Rothenberg is president and CEO of Hope Connections for Cancer Support, a nonprofit organization and facility in Bethesda. What is Hope Connections?
[Our] mission is to help people with cancer and their loved ones throughout the D.C. area deal with the emotional and physical impact of cancer through professionally facilitated programs of emotional support, education, wellness and hope — all provided free of charge.
We help alleviate the feelings of isolation, loss of control and loss of hope that often accompany a cancer diagnosis by providing a place for people with cancer and their loved ones to come together, connect with, and help each other navigate through their cancer experience.
Why did the name change from The Wellness Community?
While we were an independent corporation, we were an affiliate of a national organization. We made the decision to focus all of our resources — human and financial — on helping people in our local community. The new name better reflects who we are and the work that we do. Plus people don’t think we’re a health club.
How did you come up with the new name?
We wanted the name to reflect the words that come to mind when our participants think of us; the “hope” we instill in people and the “connections” they form with other cancer patients are two of the most important. Thus, Hope Connections for Cancer Support was the best choice to capture the spirit and the strength we’re able to instill in those dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
Has anything else changed?
I’m happy to say nothing at all. Our mission, programs and people remain the same. We are as committed as ever to providing the emotional support that can mean so much to so many who have nowhere else to go.
— Scott McCabe
