Chester, N.J., October 12, 2023 – Cancer Hope Network (CHN) announces the addition of two distinguished professionals to its Board of Trustees: Michael W. Olesin, Senior Audit Partner at Deloitte & Touche LLP, and Michael Byrnes, Chief Client Officer at InStep Health. Their unique expertise and passion for positively impacting the lives of those affected by cancer will make them key drivers of CHN’s mission.

“We are thrilled to have these two distinguished executives joining us on the Board of Trustees,” said Terri-Ann Feindt, Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer at CHN. “We are building a new vision and direction for the organization in order to serve more people affected by cancer, and I’m confident Michael Olesin and Michael Byrnes will be instrumental in helping us achieve our goals and bringing hope to more people than ever before.”

Chief Client Officer of Instep Health, a medical marketing organization that utilizes technology to help healthcare workers manage client info, Byrnes oversees the sales organization and is an expert marketer with a wealth of knowledge and experience in patient acquisition and business development. Byrnes’ tenure as one of the company’s top five executives spans over 15 years, and his background in marketing and pharmaceuticals, coupled with his commitment to improving patient outcomes, make him a valuable addition to CHN’s Board of Trustees. Byrnes will also be joining the Board’s Marketing and Development Committees.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome and the opportunity to serve on the Board of Trustees,” said Byrnes. “I grew up around this organization and it is not only an honor and a privilege to be entrusted with this role, but a deeply personal one as well.  I am genuinely excited about the prospects and challenges that lie ahead.”

Before joining Instep Health, Byrnes held pharmaceutical sales and management positions with Rx EDGE, Weider Publications and Capital Publishing in New York City. He also served as Senior Director of Pharmaceutical Sales at Third Age Media in San Francisco.

Olesin is a highly experienced Senior Audit Partner with Deloitte & Touche LLP, with an impressive career spanning nearly three decades. He has been instrumental in handling some of Deloitte’s largest global multi-location and multinational engagements, and specializes in External Audit, Accounting, Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Internal Controls, and International Financial Reporting Standards and has extensive experience with joint venture structuring, consolidation accounting, equity method investments, as well as other areas of accounting. He also has extensive experience leading some of the firm’s largest global multi-location and multinational engagements. Olesin will leverage his financial expertise and strong client relationships to support the growth of CHN through the Board and its Finance Committee.

“I want to take a moment to share my excitement regarding the opportunity to serve as a member of Cancer Hope Network’s Board of Trustees—this exceptional team of leaders who have propelled the vision and strategy for CHN,” said Olesin. “I look forward to working with the board to embrace transformative change, and to celebrate the care and love provided by the many volunteers I am excited to step into the role of trustee and am committed to acting as a steward of the organization, safeguarding its interests, and I am sincerely honored and privileged for the opportunity to give back to those in need.”

Olesin’s work spans a variety of industries, including commodities, consumer products and manufacturing, and he has taken on roles including National Audit Leader for the JSG, the National IP&C Sub-Sector Leader for Trading Houses, and the GTS leader of the ER&I industry.

About Cancer Hope Network

Cancer Hope Network provides free and confidential 1:1 peer support for cancer patients, survivors, and those who love them. Our trained survivor and caregiver volunteer mentors provide support from diagnosis, through treatment and into survivorship. They have faced more than 98% of the cancers that will be diagnosed in 2023, speak 15 languages, and are prepared to offer hope and guidance through a wide variety of challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis.

All volunteer and client matches are overseen and supported from beginning to end by a team of healthcare and social work professionals. For more information about Cancer Hope Network and its mission, please visit https://cancerhopenetwork.org/

The post Leading Executives in Finance and Healthcare Marketing Join Cancer Hope Network’s Board of Trustees appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

Chester, N.J., August 10, 2023 – Cancer Hope Network (CHN) announces a new committee that will drive the direction of its support for young adults affected by cancer, the Young Professionals Advisory Committee. This committee aims to harness the unique experiences and insights of young adults impacted by cancer and provide them with a platform to effect positive change and influence on CHN’s direction and strategies.

The Young Professionals Advisory Committee will be composed of young adults who have been impacted by cancer including cancer survivors, those who’ve served as primary caregivers to a loved one with cancer, and healthcare providers who are eager to make a meaningful impact. These committee members will work closely with the leadership team and board, and actively contribute to the CHN’s vision and mission.

