Stewart’s Caring Place: Aunt Susie’s Cancer Wellness Center reopens doors

Stewart’s Caring Place: Aunt Susie’s Cancer Wellness Center officially reopened its doors in June at 2813 Whipple Avenue NW in Canton, inviting the community to experience a newly refreshed and welcoming space following the merger of Stewart’s Caring Place and Aunt Susie’s Cancer Wellness Center. 

The grand reopening marks a milestone for the organization as the two cancer support organizations unite under one roof to provide expanded services at no cost to individuals facing cancer and their families. The space has been designed to provide comfort, connection and support.

“The refreshed environment at Stewart’s Caring Place: Aunt Susie’s Cancer Wellness Center has been thoughtfully reimagined with the help of generous volunteers and dedicated staff,” said president and CEO Sarah Vojtek. “Our favorite feature is the multipurpose room. It brings people together in meaningful ways and reflects our mission to serve with compassion and care.”

Since merging in August 2024, the organization has been able to reach more people with a broader range of programming and services.

“Bringing together Aunt Susie’s and Stewart’s Caring Place has been a deeply meaningful journey, one rooted in shared values and a commitment to compassionate care,” Vojtek said. “By combining our expertise and resources, we are better equipped to meet the evolving needs of those emotionally impacted by a cancer diagnosis, no matter their age, stage or phase of the journey.”

The center offers a wide range of programs and services to support both emotional well-being and practical needs. In the refreshed space, guests can participate in wellness classes like yoga and Reiki, join support groups, access caregiver assistance, visit a private fitting room for wigs and prosthetics or spend time in quiet reflection spaces such as the library or the outdoor memory garden. The center also features a food pantry, sponsored by the Comunale Cancer Foundation, providing an additional layer of support for guests.

When visitors step into the new space, they are welcomed by a bright, open lobby featuring a vibrant mural painted by Perry High School students. The colorful artwork sets a hopeful tone and serves as a visual reminder of community care.

“We’ve seen a remarkable increase in people stopping by or calling to learn more about our services, and participation in our new classes and programs has exceeded expectations,” she said. “It’s been heartening to witness how quickly the community has embraced this new chapter, and we’re so grateful for the enthusiasm and support as we continue to grow and serve in Stark County.”

Fellowship is at the heart of the wellness center’s work, creating a place where no one fights cancer alone. At Stewart’s Caring Place: Aunt Susie’s Cancer Wellness Center, every program and service is offered free of charge, made possible entirely through the generosity of the community. The center receives no government funding and does not bill insurance, relying instead on the support of foundations, grants, individual donors and corporate partners.

“One special way to support our mission is by attending our signature fundraiser, Pasta for a Purpose, on Nov. 1,” Vojtek said. “It’s an evening of spaghetti, raffles and heartfelt connection that unites the community in support of those facing cancer.”

As Stewart’s Caring Place: Aunt Susie’s Cancer Wellness Center enters this new chapter, Vojtek hopes the center remains a trusted place people turn to and lean on during such a difficult period.

“The next time someone shares that they or a loved one has been impacted by cancer, we hope Stewart’s Caring Place: Aunt Susie’s Cancer Wellness Center comes to mind as a welcoming, healing space where they can feel cared for and understood,” she said.

For more information about Stewart’s Caring Place: Aunt Susie’s Cancer Wellness Center, visit www.stewartscaringplace.org.

Originally published by The Canton Repository “Heart of Stark” on August 11, 2025.