Caregiver Information

TWC’s History

Twenty-five years ago, a caregiver founded The Wellness Community. In 1976, after Harold Benjamin’s wife, Harriett, had a bilateral mastectomy for breast cancer, Benjamin, a successful attorney and businessman in New York City and Beverly Hills, devoted himself to researching the effect psychological and social trauma have on the cancer process. He became aware that after diagnosis, people affected by cancer and their families often lived with a continuous round of depression and unhappiness, feeling doomed without any way of fighting back. At the same time, he noted that many scientists believed that the psychological trauma of the diagnosis itself had a negative effect on the course of the illness.

The Birth of TWC’s Philosophy

From that time through 1981, Benjamin studied the psychological and social needs of people affected by cancer. Ultimately, through his research he learned that cancer is not invincible and there seemed to be many ways survivors could join their health care team in the fight for their lives. He believed that such involvement would not only improve the quality of life for people affected by cancer, but might also enhance the possibility of recovery. From these studies, he formulated a set of guidelines for cancer patients to use as partners in the fight for recovery. He called these ideas the “Patient Active Concept™”.

Star Service

This section of The Star Campaign™ website reflects the importance of cultivating a support team that includes medical professionals, family, friends and others who are directly impacted by a patient’s cancer diagnosis. The links and resources on this site also reflect the mission of The Wellness Community. It empowers caregivers to help survivors to regain control, reduce isolation and restore hope regardless of the stage of diagnosis of their loved one. The Wellness Community’s free services and programs include professionally-led support groups, educational workshops, nutrition and exercise programs, and mind/body classes which are available to all those affected by cancer, including caregivers. Find a Wellness Community near you.