“Appealing to a younger demographic is critical to the longevity of our organization and is one step in our goal of ensuring all individuals have someone who can walk their cancer path with them,” said Terri-Ann Feindt, CHN’s Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer. “Through the guidance provided by this new committee, we will be better equipped to provide support to a group of individuals who are balancing adult milestones with the lasting impacts of cancer.” 

Jeremy Kaye, Audit and Assurance Senior Manager at Deloitte, is spearheading the creation of the committee and will serve as its chair. A cancer survivor himself, Kaye’s expertise and dedication to advocating for cancer survivors is a driving force behind the initiative.

“My own experience with cancer has led to a desire to give back and support others who are in the same position I found myself in, which is why I’m thrilled we are now able to formalize a committee to drive further change,” said Kaye. “Through the committee, we are creating an inclusive community of change-makers and leaders united in their dedication to supporting those affected by cancer and fostering hope.”

While the committee aims to empower a new generation of leaders in the cancer space, it also serves as a crucial step for CHN to expand its team of trained Peer Mentors to provide the best possible support for young adults diagnosed with cancer who are looking to connect with someone who can relate to their experience. The committee will also inform and drive programming to reach more young professionals who may not know about Cancer Hope Network’s peer support services. 

For more information about Cancer Hope Network, please visit us at: www.cancerhopenetwork.org/

About Cancer Hope Network

Cancer is isolating and frightening. But it doesn’t have to be. Talking with someone who’s been there can make a cancer diagnosis, going through treatment, supporting a loved one, or adjusting to life post-treatment just a bit easier. Cancer Hope Network’s mission is to instill hope in cancer patients and their loved ones through one-on-one peer support from survivors and caregivers who have faced a similar experience. Through our one-on-one Peer Mentorship Program, we provide personalized, supportive connections for patients and caregivers based on diagnosis and treatment, as well as mental, emotional, social, cultural, and spiritual needs, individual lifestyle choices, and other personal circumstances.

The post Cancer Hope Network Launches Young Professionals Advisory Committee to Empower a New Generation of Change Makers appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

Chester, N.J., June 5, 2023 – Cancer Hope Network (CHN), the first and one of the nation’s leading peer-to-peer cancer support organizations, announced today that they will award Claudio Pannunzio with the 2023 Michael Kzirian “Flame of Courage” award during the 28^thAnnual CHN Golf Classic in West Orange, NJ.

Pannunzio is a two-time cancer survivor and a Cancer Hope Network Support Volunteer mentor. He is recognized for having demonstrated exceptional courage, spirit and determination in the face of cancer, for providing emotional support and making a meaningful impact on the lives of cancer patients, their families and their caregivers across a number of organizations in which he serves, including Yale New Haven Health-Greenwich Hospital.

“Cancer Hope Network’s Peer Support Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do– creating hope and empowering cancer patients and caregivers at any point in their journey, from pre-diagnosis, through diagnosis and treatment, and into survivorship. Claudio Pannunzio joined our volunteer network in 2020 and has made an extraordinary impact on the lives of the patients and families we’ve paired him with,” said Beth Blakey, Executive Director & COO of Cancer Hope Network.

“Hope is a powerful tool for anyone facing adversity. For people experiencing cancer, the hope that comes from speaking with someone like Claudio who’s been there and ‘gets it’ can positively impact health outcomes and make cancer a little less scary and isolating. We are so grateful to Claudio for the many lives he’s touched and the difference he makes every day as a CHN Peer Support Volunteer. It is an honor and privilege to present him with the Michael Kzirian Flame of Courage Award at the CHN Annual Golf Classic on June 12^th.”

“I am deeply honored to receive this award, as it commemorates our late board member and friend, Michael Kzirian, who has made an unforgettable contribution to CHN’s mission,” stated Pannunzio.  “With more than 18 million survivors living in the United States today, our mission to empower cancer patients and their loved ones with hope through one-on-one support is crucial. Every day, our nearly five hundred volunteer mentors walk the cancer path and selflessly share their personal journey with cancer to help address and alleviate the suffering of others.”

