emotional and physical treatment should be as well. Many businesses and nonprofits struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the opposite occurred for CSCDE. Generous donations from donors remained steady, which is vital for the nonprofit to continue serving the community at no cost. In the last 16 months, CSCDE has served over 13,000 people and completed over 30,000 patient visits—compared to serving 1,100 people and providing 13,000 visits in 2019. The pandemic was psychologically difficult for many Americans, so additional cancer-related issues compelled many to reach out to CSCDE virtually for their services. “People are really looking for emotional support during this time because their cancer screenings, treatments, and diagnoses have been delayed,” Pickles explained. Several studies revealed that rates of later-stage cancer diagnoses are increasing due to these pandemic-related delays. “I think COVID has changed forever how we look at cancer and provide services. I think going forward we will definitely add a hybrid component,” said Pickles. While the internal communities built within their organization are strong, through hybrid events they are also looking to branch into other external Delaware communities. With the flexibility that online events provide, CSCDE is looking to tap into unsupported Delaware communities, especially in Sussex County and the city of Wilmington. Much like a lighthouse providing a constant bright point on the horizon, Cancer Support Community Delaware is a guiding light that will always be available for those who need a sense of belonging in times of struggle.
DELAWARE BUSINESS | Se pt e m be r/ Oct o be r 2021
Chair’s Message As we embark on the final quarter of 2021, it seems fitting to spend some time talking about health and wellness. The summer came to an end, schools resumed, and we are in a full-on sprint to the end of the year. This issue will explore the dimensions of wellness and the importance of keeping all of them aligned to ensure a long and happy life! When we lead busy lives, it can be so easy to take our health for granted. The decisions we make never come from a place of outright defiance to the risks of our decisions around health,
››
BY KATIE WILKINSON haven’t seen in a long time, or scheduling that dinner date with your extended family, you aren’t tuned into the impact on your social wellbeing. Since the close of 2020, and the re-entry into this next normal, I have become more and more aware of people taking a different view of the decisions that they make regarding their own health and wellness. Maybe you are thinking about a different job or career. Maybe you are more disciplined to eat right or commit to a regular workout routine. Perhaps you connected with new friends or – better yet – reconnected with old friends you
When we lead busy lives, it can be so easy to take our health for granted. The decisions we make never come from a place of outright defiance to the risks of our decisions around health, but rather result from “in the moment” decisions that get little recognition. but rather result from “in the moment” decisions that get little recognition. When you skip the morning workout on a regular basis, you don’t think about the potential long-term impact on your physical health. When you maintain a daily schedule that runs at breakneck speed – and maybe in a job that brings you no joy or fulfillment – you know that you are tired, but you likely don’t think about the impact on your emotional and intellectual health. When you put off calling that friend you
have missed! Many people have become more spiritual – and I don’t necessarily mean in religious terms – but simply in assessing personal purpose, meaning, and value. It makes no difference how you address your own health and wellness – but it does make a difference that you do it. Do not wait until we turn the page on a new year and set new unattainable “New Year’s Resolutions.” Commit to health – your health, your family’s health, and your community’s health!
7
