Dr. Stewart Surloff passed away from cancer in 2001, but his dream of a cancer wellness center that goes far beyond “chemotherapy and surgery” will last forever
By Laura Briedis
As Stewart’s Caring Place celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, it has remained steadfast to its original mission: providing supportive services and programs, in a relaxed and caring environment, all at no cost, to individuals and families touched by cancer
Just like the butterfly that embodies this cancer wellness center—symbolizing transformation and hope—and is prominent everywhere from the painting in the lobby to the outdoor sculpture and in its logo, Stewart’s Caring Place has also evolved over the years.
“Come see what we are all about,” says President & CEO Jeannine Marks, who has been with the organization since its inception, first as a volunteer. “We consider ourselves a resource of wraparound non-medical services that not only benefit those with cancer, but also their families and caregivers. We take care of people of any age, stage or phase of cancer.”
This second home to many families affected by cancer offers support groups, group fitness classes, holistic care, beauty workshops, cooking demonstrations, as well as art and music programs.
When Mimi Surloff founded Stewart’s Caring Place in 2003 to honor her late husband and help other families going through their own cancer journeys, she had no idea the far-reaching impact her nonprofit would have. Today the wellness center serves thousands of families in 36 counties and offers more than 150 programs at no cost to those affected by cancer.
Take Advantage of Ongoing Services
Open Monday through Friday, the wellness center has something for everyone—from a wig room with 500-plus wigs and scarves, to a demonstration kitchen where you can learn to cook nutritional meals, to a healing arts suite offering reiki, massage and meditation.
All-encompassing services also include support groups, financial and legal consultations, and a food pantry for anyone who is facing food insecurities.
“Some of our most popular programs are cooking classes, holistic care with crystal singing bowls, and yoga classes,” notes Jeannine.
Make Plans to Attend Special Events
To commemorate the center’s 20th anniversary, it will host myriad events throughout the year.
First on the calendar is the Spring Art Show “The Kaleidoscope,” which is on display April 21 through August 8.
“Anyone who has been impacted by cancer was invited to submit artwork along with their story of why this artwork resonates with them,” says Sarah Vojtek, vice president of Stewart’s Caring Place and a cancer survivor. “We have upwards of 90 pieces in different mediums that are displayed in our hallways. We invite everyone to come check out the art show and our center.”
To commemorate the actual founding date on June 3, Stewart’s will host a Family Celebration for anyone impacted by cancer, with a lineup of events throughout the day to thank the community for all its support over the past two decades.
The center will also host Kids Summer Camp for ages 4 to 12. There will be a weeklong session each month in June, July and August.
And Stewart’s two annual fundraising events—the Annual Hope Walk on May 6 and the Butterfly Gala on August 26—will also be amped up this year.
“Join us by pledging to walk 20 miles for our Hope Walk,” says Sarah. “First, walk 18 miles on your own, and then join us on May 6 at the Hope Walk to walk the rest of the way. The event will include sunrise yoga and facility tours as well.”
Another way for the community to come together and raise funds to provide services at no cost to all those touched by cancer, is to attend the Butterfly Gala. This year’s celebration will honor Founder Mimi Surloff and look back at 20 years of service.
“We are fully funded by the generosity of this community,” says Sarah. “We rely solely on foundations and grants, as well as donations from individuals and organizations.”
Community Collaboration
A place for children to read, explore or just relax, Carson’s Corner in the library at Stewart’s Caring Place, is adding a special mural in honor of 12-year-old Carson Higgins, who loved to read and travel to national parks—and passed away after a 9-year battle with neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer while on a final trip to the Grand Canyon.
In partnership with Carson Higgins Memorial Foundation and local Girl Scouts, the library is being adorned with a mural of the Grand Canyon, as interpreted by Girl Scout Troop #90186 which is made up of 8th graders from St. Hilary School and Carson’s four brothers and parents who all have added strokes of color to the artwork. As another nod to nature, the library is furnished with a live-edge table and a bookshelf built in the shape of tree.
Stewart’s Caring Place 20th Anniversary Calendar of Events
- April 21-August 8: Spring Art Show
- Mid-April: Unveiling of Girl Scouts/Carson Higgins Memorial Foundation Mural in the library
- May 6: Annual Hope Walk (including sunrise yoga, facility tours, 20-Mile Club, and more)
- June 3: Family Celebration (for participants, their families and caregivers)
- June 19-23; July 17-21; August 7-11: Kids Summer Camp (ages 4-12)
- August 26: 20th Annual Butterfly Gala
Ongoing Programs and Services:
Individualized Services
Wig and Beauty Room
Library/Art Room
Financial and Legal Consultations
Nutrition Consultations
Support Groups
Group Fitness and Yoga
Holistic Care
Pamper Yourself Nights
Connectivity and Friendship Events
Webinars
Teaching Kitchen
NEWtrition and You
Taste of Health
Flyfishing Classes
Birdwatching Classes
Partner Community Events
Many community organizations host their own events to support Stewart’s Caring Place, including golf outings, bourbon clubs, motorcycle clubs, and many more. Please consider hosting your own event.
Stewart’s Caring Place is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The center is located at 3501 Ridge Park Drive in Copley. For more information, call 330-836-1772 or visit StewartsCaringPlace.org.