Photos courtesy of Cancer Support Community Arizona
Cancer Support Community Arizona (CSCAZ), a pivotal resource in the fight against cancer, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Established in 1999, the nonprofit has dedicated itself to providing essential, cost-free support services to cancer patients and their families across Arizona.
“Cancer Support Community Arizona is proud to celebrate 25 years of service,” says CEO of Cancer Support Community Arizona Julie Dunnigan. “We are committed to uplifting those impacted by cancer through an innovative approach; by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care.”
In its milestone year, CSCAZ has revamped its offerings to meet the evolving needs of the community. Acknowledging that Arizona will see over 40,000 new cancer diagnoses this year, CSCAZ has expanded its in-person support options. These include weekly support groups, educational seminars, and wellness activities. This year saw the launch of Rise & Recharge, a monthly series of seminar-style workshops aimed at empowering those affected by cancer.
Dunnigan, who took over as CEO in August 2023, brings over 15 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector to her role. Her firsthand experience with cancer deeply informs her approach, emphasizing evidence-based and holistic support during all phases of the cancer journey.
In the past year alone, CSCAZ has assisted nearly 2,000 individuals. Looking forward, the organization is focusing on extending its reach to underserved populations. This includes initiatives tailored to Native American communities, developed in collaboration with the NAU/UA Native American Prevention teams, and programs for the Latino community, offering resources and support in Spanish.
CSCAZ is also planning new fundraising events and community celebrations this year to bolster awareness and support for its diverse programs and services.
For more information, visit cscaz.org.