“Twice in my life I have experienced first-hand how cancer can affect an individual and their families. I wholeheartedly believe in CHN’s mission and in the services we provide. Our support and daily interactions with patients from diagnosis, through treatment and into recovery truly make a difference in their lives. CHN’s cause is at the core of my motivation, and it is an absolute honor for me to receive this award,” Pannunzio added.

CHN’s survivor and caregiver volunteer mentors provide free and confidential support from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond. These trained volunteers, who live in 38 US states and Canada, have faced more than 98% of the cancers that will be diagnosed this year. They range in age from 19 to 94 and speak 15 languages. As a result, CHN mentors can provide individualized support for clients based on their greatest needs.

The Michael Kzirian Flame of Courage Award, as well as the inaugural Cancer Hope Network Corporate Philanthropic Leadership Award, will be presented at the cocktail reception of the 28^thAnnual CHN Golf Classic on June 12, 2023 at the Crestmont Country Club in Orange, NJ.

About Cancer Hope Network

Based in Chester, NJ, Cancer Hope Network is the first and one of the nation’s leading peer-to-peer cancer support organizations. Founded over 40 years ago to combat the fear and isolation faced by cancer patients, the organization pairs-up individuals diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers with volunteers who currently are on their cancer journey. Ranging from age 19 to 94, CHN’s volunteers are present in 38 US states and Canada and speak 15 languages. For more information visit https://cancerhopenetwork.org/.

The post Cancer Hope Network Presents Claudio Pannunzio with the 2023 Michael Kzirian “Flame of Courage” Award appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

A recipient of the Flame of Courage award in 2018, Michael served as Cancer Hope Network’s Board Secretary, a member of our Golf Committee, and part of the Cancer Hope Network Vision 2025 Strategic Planning Committee until his passing in 2022. We remember him and his contributions to our mission daily and are confident that this year’s award honoree embodies many of the same qualities.

We are also excited to announce the honoree of the inaugural Corporate Philanthropic Leadership Award, which helps recognize the companies and organizations that support us, as well as to spotlight local heroes contributing to our mission in meaningful ways. The Corporate Philanthropic Leadership Award celebrates an individual or group who embodies integrity, demonstrates leadership in helping those impacted by cancer, and models excellence in the field of philanthropy.

The Michael Kzirian Flame of Courage Award, as well as the inaugural Cancer Hope Network Corporate Philanthropic Leadership Award will be presented at the cocktail reception of the 28^th Annual CHN Golf Classic, sponsored by Deloitte, on June 12, 2023.

Keeping the Flame of Courage Lit

Cancer Hope Network is excited to present Claudio Pannunzio with the 2023 Michael Kzirian Flame of Courage Award at this year’s CHN Golf Classic. Claudio is an extraordinary volunteer and supporter of Cancer Hope Network’s mission and we are delighted to recognize him in this way.

Claudio is a cancer survivor and trained Cancer Hope Network Support Volunteer mentor who lives in Greenwich, CT. In addition to serving as a Support Volunteer, Claudio was a valued member of the Cancer Hope Network Vision 2025 Strategic Planning Committee in 2021-2022.

Adding to the many ways that Claudio makes a difference in the Cancer Hope Network Community, he will be joining the Cancer Hope Network team in Washington, D.C., on June 23rd to present at the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship’s Annual Cancer Policy and Advocacy Team Symposium.

Claudio is the Director of New Business & Public Relations for Adler Branding & Marketing in New York City and the CEO & Founder of I-Impact Group, Inc. in Greenwich, CT.

We thank Claudio for his continued contributions to our cause and look forward to presenting the Michael Kzirian Flame of Courage Award to him at the 2023 CHN Golf Classic on June 12th!

Philanthropy at its Finest

The first-ever honoree for Cancer Hope Network’s Corporate Philanthropic Leadership Award is CCG Marketing Solutions, a specialized 3^rd party logistics (3PL) provider who regularly supports philanthropic efforts at both the local and national level.   

CCG Marketing Solutions’ affiliation with Cancer Hope Network began with a printing donation in 2019.  Since then, they have contributed in many ways including hosting an organization-wide promotional campaign for Giving Tuesday—helping to raise awareness about the important work we do with their employees and matching employee donations to raise $5,000.

Thank you again to CCG Marketing Solutions and their employees for their continued support. We can’t wait to honor them at the 2023 CHN Golf Classic on June 12th!

