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Are Your Donated Dollars Achieving Your Goals

From the Desk of James J. Pepe – Director of Development and Marketing 22 September 26 One of the things we pride ourselves on at Cancer Support Community – Greater Lehigh Valley is the connection we have with our local community. We enjoy serving people in our counties of coverage (Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe and Northampton in PA and Warren County, NJ). We can say that when we receive a gift from a donor, it is going to programs and services for the people in our community. We take care to publish the number of community members we serve, are working to get the success stories recorded, and are always willing to share our goals for the future of our organization. Recently, a minor uproar occurred in our community when someone wrote an opinion piece in the paper recommending donors ask how their dollars are being used and what the local impact is. Essentially, are your dollars staying local and are they actually helping the community as the non-profit claims? Too often, we see non-profits that will weave a story to make people think they are making a difference in their community, when the reality is the dollars being donated are sent around the country for services. I have also seen some claim to raise funds for specific programs or services, even highlighting the local aspects, yet those local dollars are sent to fund other things altogether. We live in interesting times when so many non-profits are competing for the same dollars. From my perspective as a Director of Development and a donor to non-profits myself, it is the duty of the donor to ask these questions. You are putting your hard-earned money into what should be of great use, and it is wise to make sure the organizations that benefit from your generosity and passion to help are doing what they say. As a donor, you are the checks and balances. To help ensure dollars are going to the places you want them to, consider: It is important to remember that non-profits, no matter what some staff members say, are a business. The goal is to bring in enough to cover costs, and if there is left over, it goes towards implementing new ideas. It is also crucial to understand that there is overhead, be it salaries for staff or facilitators, heating and electricity, internet, and even costs to run websites like the one you are reading this on. This is why making a general donation is so important. Dollars that can be spread around to programs and to ensure the business operates day-to-day are crucial. After all, if everything is restricted, the organization can’t function. If the non-profit you are donating to can show results in the community, plans for growth and their vision for the future matches yours, your support will be benefitting many while achieving your philanthropic goals.

A New Dawn

From the Desk of Danika Hayes, LPC – Program Director 02 September 26 Dear CSCGLV Community: As I begin my role as Program Director at Cancer Support Community Greater Lehigh Valley, I want to share how genuinely excited I am for the chapter ahead. CSCGLV has long been a place where compassion, connection, and resilience thrive, and I’m honored to help carry that mission forward. My hope is that this next phase is one we can all feel energized by. I’m committed to continuing the momentum of positive change strengthening our programs, expanding support where it’s needed most, and ensuring every member feels welcomed, valued, and understood. Your experiences, your voices, and your needs will continue to guide the work we do. In the coming days, many of you will receive a message with a link to a survey where you can share feedback as I reimagine and enhance programming here at CSCGLV. If you would like to offer any additional thoughts, please reach out directly to programs@cancersupportglv.org. I’m grateful to be here, and I look forward to growing with you all. All my best, Danika Hayes, LPC

The Mission Continues

From the Desk of Chris Gillis — President, CSCGLV Board of Directors 24 August 26 Dear Friends, At Cancer Support Community Greater Lehigh Valley, we believe that no one should face cancer alone. Every day, individuals and families throughout our community turn to us for support, education, hope, and connection during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. As Board President, I am continually inspired by the courage of those affected by cancer and by the dedication of our staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners who make our mission possible. Together, we create a welcoming environment where participants can find emotional support, educational resources, healthy lifestyle programs, and meaningful relationships that help them navigate their cancer journey. The impact of our organization extends far beyond our walls. Every support group attended, educational program offered, and wellness activity provided represents a commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals and families facing cancer. These services are offered at no cost to participants because of the generosity and compassion of supporters like you. As we look ahead, our commitment remains steadfast: to ensure that every person impacted by cancer in the Greater Lehigh Valley has access to the support and resources they need. We will continue to expand awareness, strengthen partnerships, and enhance our programs so that more individuals can benefit from the care and community that Cancer Support Community provides. On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support, advocacy, and belief in our mission. Your involvement helps transform lives, foster hope, and remind those facing cancer that they are never alone. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier, and more compassionate community. With gratitude, Christopher GillisBoard PresidentCancer Support Community Greater Lehigh Valley

