Cancer Lifeline Support Groups & Classes |
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All classes and support groups are FREE for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. Check out our website for online access instructions and current program listings. You can also download a copy of our current class catalog here.
Here is a selection of featured upcoming programs:
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Register Today for All Classes & Support Groups |
All classes and support groups are FREE for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.
Click here for a downloadable pdf of our current catalog.
Check out our website for access instructions and current program listings.
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Monthly Blog: Managing
Information Overload
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All around us information and ideas compete for our attention and tug at our desire to be in-the-know. With ease we connect to cell phones, or, computers, and from there the social media pages and expanses of data on the internet. Of course, we want to know what is happening in our communities and educating ourselves is a good thing. However, exposure to the endless supply of information at our fingertips and long hours spent on the internet often have a dramatic effect on our ability to cope. Technology use can be highly overwhelming. For those of us living with cancer, there is a strong need to know about the disease, to know what treatments are available, and what to expect. It is a natural response to gather information so that we can make informed decisions. However, the natural desire to be informed can turn into hours spent consuming too much technology and can lead to increased anxiety. Read more.
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John's cancer journey began 8 years ago when a tumor was discovered in his liver. He completed surgery and radiation, which were successful, but there is a high possibility of recurrence, so he has scans twice a year. He didn't learn about Cancer Lifeline until after his treatment had ended and wished he had found out about it sooner. He's appreciated the support groups and has found connecting with people going through the same things incredibly powerful. It's helped him to understand how to communicate and work with his medical team and is still a place he goes to just open up and talk without fear of judgement. Participating in programs has had a positive impact in his post-treatment life, and learning how to live with the fear of recurrence. His favorite Cancer Lifeline classes are Yoga and Nutrition. The things he's learned have helped him take back the control he felt he lost when diagnosed and helps him increase his energy level at the same time. When we asked what he wished he had known when he was first diagnosed, he shared,
"It's a good idea to utilize the resources out there, including all that Cancer Lifeline has to offer for emotional and financial support. They have such a wide variety of classes packed with information that help people with all kinds of cancer related issues."
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Save the Date! Fundraising with Friends
begins on March 30th
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Fundraising with Friends is Cancer Lifeline’s annual online fundraising event that raises vital funding for our emotional support programs. For 50 years Cancer Lifeline has been supporting the emotional needs for people impacted by cancer with free services such as support groups, the Lifeline, and mental health counseling. With your support we can ensure that Cancer Lifeline’s services remain free and available to anyone in need for another 50 years! There are many ways you can get involved. |
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Become a Fundraising Champion: Join the fun as a Fundraising Champion- it's easy! Cancer Lifeline will help you create an online fundraising page and provide you with information to share. From March 30- April 30 you can share your page with your network of family, friends, and colleagues. You can even team up with friends and colleagues to create a fundraising team page!
Be a sponsor: Cancer Lifeline relies on businesses within our community to help us meet the growing need for cancer support services. A sponsorship ensures we reach our fundraising goals and gives a business recognition for supporting a well-established non-profit in the community.
Donate: Make a tax-deductible donation from March 30 – April 30. Your donation will ensure that Cancer Lifeline can continue to offer programs where anyone affected by cancer can share their fears and experiences in safe and inclusive environments.
If you would like more information about Fundraising with Friends, please email Deserie
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Writers Wanted: Submissions due by March 8th |
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Exciting news! 2023 marks a major anniversary for Cancer Lifeline. The organization is 50 years old and that is definitely cause for celebrating. As part of the yearlong celebration and events, we are collaborating with the Northwest Collage Society, for our fourth joint art show planned for August. The interpretation of written work by Cancer Lifeline participants into collage pieces has proven to be powerful and moving. Whether you have taken a writing class with Cancer Lifeline or write on your own, we would love to include examples of your work. All writing styles are welcomed. Email Basha for more information.
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Sponsor Spotlight: D.A Davidson |
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Thank you to financial services firm D.A. Davidson for their ongoing support of Cancer Lifeline. Since 1935, employee-owned D.A. Davidson has been providing straightforward advice, personalized solutions, and industry expertise in the areas of wealth management, trust services, and capital markets. Community responsibility is not just an idea at D.A. Davidson; it’s the way they do business and is actively embraced as one of their core values. We couldn't do the important work we do without you!
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A Note from the Executive Director |
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How has another month passed by so quickly? Once again, I am here, faced with a blank page and a call to fill in the space, and no clear plan on what I should write about, so I have elected to write about what is on my mind.