The post The Embodiments of Hope: Celebrating our 2023 CHN Golf Classic Award Recipients appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

Chester, N.J., April 13, 2023 – Cancer Hope Network (CHN), one of the nation’s leading 1:1 peer support nonprofits for adult cancer patients and their loved ones, announces the election of Terri-Ann Feindt as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Beth Blakey as Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer. Their combined leadership will drive forward CHN’s mission and strategic plan to serve more people and expand access to programming nationwide.

Founder & Chief Executive Officer of industry-leading technology solutions and strategy firm, Double Eagle Consulting, Feindt has been an active member of CHN’s Board of Trustees for more than two years, during which she chaired the Development Committee, dedicated her time and talents as a member of the Vision 2025 Strategic Planning Committee. In her role as Chairman & CEO, Feindt will apply her experience advising top companies in the IT space to execute CHN’s Vision 2025 Strategic Plan.

“I’m honored to be selected as Chairman and CEO of this amazing organization and to help execute the vision the planning committee worked hard to create,” said Feindt. “I’m excited to help lead our efforts to serve more people, providing and measuring high-quality services, engaging strategic partners and collaborators in the oncology space, and driving financial viability. Our vision is a world where no one faces cancer alone. Broadening awareness of our program and raising the funds to support it will be the cornerstones that help us reach our goals and actualize our vision.”

Feindt is an active member of Women in Technology, NetApp, and DMN Marketing Forum. A dynamic leader, dedicated supporter, and compassionate advocate, she brings a wealth of corporate and nonprofit expertise to CHN’s board and is deeply connected to the spirit of CHN’s mission through her own experience as a caregiver to her late father.

As a seasoned non-profit veteran of over 20 years, spending four of them with Cancer Hope Network in Fundraising & Development, Blakey partners with CHN’s Board of Trustees, Medical Advisory Board, and Board Committees to ensure the excellence and quality of CHN’s peer support program. As Executive Director & COO, Blakey will drive the development of CHN’s programming and fundraising.

“I’m honored to work alongside such a strong leadership team that’s deeply passionate about growing Cancer Hope Network’s program to best serve our current and future patients, caregivers, and volunteers,” said Blakey. “My goal alongside Terri-Ann is to reach everyone who might benefit from our services, making our organization more accessible and ensuring no one has to face cancer alone.”

Previously working for a variety of nonprofits including Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the Rutgers University Foundation, and the Mayo Theatre and operating her own nonprofit and corporate communications consulting business for 13 years, Blakey’s expertise includes fundraising, organizational assessments, strategic planning, operations, and business development.

Forty-two years ago, Cancer Hope Network was the first in the nation to provide 1:1 peer support for cancer patients. For over four decades, the organization has remained steadfast to the simple, yet profound concept upon which we were founded—that through meaningful connection with someone with shared lived experience, cancer patients and their loved ones can navigate cancer with a greater sense of well-being and hope.

About Cancer Hope Network

Cancer Hope Network provides free and confidential 1:1 peer support for cancer patients, survivors and the people who love them. Our trained survivor and caregiver volunteer mentors provide support from diagnosis, through treatment and into survivorship. They have faced more than 98% of the cancers that will be diagnosed in 2023, speak 15 languages and are prepared to offer hope and guidance through a wide variety of challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis.

All volunteer and client matches are overseen and supported from beginning to end by a team of healthcare and social work professionals.

The post Cancer Hope Network Strengthens Commitment to Serving Cancer Patients With New Appointments to Leadership Team appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

Cancer Hope Network was the first in the nation to provide peer support for cancer patients. The organization was formed more than 40 years ago when very little support was available to cancer patients. Today, research and modern medicine are improving health outcomes, and various services are available to support patients and mitigate the impacts of social determinants of health.  

Cancer Hope Network has participated in regional Unite Us networks for several years, connecting with community experts and social service professionals to support individuals facing cancer. This expanded alliance scales existing relationships and will provide more seamless access to care for cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors across the nation.  

Together, Cancer Hope Network and Unite Us can connect people in need to community-based resources that may be difficult to navigate otherwise. The Unite Us platform provides a central point of contact where healthcare providers and social service organizations can securely access and refer people to services while monitoring progress and measuring outcomes. 

