The Duke Cancer Patient Support Program (DCPSP) was created
in memory of Linda Schanberg Clark, who lost her life to
Hodgkin's disease at the age of 26, after eight years of
treatment.
Throughout her struggle, Linda never failed to smile, and it
was on that legacy of hope that Linda’s mother, Rachel
Schanberg, started the program in 1987, with 18 volunteers and
herself.
Today, more than 100 volunteers and a staff of seven
employees provide services to thousands of inpatients and
outpatients each year.
The time our volunteers donate, as well as the caring
attitude of the professionals, makes a significant difference
in the quality of life of cancer patients.
About the Founder
Rachel Schanberg, MEd, NCC Founder and Director, Duke Cancer
Patient Support Program
Rachel Schanberg established the Duke Cancer Patient Support
Program in memory of her daughter, Linda Schanberg Clark, who
lost her life to Hodgkin’s disease at the age of 26. Throughout
her eight years of treatment, Linda never lost her ability to
smile. It was on that legacy of hope that Rachel started the
program in 1987.
Rachel believes that quality comprehensive cancer care
involves attending to issues beyond the scope of traditional
models of medicine. She believes in treating the whole person,
not solely the cancer. Due to this vision and Rachel’s
dedication, support that focuses on the psychological and
social aspects of cancer is an integral part of cancer
treatment at Duke.
Not only is Rachel a talented counselor and administrator,
she is an inspiring leader. People are drawn to Rachel and the
program, and want to get involved in her mission to provide
support services to patients and their families coping with
cancer. What began as a clinic service offered by Rachel and 18
volunteers has grown to become a program with over 100
volunteers and 7 staff members.
It is on Linda’s legacy of hope, and Rachel’s vision of
cancer care, that the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program will
continue to offer services that result in patients and families
who feel not only cared for, but cared about.
