The Stewart’s Caring Place Butterfly Gala is back and the need for support is even greater
By Laura Briedis
When Mimi Surloff founded Stewart’s Caring Place in 2004 as a way to honor her late husband and help other families going through their own cancer journey, she had no idea the far-reaching impact her nonprofit would have. Today the cancer wellness center serves thousands of families in 18 counties throughout the state and offers more than 150 programs at no cost to those affected by cancer.
“We help people navigate the journey after a cancer diagnosis as a continuum of care,” says CEO Jeannine Marks, who has been with the organization since its inception. “We consider ourselves a resource of wraparound non-medical services that not only benefit those with cancer, but also their families and caregivers. We take care of people of any age, in any stage or phase of cancer. Our doors are open, so you can come into our center for support groups, counseling and programs, or you can join us virtually.”
A Supportive Environment
Tracey Dwyer, one of the three cancer survivors on staff, is the center’s chief experience officer and is helping organize hybrid-style support groups that can meet in person or virtually.
“This fall we are reaching out to more members of our community as we started LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC support groups,” she says. “Some people do not feel fully included or understood in general support groups, so we have started a couple of new groups to ensure nobody needs to navigate through challenging times alone.”
There also are support groups specifically for breast cancer and prostate cancer, as well as others that explore spiritual approaches to coping with cancer and a group exclusively for caregivers.
Home Away From Home
A second home to many families affected by cancer, the 12,000-square-foot center offers group fitness, holistic care, beauty workshops, and cooking demonstrations, as well as art and music programs.
As soon as you walk through the doors, you know you are somewhere special. From the artwork adorning the walls to the overall building design, everything evokes a sense of calm but with pops of color that energize you. And the entire staff is so welcoming.
The newest staff member, Sarah Vojtek, who is the chief development officer and also is a cancer survivor, brings a caring demeanor to her position. “After my treatments were over, I toured Stewart’s with my mom and sister and was blown away by the services offered,” says Sarah. “Now that I work here, I am looking forward to helping others diagnosed with cancer take full advantage of all we offer here.”
“The goal of all of our programs is to provide meaningful support for everyone who is involved in the cancer journey and not just the person who is diagnosed,” says Tracey, who has an MBA in healthcare management and is a reiki master. “We are adding more holistic programs and services with a focus on mindfulness, meditation and breathwork, as well as offering more one-on-one peer counseling.”
Stewart’s Caring Place has three healing arts suites for integrative care services including reiki—all at no cost. The center also offers Qi Gong, yoga and other exercise classes.
At the cornerstone of the center is a wig and beauty room with 500-plus wigs, hats and scarves available to cancer patients at no cost. “Oftentimes, the wig room is the gateway to our organization as patients come in for wigs and then see all that we have to offer,” says Jeannine.
Stewart’s Caring Place also has a food pantry for those who need temporary food assistance, a cooking demonstration kitchen where families learn how to cook nutritional meals, an art room and music room for both children and adults where they can express their emotions, and a resource library where people can read cancer-related and wellness-focused books.
“We also have professionals who volunteer their time so you have access to financial and legal consultations,” says Jeannine. “Oftentimes after a cancer diagnosis a person feels overwhelmed, so we are here to help navigate the journey through every aspect.”
18th Annual Butterfly Gala
Saturday, October 16
• 5:30 p.m. cocktails
• 7:30 p.m. dinner
Dine and dance under the stars at the Butterfly Gala—all for a worthy cause.
“The Butterfly Gala is a way for the community to come together and show their support,” says Jeannine Marks, Executive Director of Stewart’s Caring Place. “The money we raise enables us to provide programs and services at no cost throughout the year to all of those touched by cancer.”
At the gala, the Allio family and the Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. Family Cancer Foundation will be honored as the 2021 Spirit Award recipients for their contributions to helping those affected by cancer.
Emceed by WKYC-TV anchor Sara Shookman, this event always sells out—so get your tickets early. Space is limited. Open seating outdoors.
The Butterfly Gala is at the home of Honorary Chair Virginia Addicott. Cost is $195 per person. Purchase tickets online at StewartsCaringPlace.org/events or contact Sarah Vojtek at svojtek@stewartscaringplace.org for more details. Stewart’s Caring Place is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The center is located at 3501 Ridge Park Drive in Copley. For more information, call 330-836-1772 or visit StewartsCaringPlace.org.