer Connection is an independent, registered 501(c)3 nonprofit in Northampton. Our goal is to provide comfort, community and resources to people as they navigate this life-changing diagnosis. All of the services and programs at Cancer Connection are offered free of charge.

For any individual facing a cancer diagnosis, or their loved one/caregiver, Cancer Connection offers trained listeners, called Befrienders, as our first point of contact, and provides ongoing Befriending, a variety of support groups, integrative therapies (massage, acupuncture and reiki), and a whole range of programs, including writing, art, music, movement, yoga, mindfulness, healthy cooking and more. Participants report (and research confirms) so many benefits from our programs: reduced stress and anxiety, improved sleep, less pain, fatigue, and side effects from treatment, better quality of life, a sense of not being alone—and hope.

Cancer Connection is the only cancer support center in Hampshire and Franklin Counties and serves people in Hampden County and throughout the Pioneer Valley. With our Zoom and hybrid programs, we reach people in any geographic location (and they often say to us, “I wish there was a Cancer Connection in my area”).

“Participants report (and research confirms) so many benefits from our programs: reduced stress and anxiety, improved sleep, less pain, fatigue, and side effects from treatment, better quality of life, a sense of not being alone—and hope.”

Unfortunately, most of us have a personal connection to cancer, and cancer diagnoses continue to grow. In 2025, the American Cancer Society projects more than two million new cancer cases in the U.S., with 44,000 new cases and 12,390 deaths in Massachusetts alone. Whether it is you, a family member, or a friend, Cancer Connection’s services are here to ease the cancer journey.

In the past year Cancer Connection delivered more than 1,000 hours of integrative therapy appointments, fielded an average of 173 Befriender calls, visits, and emails each day, and welcomed people to our programs and support groups from more than 64 towns in Massachusetts (and several other states, through our virtual programs). We are able to offer our services free of charge, no fees or insurance required, thanks to donations from individuals and businesses, events such as our Mother’s Day Half Marathon and Harvest Dinner, proceeds from the Cancer Connection Thrift Shop, foundation grants, and community fundraisers.

Yet, as a small organization—and with rising diagnoses and barriers to care—we struggle to keep up with the demand, with people often experiencing significant waits to join our support groups or secure a massage appointment. And there is so much more to do.

We are actively seeking to grow our funding—from individuals, foundations, businesses, and events—to meet this moment and secure our future.

“With greater support, we can expand our services to meet increased needs and help address systemic barriers to care with outreach to underserved communities.”

In the next several years, we are excited to expand our offerings to serve more people, continue to grow our programming based on needs and interests, and pilot programs in underserved communities including Holyoke and Springfield. We are passionate about bringing our services to ease the cancer journey for as many people as possible.

This year we are celebrating 25 years of Cancer Connection (2000-2025)! This milestone birthday inspires us to rise to the needs of the next generation—not only by addressing rising cancer diagnoses, but by providing our services to a more diverse population. With greater support, we can expand our services to meet increased needs and help address systemic barriers to care with outreach to underserved communities. These dual goals truly fulfill the heart of Cancer Connection’s mission.

What is one simple thing an individual can do to make a difference in the lives of the folks you serve

We invite everyone to learn more about Cancer Connection—and tell your friends! We want anyone facing cancer (or their caregiver) to have access to our services and programs, and for individuals and businesses in the community to support us so we can meet the need.

In recognition of our 25th anniversary in 2025, we have a list of 25 Ways to Help Cancer Connection. Learn more here.

Get involved:

Cancer Connection loves and appreciates our volunteers!

We have many volunteer opportunities, including at our educational programs and workshops, in our office, and at our signature annual events such as our Mother’s Day Half Marathon (May 11, 2025) and our Harvest Dinner (Oct. 16, 2025).

If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to Kendell Sweeney-Thomas, our Office and Outreach Manager at: outreach@cancer-connection.org or 413-586-1642.

Upcoming events:

Sunday, May 11: Western Mass Mother’s Day Half Marathon

The 15th annual! And all proceeds go to Cancer Connection.

Friday, June 6: The Grateful Bed Tour

A fun, new event building on our signature Camp-Outs and Bed Ins, with music and food throughout the Valley, an online raffle and special prizes, with all proceeds supporting Cancer Connection.

Sunday, June 14: Bikes Fight Cancer

Cancer Connection is proud to be one of the beneficiaries of this amazing local bike ride – and we also are looking for people to ride on our team!