“Cancer impacts nearly every aspect of our lives, bringing a flood of physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Unite Us leverages the power of technology to connect people in need of help with the organizations and professionals who stand ready to provide that help,” said Sarah Miretti Cassidy, Cancer Hope Network’s Director of External Affairs. “The individualized care provided by Cancer Hope Network mentor volunteers is bolstered by the relationship and connections available through Unite Us support networks.” 

“As we continue to expand the network to support individuals nationwide, we’re proud to support the Cancer Hope Network community’s needs and connect them to much-needed resources,” said Adrienne Sherk, Senior Director for Community-Based Partnerships at Unite Us. “When an individual is diagnosed with any form of cancer, their focus should remain on treatment and recovery; they shouldn’t have to worry about navigating the social service landscape on their own.”  

For community-based organizations that would like to learn more about the Unite Us network, please visit https://uniteus.com/contact/.  

About Cancer Hope Network 

Cancer Hope Network provides free and confidential 1:1 peer support for cancer patients and their loved ones. Survivor and caregiver volunteers provide support from (pre) diagnosis through treatment and beyond. Support Volunteers have faced more than 80 types of cancer. (More than 98% of the cancers will be diagnosed this year.) They speak 15 languages, are located across the country, and are prepared to offer hope and guidance through various challenges accompanying a cancer diagnosis. Mentor and client matches are individualized to meet the key needs of the patient or caregiver and may include one or many visits. Matches are overseen and supported from beginning to end by a team of healthcare and social work professionals.  

About Unite Us:   

Unite Us is a technology company that builds coordinated care networks of health and social service providers. With Unite Us, providers across sectors can send and receive secure, electronic referrals, track every person’s total health journey, and report on tangible outcomes across a full range of services in a centralized, cohesive, and collaborative ecosystem. Unite Us’ dedicated team builds authentic, lasting partnerships with local organizations to ensure their networks have a solid foundation, launch successfully, and continue to grow and thrive. This HITRUST-certified social care infrastructure helps communities transform their ability to work together and measure impact at scale. Follow Unite Us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 

Unite Us Media Contact: 

Jaquetta Gooden                                         

jaquetta.gooden@uniteus.com  

The post CHN Announces National Collaboration With Unite Us appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

“We were thrilled to be able to honor Joe this year. He is so deserving for all that he does to help move along Cancer Hope Network’s mission of hope,” said Randibeth Gallant, Associate Director of Special Events. “The evening flowed with a warm vibe and exciting music, reminiscent of pre-covid galas.” 

The fundraising event was a chance to debut our “Give Help. Get Help.” video, featuring interviews with Cancer Hope peer mentor and client. It was underwritten by Jay & Brad, in honor of Nancy McGarvey and we are incredibly grateful for their support. 

We are also thankful to this year’s sponsors – including our presenting sponsor Lite, DePalma, Greenberg & Afanador. See our digital ad journal here and enjoy photos from the evening here.  

The event was chaired by CHN trustee and longtime volunteer Lori Roth.  

For more information about the event, or to learn more about upcoming fundraisers, contact Randibeth Gallant, Associate Director of Special Events – rgallant(at)cancerhopenetwork.org. 

The post CHN honors volunteer with Spirit of Hope award. appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

Preventative Care

When it comes to cancer screenings, treatment and care, money is a huge issue and “Compared to heterosexual, cisgender people, LGBTQ people are more likely to be unemployed, uninsured, lack access to health care, and delay health care—including care that’s critical to help prevent cancer and screen for it.”² Our friends at CancerCare have some great resources. 

Homophobia and Transphobia

Another major hurdle many in the community face is homophobia and transphobia. This unfortunately extends to health care. “LGBT patients often face a combination of ignorance and discrimination in accessing health care. While homophobia and transphobia among healthcare providers is declining, it is still very much in existence.” ³ This discrimination can lead to queer people avoiding preventative care. “Previous or feared negative responses from health care providers frequently keep too many LGBT individuals from seeking routine care and cancer screening.”⁴ 

How CHN Can Help

Queer people may face homophobia within their own family and thus many have a chosen family. Support from loved ones is a major factor in cancer care. The National LGBT Cancer Network Cancer states, “Family support is critical for cancer survivors. LGBT people create families in ways that are often invisible or unwelcome in a health care setting.”⁵  

This is where CHN comes in. Many studies have shown that emotional support during a cancer journey is critical to the mental health and stress relief of someone facing a diagnosis. For more than 40 years, our team has been connecting patients and caregivers with trained Support Volunteer mentors who understand. Matches are based on a shared diagnosis, similar treatments, or shared life experiences. Including sexual and gender identity. Our volunteers are trained to lend a listening ear – sharing their own experiences, providing hope, and inspiring courage for patients and caregivers. Get matched with someone who understands and has been there. 

