About

Founded in 2000, Cancer Connection is an independent, registered 501(c)3 nonprofit in Northampton, MA (EIN # 04-3493483).

Cancer Connection’s mission is to provide a haven where people with cancer and their loved ones can learn how to navigate the complicated cancer journey through one-to-one guidance, education, peer support, integrative therapies, and creative programs to strengthen body and spirit.

All services are free, no fees or insurance needed.

For any individual facing a cancer diagnosis, or their loved one/caregiver, we offer trained listeners, called Befrienders, as our first point of contact, and provide ongoing Befriending, a variety of support groups, integrative therapies (massage, acupuncture and reiki), and a whole range of programs, including writing, art, music, movement, yoga, mindfulness, healthy cooking and more.

Participants report (and research confirms) so many benefits from our programs: reduced stress and anxiety, improved sleep, less pain, fatigue and side effects from treatment, better quality of life, a sense of not being alone – and hope.

Cancer Connection is the only cancer support center in Hampshire and Franklin Counties and serves people in Hampden County and throughout the Pioneer Valley. With our Zoom and hybrid programs, we reach people in any geographic location (and they often say to us, “I wish there was a Cancer Connection in my area”).

In 2026, Cancer Connection opened a second location at 1510 and 1502 Allen St. in Bicentennial Plaza in Springfield, serving the greater Springfield community with Bilingual services and programming, and a branch of our signature Thrift Shop. Our new Springfield location offers bilingual Befriending (our signature trained listening support), integrative therapies (massage, acupuncture and reiki) and support groups. A few doors away in Bicentennial Plaza, our Springfield Thrift Shop, like our original Cancer Connection Thrift Shop in Northampton, provides a model of environmental sustainability while ensuring a robust revenue stream (all profits go to Cancer Connection’s programs).

All of our services are free.