Cancer Support Team is the only Westchester-based nonprofit home care program, licensed by the New York State Department of Health, providing professional nursing education and support, social work counseling, case management and other cancer-related services to patients and family members living in southern Westchester. Our services are delivered free of charge and without regard to insurance coverage and at any stage of the illness.
Mission
Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of patients and families who live in southern Westchester and are affected by cancer. This is a mission we have upheld for over 45 years. Our services help patients regain a sense of control over their lives and actively participate in their care.
CST History
Arnold Wald, MD
CST Co-Founder
1924 – 2013
“CST is one of the best things I’ve done in my life – and it will live beyond me. That’s the great thing.”
Gayle Lee, RN, MHA
CST Co-Founder
1939 – 2008
“The Cancer Support Team has been my proudest creation outside of my family, and is today an extraordinary provider of services and care.”
Cancer Support Team was founded in 1978 under the guidance and vision of Arnold Wald, M.D. and Gayle Lee, R.N. Inspired by the hospice movement that was just taking hold in the late 1970’s in the United States, they wanted to enhance the lives of cancer patients not only at the end stage of the disease, but at any stage. They were also years ahead of their time in recognizing that cancer affects far more than just a patient’s body –they focused on the hidden side of cancer – dealing with financial repercussions, emotional stress and learning to navigate an increasingly complicated medical system.
Cancer Support Team incorporated in 1983 as a non-profit organization and, in 1992, became licensed by the New York State Department of Health. For over forty-two years CST has served the community in a way that no other organization has. We are the only home-care program providing nursing support, social work counseling, case management to those with cancer and their families at any stage of the disease, at no cost and without regard to insurance coverage. We understand the special needs of cancer patients and know how to individualize each patient’s care.
Throughout its history, CST has provided services to people affected by cancer in unique and meaningful ways. CST patients come from all walks of life, all religious beliefs and financial circumstances. Patients also come to CST at many different stages in their cancer journey. Some are newly diagnosed and frightened. Others are experiencing a recurrence of disease. Some have finished active treatment and are struggling with issues related to recovery. Patients at any stage of their illness along with their family members receive counseling.
CST has grown over the years and continues to offer a comprehensive array of medical, educational and support programs. Our staff consists of nurses, social workers and case managers who provide services from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. They work in conjunction with over 100 volunteers. Today, CST serves nearly 700 individuals annually as well as many family members, friends and caregivers involved in their care.