Rotary Club of Scottsdale members and guests were introduced to the Cancer Support Community Arizona (CSCAZ) recently. Since 1999, CSCAZ has served over 200,000 people. CSCAZ is part of a cancer support organization that has 170 locations worldwide. Its mission is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by actions and sustained by community. CSCAZ provides comprehensive psychological and social services to people diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones in the state of Arizona. CSCAZ services are evidence-based and facilitated by licensed mental health professionals.   
 
 
Rotarian Keith Comtois introduced Debbie DiCarlo, CSCAZ's CEO, to Rotarians and guests at a club luncheon meeting held at Scottsdale McCormick Ranch Golf Club's Pavilion. As CEO, DiCarlo is responsible for the oversight and leadership of CSCAZ, which includes working with the board of directors, the honorary board, the Young Professionals Council and ensuring the success of the tier-working committees.
 
CSCAZ, funded through charitable donations from individuals, corporations and foundations, provides over 100 programs each month. CSCAZ offers no-cost services that include stress and pain management, drumming, yoga classes, healthy lifestyle activities, ceramics workshops, teen prom, emotional support groups, resources and referrals to partner organizations and much more. Participating in CSCAZ programs allows people affected by cancer to learn vital skills that enable them to regain control, reduce isolation and restore hope.  
 
CSCAZ encourages people and medical professionals to understand the correlation between quality of life health outcomes, and to put that understanding into practice as a welcoming and home-like an environment as possible. In 2002, CSCAZ's building at 360 W. Palm Lane in Phoenix was dedicated. CSCAZ plans to replicate this home-like center elsewhere in Arizona—in Flagstaff and the east and west valleys. St. Patrick Catholic Community in Scottsdale is partnering with CSCAZ to develop a home-like center as part of its campus near 84th Street and Shea.
 
Per DiCarlo, there are so many families struggling with cancer, and a family is more than its cancer. One of CSCAZ's primary pillars is resource referrals, so that CSCAZ can connect families to the resources they need—any cancer, any age and any stage. During her talk, DiCarlo answered questions about clinical trials, collaboration with hospice organizations and post-treatment lifestyles and nutrition management. To learn more about CSCAZ, see www.cscaz.org
 
For more information about Rotary Club of Scottsdale's programs, membership and service projects, see www.scottsdalerotary.org.
 
Story & photos by Dr. Honora A. Norton