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‘Better together’: Long-standing support organizations form Cancer Bridges

By Harry Funk staff Writer hfunk@thealmanac.Net 3 min read
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Rebecca Whitlinger

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Dani Wilson

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Jen Kehm

For a combined total of nearly half a century, two Pittsburgh organizations have worked toward providing resources for anyone who has been impacted by a cancer diagnosis.

In effect, the mission of both the Cancer Caring Center and Our Clubhouse has been to help people move from one side of the crisis to the other.

So when the pair of nonprofits merged in September, they chose a new name that reflects their commitment in that regard: Cancer Bridges.

“We really wanted to work together, because we had done so informally,” said Rebecca Whitlinger, longtime Cancer Caring Center executive director. “This merger makes us able to streamline our services and to offer more programming. It sounds kind of hackneyed, but we’re just better together.”

She now serves as associate director of Cancer Bridges, with Dani Wilson as executive director, the same role she had with Our Clubhouse.

“Together, we will build on our impactful programs, workshops and services by reaching into more communities across diverse populations,” Wilson said in announcing the merger. “We look forward to joining our supporters together and inviting new people into our warm and welcoming space, no matter where they are on their cancer journey.”

Cancer Bridges is based at the formerly Our Clubhouse facility at 2816 Smallman Street in the Strip District. The Cancer Caring Center had been located in Bloomfield.

All staff members of both organizations have been retained, including Jen Kehm of Peters Township as development and program coordinator. She also is the founder of the Young Women’s Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation.

As was the case with the previous organizations, Cancer Bridges offers free services and programming, not only to individuals who have been diagnosed, but also family members, friends, caregivers and those who are bereaved.

“Some people want help initially. Some people go through treatment and then think, I’d like to talk to somebody about my experience,” Whitlinger explained. “So we help people wherever they are in the cancer journey.”

Because of precautions related to COVID-19, programming continues to be provided virtually, a circumstance that actually has provided more opportunities for involvement throughout the region.

“COVID has affected everybody, and that includes patients who are particularly vulnerable. Last year at this time, they were asking, well, should I risk getting COVID as I pursue treatment? Many hospitals understandably said, you can’t bring in a support person,” Whitlinger reported. “Our patients had experienced isolation and fear, and we were able to help by working with them.”

Work toward the creation of Cancer Bridges started more than two years ago, as the boards of both former organizations explored culture, programmatic fit and opportunities to expand reach and services. The Forbes Funds provided professional consultation through its management assistance program.

“It’s an exciting accomplishment to finally be legally merged, even though we considered that we were sort of merged, anyway,” Whitlinger said. “Looking toward the future, we know we will continue to expand together. And honestly, that’s the most important point when your goal is helping patients and families and friends move forward.”

For more information, visit cancerbridges.org.

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