The Duke Cancer Patient Support Program (DCPSP) kicked off its 25th Anniversary Celebration at Nana’s Restaurant Sept. 30. Scott Howell, chef and owner of Nana’s, has hosted this fundraiser for 11 years. Howell provided six extraordinary courses paired with six outstanding wine selections while his staff provided the exceptional service – all donated!

Dr. Ruby Wilson, the initial chair and continuing member of the DCPSP Advisory Board, announced the gift of $25,000 by Ms. Janet McGough-Csarny, current chair of the DCPSP Advisory Board, to fund a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Marriage and Family Therapy in memory of her husband who died of pancreatic cancer in 2005. He and his family benefitted from the services of the DCPSP during his illness and death.

DCPSP Director Dr. Cheyenne Corbett also announced a second gift of $25,000 by Wilson to commemorate the DCPSP’s 25th Anniversary. This will fund the Ruby L. Wilson Medical Family Therapy Doctoral Internship. These additional interns will make it possible for more patients and their families to receive needed treatment.

The Duke Cancer Patient Support Program was started 25 years ago by Rachel Schanberg, who saw a need for patient and family support when her daughter Linda was diagnosed early in her life with cancer.

Today the program offers individual counseling, support groups, self image resources, and much more to patients and families without charge. Corbett as Director of DCPSP oversees four licensed therapists, seven staff positions and over 250 volunteers.

If you would like more information about the DCPS program or wish to volunteer, please call 919-684-4497 or e-mail cancersupport@duke.edu