The Living Through Cancer Foundation, formerly The Cancer Foundation for Personal Wellness is a 501 C(3) non profit public foundation established by Herbert & Irene Silver in memory of their son, Rod M. Silver a graduate of finance from the business college at American University in Washington, D.C. In the midst of a successful career, Rod succumbed to cancer at age 30. Our co-founder and current President, John Luciano lost his wife as a result of metastatic breast cancer. It was during her illness and treatment that John recognized the need for support services beyond medical treatment alone.
In partnership with hospitals and cancer centers in Philadelphia and surrounding counties, Living Through Cancer has developed education programs and workshops in the areas of nutrition, stress management, improved emotional well being, guidance counseling for patients and their families, care giver support, exercise programs to enhance strength and flexibility during treatment and the availablity of a cancer well-being library. The foundation further provides information on managing skin and hair problems that occur during treatment.
A staff of licensed professionals with expertise in the topics we offer works directly with the medical and social service professionals in hospital and cancer centers in the development and presentation of our programs to insure the needs of the cancer patient at these facilities are being met. Since 2002 we have reached out to 5500 cancer patients through 200 plus workshop/programs, participation in survivors day programs, Sisters for the Cure special days and support of the first Complimentary Alternative Medicine program at Bryn Mawr Hospital.
All of our psychosocial educational programs/workshops are provided at no cost to the cancer patients or host facility. This insures that all who are in need of these vital services that help maintain emotional, physical well being and physical appearance during and after treatment are able to attend.
We rely solely on donations from individuals, grants from corporations, foundations and an annual fund raiser. 80% of every dollar received goes towards patient services. Each year at a fall gala event we present our In The Looking Glass Award to a distinguished honoree who has given their expertise, talent, nurturing and support to cancer patients in the Philadelphia and Delaware Valley counties. We have also presented special recognition awards in memory and in honor of cancer patients and survivors.
Your workshop was very informative -- I learned a lot in a short period of time.
Workshop Attendee-Lourdes Medical Center
