Our History

Hope Connections for Cancer Support was founded on the knowledge that people affected by cancer who participate in professionally facilitated support groups, educational workshops and mind/body programs can learn vital skills to regain control, reduce feelings of isolation, and restore hope - regardless of the stage of disease.  Research has shown that people with cancer who actively participate in their fight for recovery measurably improve the quality of their lives.

Hope Connections, formerly The Wellness Community – Greater Washington, DC, was the dream of Bernie and Bonnie Kogod, who lost a daughter to cancer.  They started a family foundation in her name, The Michele Susan Kogod Memorial Fund, which provided a $50,000 seed grant to begin the process of opening our facility.  Our mind/body room is named in Michele’s honor.

An organizing committee of survivors, caregivers and community members passionate about our mission of helping people with cancer and their loved ones deal with the emotional and physical impact of cancer through participation in free, professionally-facilitated programs of emotional support, education, wellness and hope, became our founding Board of Directors.  This dedicated group raised the funds necessary to open and sustain the organization.  Today, Hope Connections continues to be governed by a dedicated Board of Directors.

Hope Connections opened in March 2007 in Bethesda, Maryland as The Wellness Community – Greater Washington, DC, and has since had more than 28,000 visits to its “home” for people affected by cancer to participate in support groups, educational workshops, mind/body classes and community programs.  The organization has a 17-member Medical Advisory Board, comprised of oncologists and other medical professionals from local hospitals and private practice, who contribute their personal expertise and that of their colleagues through our education programs.

All programs of Hope Connections for Cancer Support are provided at no cost to those who need our help, thanks to the support of generous individuals, corporate sponsors and foundations.