This is the new Stewart’s Caring Place
By Laura Briedis
A second home to many families affected by cancer, Stewart’s Caring Place moved into a new building this fall.
Inspired by Dr. Stewart Surloff’s struggles and triumphs during his cancer journey, his wife, Mimi, created Stewart’s Caring Place in 2004 to provide other cancer patients, their families and caregivers a caring environment that offers a myriad of supportive services.
Now housed in a brand-new 12,000-square-foot building, its impact will be even more far-reaching.
“We needed more space because we are servicing 15 counties and thousands of families each year offering more than 150 programs and services—all at no cost to those affected by cancer,” says Executive Director Jeannine Marks, who has been with the organization since its inception. “One of our new amenities is a teaching kitchen, where we show families how to cook nutritional meals.”
“We also have a new art room and music room for both children and adults,” adds Colleen Iacianci, director of development. “Through art and music, people can express their emotions.”
Families can partake in art activities ranging from clay to watercolors. And in the music room, well-appointed with a piano and musical instruments, families can come in and play music, as well as enjoy performances by musicians.
Calming by Design
When you walk through the doors, at once you know you are somewhere special. A large mixed-media painting of a butterfly adorns the wall of the lobby, created by Kimmy Henderson, a local artist whose work is inspired by the personal, private and public challenges we face.
Stewart’s worked with Art x Love to commission local artists to develop healing and inspirational artwork for the new building. Interspersed throughout, there are several holographic paintings, all of which serve to guide people throughout this beautiful new facility.
“We design art that affects the way people think, feel and operate in select environments,” says Mac Love, who is the chief catalyst of this Akron creative agency.
And for Stewart’s Caring Place, the artwork is designed to make you feel this is a place where you can be hopeful, relax and be taken care of.
“My hope is that the art on display here will empower, encourage and inspire visitors,” says Mac.
From the artwork to the furniture and flooring, everything evokes a sense of calm but with pops of color that energize.
“Our intent in designing the space was to provide a comfortable and relaxing environment that supports the vision and objectives of Stewart’s Caring Place,” says Eric Jones, president of Jones Group Interiors. “We wanted the facility to be functional yet aesthetically pleasing to encourage guests to take advantage of all services provided.”
Health & Wellness Focus
As a community-based cancer support resource, Stewart’s Caring Place has three healing arts suites for integrative care services, including Reiki, foot reflexology, massage and aromatherapy facials—all at no cost. The center also offers yoga, chair yoga, Tai Chi and family yoga.
“Oftentimes a cancer patient comes in for a massage before going to their treatment or a caregiver comes in for aromatherapy to relax,” says Jeannine. “Everyone in the family can use these services.”
The center also has a wig and beauty room with 500-plus free wigs, hats and scarves. “We work with area hospitals and doctors who refer patients to us after a diagnosis,” says Jeannine. “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.”
Stewart’s Caring Place also offers one-on-one counseling and support groups, a food pantry and a resource library.
“During Covid-19, we have continued all our services and just adjusted how we deliver them,” notes Jeannine. “We have more online webinars, counseling sessions on Zoom and curbside pickup for wigs.”
“Oftentimes after a cancer diagnosis a person feels overwhelmed, so we are here to help navigate the journey,” she says. “We provide guidance, compassion and hope.”
Help Fill the Building!
As a nonprofit organization, Stewart’s Caring Place relies on community support to fund its cancer wellness center. Because of generous donors, Stewart’s was able to construct a new building to serve more families affected by cancer and offer more programs—all at no cost to them. As part of its capital campaign, they raised monies for the building and have almost reached their goal.
Donations in any amount are deeply appreciated. Gifts of $250 or more will be recognized on an individual brick inscribed with the donor’s name within the Butterfly Walkway that will lead into the building. If you would like to contribute, visit CapitalCampaign.StewartsCaringPlace.org.
Stewart’s Caring Place would like to thank its campaign major donors:
- Thomas and Lisa Mandel
- Dick Viering
- The Jean, Harry and Brenda Fuchs Foundation in memory of Jean Polsky Fuchs
- The Kranz Family Foundation
- Dianne and Herb Newman in memory of Karin Newman Krueger
- Joe and Pam Kanfer
- Mickey and Angie Remen
- Alan and Janice Woll
- Ann Amer Brennan in honor of all cancer sufferers
- Howard Atwood Family Fund of Akron Community Foundation
- Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. Family Cancer Foundation
- The Lehner Family Foundation
- Stan and Roberta Marks
- The Maynard Family Foundation
- Roger T. Read Family
- Tony and Becky Alexander
- H. Peter Burg Fund of Akron Community Foundation
- Robert and Regina Cooper
- The Glauberman Family
- Jones Group Interiors, Inc.
- David and Susan Kattan and Family
- Vince Marchetta in memory of Elizabeth Betsy Marchetta
- Steve and Jeannine Marks
- Mike and Barbara Stacy
- Skip and Susan Summerville
- The Morris and Vitale Families
Stewart’s extends its heartfelt thanks to anonymous donors and hundreds of others who donated.
Stewart’s Caring Place is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The center is located at 3501 Ridge Park Drive in Fairlawn. For more information, call 330-836-1772 or visit StewartsCaringPlace.org.