1-2. Cancer Research in LGBTQ Community | American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Www.cancer.org. https://www.cancer.org/research/acs-research-highlights/cancer-health-disparities-research/cancer-health-disparities-acs-research-highlights.html 

3-5.  National LGBT Cancer Network Cancer and the LGBT Community. (n.d.). Cancer-Network.org. Retrieved October 28, 2022, from https://cancer-network.org/cancer-information/cancer-and-the-lgbt-community/ 

The post Cancer and the LGBTQIA+ Community  appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

This year marked the 10^th Anniversary of the event.  “Pink Witches Night Out was started in 2012 by Meg and Cait Olenowski in memory of their mother, a former Downtown Denville business owner Kathy Olenowski. This year the event was brought to you by Saint Clare’s Health.” ¹

The celebration is to spread awareness for Breast Cancer and “The “Halloween-inspired” night is about proudly honoring survivors, those still in the fight, and their friends and family members and celebrating women’s health.”¹

CHN staff attended the Pink Witches Night Out in Denville, NJ last Friday. At this year’s event we met some great people, some who wish to volunteer, some who made dedications for loved ones, and some looking for hope.

At Cancer Hope Network, our vision is to create a world in which no one faces cancer alone. Your support helps to make that vision a reality. Please visit Cancer Hope Network’s online Garden of Hope to make a contribution in honor or memory of a loved one.

Cancer Hope Network’s team is committed to providing hope and support for cancer survivors at any stage on their journeys: from diagnosis, through treatment and into survivorship. Call 877.HOPENET (877.467.3638) to request a free and confidential match.

1. Pink witches night out 2022 by downtown Denville – secure.givelively.org. (n.d.). Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://secure.givelively.org/event/downtown-denville-b-i-d/pink-witches-night-out-2022

The post CHN attends Pink Witches Night Out appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.

“The cancer journey is so different for so many people. But I think it all starts from the same place. When you’re first diagnosed with cancer, there is this sense of fear, uncertainty, mystery.” 
Joseph DePalma,  
2022 Spirit of Hope Honoree 
Support Volunteer, Trustee, General Counsel 

For nearly three decades, Joseph DePalma has been helping people facing cancer navigate that sense of fear and mystery to find hope and healing. He will be honored as the Cancer Hope Network 2022 Spirit of Hope winner at the organization’s Chrysalis Gala on October 20.  

Mental Building Blocks 

Joe was a young lawyer with three small children (his youngest had just celebrated her first birthday) when he was diagnosed. He recognized immediately that cancer would be a physical and emotional battle.  

He focused on keeping his physical body and mental health in their best possible shape. When treatments and side effects made physical health impossible, he focused on creating mental building blocks that would bolster his mental health. “I might not be able to control the outcome of the physical nature, the chemo, the radiation, the surgery, but I could work to put my mind in a better place. And that’s what I tried to do.”  

Those mental building blocks included thoughtful compartmentalization. “Whenever I let my mind wander, it took me to a negative place, to a place I didn’t want to be. I learned to take my battle for the day and come equipped in that day for that battle. I did my best not to worry about what if this happens’ or ‘what if this doesn’t happen.’”  

Helping Others – Volunteer service through the years 

After treatment, Joe’s desire to help and support others like he had been supported brought him to a startup called CHEMOcare, CHN’s original name. He completed Support Volunteer training and was soon being matched with patients – nearly two dozen to date. “I always look forward to those matches because I come away with a sense that I touched someone’s life and made their journey a little easier and a little better.”  

As treatments changed and matches came less frequently, Joe transitioned the focus of his volunteer efforts to leadership service. He joined the Board of Trustees in 2012 and has continued his service as Support Volunteer, Trustee, and now General Counsel for thirty years.  

