Cancer Connection Begins Bilingual Services at New Springfield Location

SPRINGFIELD — Cancer Connection’s new Springfield location is opening in August, and the organization welcomes Ashley Colon as its new bilingual befriender. With a background in a variety of nonprofit human services roles, Colon has dedicated her career to supporting others and making a meaningful difference in their lives.

“We are thrilled to have Ashley leading befriending at our new Springfield location,” Executive Director Chelsea Kline said. “Ashley’s experience and empathy will bring so much to the community, and her fluency in English and Spanish is an important step toward reducing barriers to care for cancer patients.”

Befriending is Cancer Connection’s signature support, offered in person or on the phone by trained staff, who know how to listen and support cancer patients and their caregivers through a challenging time. They can also connect patients with Cancer Connection’s other services and programs and make referrals to other organizations and support programs. Beginning in mid-August, Colon will offer bilingual (Spanish and English), in-person befriending by appointment or walk-in, as well as by phone (check the website for specific days and hours).

Cancer Connection’s new location, in Bicentennial Plaza on Allen Street, will allow convenient access to its free services for more people in the Springfield community. This new location will be part of the Integrative Health Group at 1502 Allen St. Support groups, including bilingual groups in Spanish and English, will begin in September, and integrative therapy appointments will start this fall.

Later this summer, Cancer Connection will also open a curated version of its popular Thrift Shop just a few doors down in the same plaza. Like its flagship Thrift Shop in Northampton, the store will feature high-quality goods at low prices, and all proceeds will help fund Cancer Connection’s services for cancer patients and their caregivers. The first donations days will be on Wednesdays through August, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., around the back of Bicentennial Plaza, 1498 Allen St., Springfield.