Bethel Park resident leads Cancer Bridges through time of transition, growth

As an organization that strives to help as many people as possible, Cancer Bridges can report a strong measure of success in that regard.

“This past year, the goal for new members was 180. And since July 1 of last year, we have welcomed 505 new members,” executive director Stephanie Ciranni said. “We have never seen growth like this.”

Part of the increase is attributable to the 2021 merger of two nonprofits, Our Clubhouse and Cancer Caring Center, which combined resources to continue their shared mission of providing free programming and services throughout Western Pennsylvania and beyond. The support extends to those who are impacted by a cancer diagnosis, including family members, friends and caregivers.

Because of the covid pandemic, Cancer Bridges has been conducting offerings virtually, and the organization is in the beginning stages of welcoming members back to its spacious Strip District location at 2816 Smallman St.

Ciranni happens to be in the beginning stages of her job, having been appointed recently to the staff’s top position. The Bethel Park resident had served as development director starting in March 2021, and she looks forward to helping steer Cancer Bridges through a time of transition.

“We used to be in-person only, and then for two years, we were online-only,” she said. “Some folks are ready to come back in person. Some aren’t able to. We have a lot of immunocompromised members. We want to be sensitive to everyone.

“And so we’re looking at ways we can have in-person, hybrid and virtual for our members. That’s really going to be a big part of our planning, especially in this coming year.”

Having earned her master’s degree in organizational leadership from Robert Morris University and grant-writing certificate from Community College of Allegheny County, Ciranni brings a background in revenue procurement, strategic planning and other essential components of leadership.

Plus she has five years’ worth of involvement with Our Clubhouse and Cancer Bridges.

“I offered to help as a volunteer, which turned into consulting,” she said. “And then I was brought on about six months before the merger to help with the strategy for communication, advertising and development.”

Cancer Caring Center Cancer started offering services in 1988. Former executive director Rebecca Whitlinger and other staff members remain with Cancer Bridges, which now provides 223 emotional, social and informational programs each month.

Our Clubhouse was established in 2006 as Gilda’s Club of Western Pennsylvania, transitioning eight years later to an independent nonprofit, the type of entity that particularly appeals to Ciranni.

“I was always drawn to working in nonprofit. I was always involved in different nonprofit organizations in a variety of capacities my whole life, really,” she said, going back to when she was a youngster volunteering for Meals On Wheels.

The Bethel Park High School graduate’s other volunteer efforts include work with Animal Friends and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Allegheny County, a group that advocates for children who are before the court as a result of abuse or neglect.

Young people are among those who benefit from Cancer Bridges’ support, and the Smallman Street location features an Austin’s Playroom, one of 42 such therapeutic spaces provided by the Mario Lemieux Foundation, and a Matt’s Maker Space, courtesy of the foundation that Noelle and David Conover set up in memory of their son.

Other amenities at the headquarters include a large community room, an adjoining courtyard and patio, kitchen, library and series of smaller rooms for one-on-one consultations and similar purposes. And for anyone seeking a Strip District venue for a sizable gathering, the building is available for rental.

For more information about the many facets of Cancer Bridges, including membership, visit www.cancerbridges.org.