Joe has found meaning in each of those volunteer roles, “As General Counsel, I very much enjoy providing legal advice to the Board so they can continue to do the amazing things that they do. Sitting on the Board is remarkable because I’m with an incredible group of compassionate and caring people who are all unified in the singular purpose of making sure that no one goes through a cancer journey alone.  

As a volunteer, being able to speak one on one with somebody going through what I went through, I think is the most rewarding. They’re all rewarding but being a volunteer and giving somebody this sense of feeling a little bit better at the end of the conversation than when they started, I felt was not only good for them, but it was good for me, and it made me want to do it again and again.” 

Benefits of Service 

Joe’s years of service have been marked by a throughline – his dedication to making the world a better place and to leaving his community better than he found it.  

“I think there’s this sense of the interconnectivity we all have as a society. I received so much when I was going through my journey – support from family, support from friends, from the medical community. And I wanted to give when I came out of that journey. And hopefully that circle continues so that when I give to somebody who’s going through their journey, at some point down the road, they’re going to want to do the same. Cancer Hope is an organization that so perfectly facilitates that circle…receiving and giving.” 

Praise from others

His commitment is recognized and appreciated by his colleagues and friends. 

“The positivity that Joe has brought to his cancer journey and CHN patients has not stopped there.  He is the true optimist of the firm that we all look to in times of need.”  

Tamara Crocker, Chief Operating Officer, Lite DePalma Greenberg & Afanador, LLC 

— 

“Cancer Hope Network is fortunate to have hundreds of outstanding volunteers. Joseph DePalma stands out even in that talented crowd. Joe shares kindness and brilliance in equal measure, putting people at ease. His thoughtful guidance and strategic leadership have helped CHN mature into the organization we are today. We are tremendously grateful for his service.”  

Cynthia Gutierrez Bernstein, Executive Director & COO, Cancer Hope Network 

— 

“While I’ve been lucky enough to know Joe since he joined the Board of Trustees, you can’t truly appreciate anyone’s true essence until you play music with them.  And in Joe’s case, our jam sessions over the past year tell you everything you need to know about him. 

First, how modest he is about his skills and talents.  Joe approached my husband, Steve, and me about a year ago wanting to get back into guitar, saying he hadn’t played in ages, wasn’t sure if he was ready, and just wanted to ease in.  But in true Joe fashion, he showed up and blew us away, never telling us how amazingly good he is and how well he can hold his own on a six string in any scenario. 

Second, what a team player he is.  He always says he’s just happy to keep rhythm, and will always be reluctant to take the solo.         

Third, what a fun, kind, and thoughtful person he is, and how important his friends and family are to him.  Joe will always show up to practice with an amazing bottle of wine, great stories about concerts he’s seen, travel plans, curiosity about what everyone else is up to, and most importantly, updates about his family – all of which involve pure joy and excitement. 

Steve and I are so lucky to call Joe our friend, and cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award.” 

Lindsay Tasher, Vice President, Cancer Hope Network Board of Trustees 

Cancer Hope through the years 

Cancer Hope Network was the first in the nation to provide 1:1 peer support for cancer patients and caregivers. As someone who’s been a part of the organization for nearly three quarters of its existence, Joe has witnessed the organization’s transformation from a regional Northern New Jersey startup to an organization serving “from the Atlantic Ocean to Pacific Ocean.” He’s seen our scope grow to include support for caregivers and other loved ones.  

“One of the things I learned on my journey is that in addition to all the emotions that the person who has cancer is going through, is that there are other very important emotions and concerns that the person’s loved ones are going through. It’s important for the patient to be mindful of that. In different ways, caregivers need support just as  much as the person who is going through their cancer battle. Cancer Hope has really brought that to new heights over the years.”  

He encourages others to support Cancer Hope as volunteers and donors as an opportunity to get to the end of their own end of the tunnel and turnaround to see others that need to get through that same tunnel. “It’s very enriching and rewarding experience to know that you’ve done your best to create a better life for somebody else by giving them a sense of hope.” 

The Chrysalis Gala is Saturday, October 20 at the Hyatt Regency of Morristown.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Randibeth Gallant, Associate Director of Special Events (908.879.4039 ex 110) or visit cancerhopenetwork.org/gala. 

The post A career of service: CHN honors Joseph J. DePalma appeared first on Cancer Hope Network.