Kathleen Daly has been named the new executive director of the Cancer Support Center.
Daly succeeds Sue Armato who stepped down from the position after nine years in the top position.
The Cancer Support Center board of directors said it accepted resumes from 75 people interested in the job.
“In the end, no one matched Kathleen’s commitment, dedication and passion for The Center,” said Karen Gordon, president of the board. The executive committee called Daly ”the ideal person to take the reins of the center and lead the way as we write the next chapter in our storied organization.”
The center was founded nearly three decades ago by volunteers who wanted to replicate care services available in the northwest suburbs. The organization remains a nonprofit that offers free care and support to cancer patients and their families.
Daly said she has come to love The Cancer Support Center, its mission and the people it serves. Several immediate relatives have battled cancer. Daly said seeing what they went through “I think it just reenergized my purpose in what I hope to do for anyone impacted by cancer. It’s my personal connection to the mission, and most important is making sure this place is here for anybody who needs us.”
Daly came to the Cancer Support Center at the suggestion of a supervisor as she was completing an internship in art therapy. She started part-time as an art therapist and within six months had a full-time position. Over the years she transitioned to the full-time program director and then clinical program director. She also took on grant writing work and administrative work.
“Sue (Armato) and I started at the same time,” Daly said. Armato recognized her talents and promoted her over the years and was a mentor to Daly.
The staff at Cancer Support Center have big plans for 2023 when the organization marks its 30th anniversary. The incorporation date was March 23, so Daly said the board will meet on 3/23/2023. Staff expects to have some fun with the numbers, and will look back to borrow some old ideas and make them new for the celebratory year.
“We want to marry the past, the present and the future to make sure we’ll be here for at least another 30 years,” she said.
Right now the Cancer Support Center is gearing up for the annual Walk of Hope on Sunday, Oct. 16. The theme is “pink-a-boo” in keeping with the season of Halloween. Walkers can walk individually or as a team. For information on how to join the walk, or to make a donation to the Cancer Support Center, visit www.CancerSupportCenter.org.