We Are Here For You
Our Vision
Everyone impacted by cancer receives the support they want and need throughout their experience.
Our Mission
Cancer Support Community Central Washington uplifts and strengthens people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care.
Who We Are
For more than 20 years, we’ve provided free, compassionate cancer support across Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties. Based in Wenatchee, we are a local nonprofit rooted in community and built on the vision of local Hematologist & Oncologist Dr. Carl Kjobech to bring support, education, and navigation to our local cancer patients and their families.
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​Formerly known as Wellness Place, we are now Cancer Support Community Central Washington, an affiliate of the global Cancer Support Community — the largest provider of cancer support services in the U.S., recognized for its evidence-based programs and high standards of quality care. This affiliation strengthens our work while allowing us to remain deeply local in how we serve.
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Everything we offer is made possible through the generosity of our community — individual donors, businesses, grants, and fundraising events — and every dollar raised stays right here, supporting people in our region who are navigating cancer. Community is at the heart of who we are, because it truly takes a village to support our cancer community.
Our Larger Network
CSC Central Washington is proud to be a local chapter of the global organization Cancer Support Community/Gilda's Club - the largest provider of psychosocial oncology care in North America.
With a network of over 50 U.S. and international Network and Health Care Partners, our connection means access to high-quality, evidence-based programs, education, training, and resources for our Central Washington community.
Our Story
Cancer Support Community Central Washington was founded in 2003 by Dr. Carl Kjobech, a longtime hematologist and oncologist in the Wenatchee Valley, whose own cancer diagnoses profoundly reshaped his understanding of patient care.
After moving from the physician’s seat to the patient’s chair, Carl recognized that while medical treatment was essential, people facing cancer needed far more—clear information, emotional support, and guidance for the many decisions that follow a diagnosis.
Drawing on both his medical expertise and lived experience, Carl established the Wellness Place, a nonprofit, community-based organization as a resource where patients and their families could find compassionate support, education, and connection beyond the walls of the clinic. Because no one should have to navigate cancer alone.
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In 2023, after twenty years of impact, Carl passed following a long, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. The annual Dr. Carl Kjobech Award was created in 2025 to honor his legacy.
In 2026, the Wellness Place became a Cancer Support Community chapter, and we rebranded as Cancer Support Community Central Washington.