Take Flight – Final Boarding Call

We are closing in on a full flight! The Take Flight Against Cancer program has space for 30 more names before the section of airplane at ABE is full. Honor your loved one with cancer by securing your spot before they’re gone. Make a $50 donation today to help fund comprehensive support programs offered at no cost to cancer patients, cancer survivors, and families affected by cancer. With your donation, you will be able to HONOR or REMEMBER yourself or a loved one by having the name placed on aircraft wings located at Lehigh Valley International Airport. 100% of your donation will go towards programming. CLICK HERE TO ADD A NAME

Sara Corckran Named Featured Speaker at HFS

We are pleased to announce that Sara Corckran, speaker and author of Grit and Grace, will be our Featured Speaker presented by St. Luke’s Cancer Center at the 2026 CSCGLV Health Forward Summit. The Health Forward Summit will take place on Saturday, June 13 at DeSales University. The event is open to our community, especially to those who have been impacted by a cancer diagnosis. We will have more announcements regarding speakers and the agenda in the near future. Registration is open and is free. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Wings of Hope – September 13

Join us for the 19th annual Wings of Hope, the signature event of Cancer Support Community – Greater Lehigh Valley. This butterfly release event brings the community together to honor and remember our loved ones who have faced a cancer diagnosis. Designed for all ages, Wings of Hope offers a heartfelt and uplifting experience for individuals and families alike. Enjoy an afternoon filled with a live butterfly release, a variety of activities for children and adults, inspirational speakers, music and entertainment, and local vendors and community resources. Event Details:Admission: Free to attendLive Butterflies: $50Paper Butterflies: $10 (displayed on sheer remembrance curtains) Come together in support, hope, and remembrance! Wings of Hope – Live Butterflies 1 live butterfly $50.00 USD 2 live butterflies $100.00 USD 3 live butterflies $150.00 USD General Donation (adjust qty in cart to increase by $10) $10.00 USD Name(s) Wings of Hope – Honor Butterfly – Pin-up 1 butterfly $10.00 USD 2 butterflies $20.00 USD 3 butterflies $30.00 USD 4 butterflies $40.00 USD 5 butterflies $50.00 USD 6 butterflies $60.00 USD General Donation (adjust quantity in cart to increase by $10) $10.00 USD Name(s) Wings of Hope – Memory Butterfly – Pin-up 1 butterfly $10.00 USD 2 butterflies $20.00 USD 3 butterflies $30.00 USD 4 butterflies $40.00 USD 5 butterflies $50.00 USD 6 butterflies $60.00 USD General Donation (adjust qty in cart to increase by $10) $10.00 USD Name(s) .

LVHN Renews Partnership

The Cancer Support Community – Greater Lehigh Valley is pleased to share that Lehigh Valley Health Network has renewed their partnership support to CSCGLV and its membership in 2026. LVHN returns as a Commonwealth Partner for the second consecutive year. In addition, collaboration on programs for our cancer community will continue. In 2026, LVHN will feature at three (3) events held by CSCGLV, and those are: CSCGLV has enjoyed a fruitful partnership with LVHN for several years, which has delivered tremendous support to our Greater Lehigh Valley cancer community. We look forward to working with LVHN throughout 2026.

ServPro Team Davis Joins CSCGLV as a Partner

The Cancer Support Community – Greater Lehigh Valley is pleased to announce that ServPro Team Davis has joined CSCGLV as a Commonwealth Partner for 2026. This new partnership builds off of a great collaboration in 2025 that saw ServPro Team Davis partner with the Golf 4 Cancer Lehigh Valley event, in addition to other support. In 2026, ServPro Team Davis will feature at four (4) events in support of CSCGLV: CSCGLV is looking forward to working closely with ServPro Team Davis in support of our cancer community.

CSCGLV and St. Luke’s Agree to Partnership

The Cancer Support Community – Greater Lehigh Valley is pleased to share that St. Luke’s University Health Network has reaffirmed their partnership support to CSCGLV and its membership in 2026. St. Luke’s Cancer Center will be front and center as a Commonwealth Premier Partner to CSCGLV. This signifies a multi-event partnership that increases their commitment from a year ago. In 2026, St. Luke’s Cancer Center will feature at five (5) events held by CSCGLV and our associates. St. Luke’s will be recognized as the Presenting Partner to Wings of Hope, the signature event held by CSCGLV. The full list of events is: CSCGLV has enjoyed a fruitful partnership with St. Luke’s for several years, which has delivered tremendous support to our Greater Lehigh Valley cancer community. We look forward to working with St. Luke’s throughout 2026.