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The founding of The Wellness Community Silicon Valley
In 2006, frustrated in finding helpful local resources for dealing with cancer, Rusty Hammer, his wife, Pamela, and friends Karen Storey and Steve Tedesco determined to make a difference.
Both Rusty and Pamela had participated in The Wellness Community in Pasadena, where they found helpful resources and a nurturing community. But there was nothing like that in Silicon Valley, and they were determined to establish one. The result: The Wellness Community is coming to Silicon Valley. Today, The Wellness Community Silicon Valley is a virtual community, embarked on a mission to establish a center as well. With your support, we will make the vision a reality, bringing hope and help to individuals and families facing cancer. Rusty died in January after getting TWCSV off to a good start, and his spirit continues to guide the dedicated efforts of cancer patients and survivors, friends and family, medical professionals and volunteers to establish a community dedicated to providing education, support and resources for individuals and families facing cancer.
The Wellness Community (TWC) is a network of community-based, nonprofit organizations dedicated to providing emotional support, education, and hope -- at no charge to participants. TWC, now in its 26th year nationwide, provides a home-like setting where individuals can learn from -- and support -- each other. Participants also learn vital skills enabling them to regain control, reduce feelings of isolation, and restore hope, regardless of the stage of their disease. TWC offers professionally facilitated support groups, educational workshops, and mind/body programs developed from peer-reviewed research.
Community lies at the heart of TWC's program. People come to TWC at all stages of the disease -- and they learn they are not alone in their fight -- whether for physical, emotional or spiritual recovery. Together, participants regain a sense of control over their lives. At TWC:
- All programs are provided at no cost.
- All programs are offered in nonclinical settings to provide a nurturing, relaxed and homelike atmosphere.
- The program follows a "patient-active" model. That means participants are empowered to be involved with their care, rather than being passive consumers.
- Caregivers are welcome to participate in their own support groups as well as in workshops.
Our board of directors
A group of dedicated community residents and medical professionals is leading the effort to start The Wellness Community in Silicon Valley. Heading the 15-member board is Steve Tedesco, chair. Board members are Pamela Hammer, vice chair; Michael J. Culcasi, secretary; Julianne Biagini, treasurer, and directors Tiffani Anderson, Deborah Burke, Tanya Cecchin, Ellen Cirigliano, Kathy Doctor, Bob Hammer, Pat Lawson, James Moore, Martin Morici, Sean O'Kane and Jasan Zimmerman. Co-founder Karen Storey is executive director. Bios.
In addition, we have established a Community Advisory Council, which also offers welcome guidance.
The Wellness Community around the world
There are 25 TWC facilities in the United States, 56 satellites, two centers abroad (in Tokyo and Tel Aviv), and support online through The Virtual Wellness Community. TWC provides online resources for teens with cancer and their parents at Group Loop.
The 'patient active concept'
In 1982, Dr. Harold Benjamin devised the "patient active concept," inspired through his experience with his wife's breast cancer and his subsequent studies on the psychological and social impact of cancer. This idea was recognized years later at Walt Disney World EPCOT Metropolitan Life exhibit as one of the most significant developments in the evolution of modern health care.
"People with cancer who participate in their fight for recovery from cancer will improve the quality of their life and may enhance the possibility of their recovery," Dr. Benjamin said, distilling the essence of the patient-active concept. A "patient active" is someone who considers himself or herself part of the fight for recovery, along with their physicians and health-care team. A "patient active" adopts a series of actions, behaviors, and attitudes that will improve the quality of his or her life and may enhance the possibility of recovery.
Being a "patient active" is about feeling and acting empowered. A "patient active" opts not just for being a "cancer patient" -- but rather a "cancer patient -- active." It is your active participation in the choices you and your health-care team make about treatment that can improve your quality of life and perhaps enhance the possibility of your recovery. Choosing to be a "patient active" is not one monumental decision, but rather a series of incremental choices that help you regain a sense of control over your treatment and your life.
There is no right or wrong way to be a "patient active." You decide what is best for you. Being a "patient active" means that you learn how to make informed decisions about your cancer and its treatment, as well as the psychological, emotional, social and spiritual issues that impact your health and well being.
Ongoing Research
TWC is involved in national research with Stanford University and the University of California at San Francisco, among other partners, to demonstrate the positive effects participation in TWC programs has on people affected by cancer.
The community and hope
Many people recover from cancer. Research has shown that people affected by cancer can benefit from sharing experiences and support.