I am so happy to report that the workspace at Cancer Lifeline is once again feeling full and joyful. We are all thankful to have filled the staffing vacancies and have welcomed some wonderful talent to our team. Talent that is shaped by education and real life-experiences of individuals who are passionate about our mission, and who, like so many of us, have been touched by cancer.
I’m referencing the new hires Veronica Dalton as our new Executive Assistant, and Deserie Sjouwke as our new Development & Communications Manager. Both of whom have already seamlessly integrated into our work family and ‘hit the ground running’ with a purpose that renews all of our passions in the work we do. I hope you’ll keep reading to learn more about both of these two amazing women of color!
While their identity as women of color was not a consideration for selecting these fantastic people for their respective roles, it is an added benefit as we work hard as an agency to continue expanding our reach to more people who identify as Black, Indigenous, People Of Color (BIPOC). It is important that the demographics of Cancer Lifeline’s team, reflects those in our community.
We now have ten core staff members, and half of our team identify as BIPOC or LGBTQIA+, both traditionally marginalized peoples. The rest of our team is made up of amazing and dedicated women in their own rights. I’m always grateful to be in the company of intelligent, funny, and kind souls so this is my happy place. I’m proud that Cancer Lifeline now looks more like the community we serve. It has re-inspired my passion for the great work we are doing, and it helps Cancer Lifeline reach out further into our community knowing that we reflect a diversity that provides real-world credentials and allow us to more easily serve even more individuals and families affected by a cancer diagnosis. Cancer Lifeline is well positioned for the next 50 years.
With Love & Gratitude,
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Joseph Yurgevich
Executive Director
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Our Cancer Lifeline Family has grown!
Welcome Staff Members Deserie & Veronica
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Veronica Dalton, Executive Assistant |
Veronica lost her mother to Leukemia at age 13, and has been wanting to work in the cancer community ever since. Once she read the mission and values at Cancer Lifeline, she was hooked. She believes strongly that people living with cancer & their families truly need support groups and to be surrounded by others who understand what they are going through. She loves how everyone shares the same goal and passion for cancer support on our staff & thrives on helping people navigate & connect to the resources and emotional support they need. In her spare time, she likes to have family game nights and attend Seattle Mariners games. Fun Fact: She collects Vans tennis shoes and has about 40 pairs.
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Deserie ("aka Dese") has made her way back to Cancer Lifeline after 7 years and says it still feels like "home". She feels so blessed to play a small role in helping cancer patients and their loved ones feel supported. She is passionate about being a part of a community where people can go after they are faced with the roller coaster of emotions that come with a cancer diagnosis. "There is a lot of information to digest and decisions to make when you’re going to appointment after appointment. Cancer Lifeline is where anyone affected by cancer can turn to when they're exhausted and need emotional support outside of their network of family & friends." In her spare time, she can be found treasure hunting for antiques and vintage clothing. Her personal mantra is simply, "Be Kind".
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Deserie Sjouwke, Development & Communications Manager |
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Our Sponsors Make It Possible
Cancer Lifeline is grateful for the leadership and support of the following sponsors:
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We are grateful for the support of members of the Fred Hutch Cancer Center organization on so many levels - for the great work they do, for the sponsorship support, and for the many informative presenters they have shared. Bonus, three of our current Board Directors are on staff at Fred Hutch: Bethany Murphy, Joanna Diallo, and Reetu Ghumman.
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Cancer Lifeline welcomes myMDadvocate.com as one of its newest sponsors. A virtual consultation service for patients in Washington state, myMDadvocate.com is led by our board chair Susan Baumgaertel, MD.
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We began our formal hospital partnership with Overlake Medical Center in September of 2017, but our relationship reaches back to 2004 when Cancer Lifeline had office space in Bellevue. We are grateful for Overlake's partnership and the ongoing support of our events.
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We welcome back and are very grateful to Marshall & Sullivan as a sponsor for 2023. Not only does your service help to relieve the pressures of day-to-day wealth management, your support enables Cancer Lifeline to help many people living with cancer.
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Thank you to financial services firm D.A. Davidson for their ongoing support of Cancer Lifeline. Since 1935, employee-owned D.A. Davidson has been providing straightforward advice, personalized solutions, and industry expertise in the areas of wealth management, trust services, and capital markets. Community responsibility is not just an idea at D.A. Davidson;
it’s the way they do business, and is actively embraced as one of their core values.
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As we continue to expand our services to serve cancer patients and their families in Pierce County, Cancer Lifeline is grateful for our collaboration with Northwest Medical Specialties.
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Thank You for Your In-Kind Donations |
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Inquiries regarding opportunities to sponsor events and programs can be directed
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