The Wellness Community was founded by Dr. Harold Benjamin in Santa Monica, California in 1982. As a result of experience with his wife’s breast cancer and through subsequent years of study on the psychological and social impact of cancer, Dr. Benjamin formulated the Patient Active Concept. This revolutionary idea would be recognized years later at Walt Disney EPCOT Metropolitan Life exhibit as one of the most significant developments in the evolution of modern health care. In addition to the Patient Active Concept, the other significant cornerstone of the program is that all services are provided free of charge in a home-like, community setting.
“Community” is perhaps the most important aspect of The Wellness Community model of care that differentiates the program from any other. Today, thousands of people with cancer and their loved ones unite together through our programs. People come at diagnosis, during or at the end of treatment, at recurrence or several years out of treatment. They all come to learn that they are not alone in their fight…whether for physical, emotional or spiritual recovery. Together, they regain a sense of control over their lives and ultimately discover that hope is a valuable tool, irrespective of the stage of the disease.
From Dr. Benjamin’s first program in a little yellow house in Santa Monica, The Wellness Community has grown to twenty-two (22) facilities throughout the country with four (4) additional facilities currently in development. A significant factor in expansion of facilities in the early 1990’s can be attributed to Gilda Radner, a participant at TWC until her death from ovarian cancer in 1989. In her book, It’s Always Something, she shared extensively about her experience at The Wellness Community. As countless patients have read her book, many have gone on to help bring a facility to their area.
The National organization was officially formed in 1989 to facilitate expansion outside California. In 1997, the National headquarters moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. A new Board of Directors was formed that reflected more national representation and a new CEO was hired. In 2002, the National headquarters relocated to Washington, DC. In 2007, The Wellness Community will celebrate its 25th Anniversary.
