Sarasota, FL April 16 — A new name is among several developments being announced today by one of the region’s fastest growing non-profit organizations. Effective immediately, The Cancer Support Community Florida Suncoast will be known as the Center for Building Hope (CBH).
According to CEO Carl Ritter, “The new name signifies the dramatic growth in the number of cancer patients, caregivers and other family members utilizing our new world class facility, as well as plans to expand our free programs and services to even more families in need.”
“In addition to expanding our offerings and the number of people we serve,” Ritter added, “our staff will begin training with Massachusetts General Hospital and its Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine. This affiliation with Harvard Medical School’s largest teaching hospital will help us enhance the quality and range of our Mind-Body programs.”
Since the local non-profit moved to its new campus in Lakewood Ranch in the Fall of 2010, the number of cancer patients and family members participating in its programs and services has more than tripled. That level of growth, Ritter said, “demanded that we increase the volume and variety of services being offered, while continuing to ensure the highest standards of professionalism among our staff.”
CBH Board Chair Carol Ann Kalish adds “existing research confirms that the mind and body work together to impact our overall health and our recovery from illness and disease. We plan to be on the leading edge of efforts to understand and expand applications of this simple principle for all patients and caregivers through participation in ongoing research, as well as our affiliations with the local medical community and with national and international leaders in psychotherapy.”
Center for Building Hope offers free information, programs and services to cancer patients, caregivers and family members, while connecting them with others who are undergoing a similar experience. All of its professionally-led programs are designed to help its family of participants improve their quality of life.
CBH offers its services in a state-of-the-art facility in Lakewood Ranch, located on a five-acre campus surrounded by healing gardens and serene nature preserves. Designed in conjunction with Ringling College, the facility has become a worldwide model for an optimal healing environment. Services also are provided through local affiliations with Sarasota and Bradenton hospitals and in satellite locations in Venice, Longboat Key and Newtown.
For more information: www.centerforbuildinghope.org
