Cancer Lifeline and Harmony Hill Merge to Expand Support for Those Affected By Cancer

Seattle, WA – We are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking step forward for the cancer community! Cancer Lifeline and Harmony Hill are merging, marking a transformative milestone in our mission to optimize the quality of life for everyone affected by cancer.

This merger is an incredible opportunity to strengthen and expand non-medical cancer support in the Pacific Northwest. For over 50 years, Cancer Lifeline has been committed to improving the quality of life for all people experiencing cancer through free emotional support, resources, and life-changing programs. For more than 30 years, Harmony Hill has transformed lives with immersive retreats that provide respite, renewal, and connection for those facing cancer. With these deeply aligned missions, we are coming together to offer even more comprehensive care—expanding emotional support, education, restorative retreats, and integrative therapeutic services for individuals, families, and healthcare professionals seeking renewal.

Under the name Cancer Lifeline, we will:

• Broaden our reach to serve more individuals and communities impacted by cancer.
• Expand and enhance programs to deliver new, innovative, evidence-based support, integrating the expertise of both organizations to better meet the evolving needs of those we serve.
• Enhance efficiency by consolidating operations, reducing duplication, and streamlining services — ensuring donor and partner resources go further in supporting those navigating cancer.

This exciting new chapter establishes Cancer Lifeline as the Pacific Northwest’s leading non-profit provider of comprehensive, evidence-based, non-medical support services for anyone impacted by cancer. By joining forces with Harmony Hill, this partnership creates a powerful opportunity to amplify our impact and ensure every individual affected by cancer receives the compassionate care and resources they need and deserve.

Everything the cancer community knows and loves about Cancer Lifeline and Harmony Hill is here to stay—and now, it’s growing even stronger. Support groups, mental health counseling, The Lifeline, workshops, financial assistance, and Harmony Hill’s renowned retreats will continue without interruption. The Orion Center for Integrative Medicine, formerly a program of Harmony Hill and a tenant at the Cancer Lifeline center, will become Cancer Lifeline. This expansion increases access to research-backed integrative therapeutic services, including psychotherapy, oncology massage, acupuncture, oncology nutrition, energy medicine/Reiki healing, and reflexology.

Following the merger, Cancer Lifeline will be led by Executive Director Joseph Yurgevich, who shared “For decades, Cancer Lifeline and Harmony Hill have each played a vital role in supporting individuals facing the challenges of cancer. This merger allows us to expand our reach, provide deeper support, and innovate new ways to serve those impacted by cancer.”

Cancer Lifeline and Harmony Hill have each built legacies of care, healing, and empowerment. This merger is a powerful example of what can happen when two mission-driven organizations come together to create something greater than the sum of their parts.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time, Gloria Gutkowski — a young Filipina American mother and wife — faced not only the physical challenges of her illness but also the deep emotional toll it took. She quickly realized that while there was medical care, there was little support for the fears, uncertainties, and loneliness that came with a cancer diagnosis.

Determined that no one should have to face cancer alone, Gloria set out to create a space where patients could find comfort, understanding, and hope. With the encouragement of doctors, nurses, social workers, family, and friends, Cancer Lifeline was born in 1973.

Since then, Cancer Lifeline has grown into the Pacific Northwest’s leading organization for innovative, free support programs and services for cancer patients and their loved ones.

Today we offer: Telephone Lifeline and Online Lifeline Chat; mental health counseling for individuals, families, children and healthcare workers; teen expressive arts group therapy; financial support services for low-income cancer patients; educational programs; support groups; and customized consultation services for individuals, organizations and workplace teams.

The caring, listening, and support has continued without pause since 1973 and is the heart of what Cancer Lifeline does every day.

Harmony Hill honors the incredible legacy of its Founder and Executive Director Emerita, Gretchen Schodde, MN, ARNP, FNP-BC, NC-BC. For nearly four decades, Gretchen has devoted her life to serving others, offering comfort and healing to thousands affected by cancer.

In 1986, Gretchen opened Harmony Hill as a retreat center where people could experience renewal and deep wellbeing. She created a true sanctuary of care and launched the Harmony Hill Cancer Program in 1994. Gretchen has long understood that if we listen deeply to one another — healing happens. She saw it as her purpose to create spaces and opportunities where those conversations could happen. As the years went on, Gretchen cast her net even wider to include healthcare professionals and those living with grief and loss.

More than her accolades and awards, Gretchen is known for her kindness. She had a simple but powerful tradition during her time as Executive Director, inviting people for a cup of tea. Many who accepted found themselves not just drinking tea but becoming partners in the beautiful mission of Harmony Hill. Her warmth and compassion have shaped Harmony Hill’s enduring spirit.

Gretchen deeply blesses the future Harmony Hill will have with Cancer Lifeline. Her life’s work, like Cancer Lifeline’s, is a testament to the power of healing, community, and one heartfelt conversation at a time.

Media Contact: Deserie Sjouwke: [email protected]

For more information visit: cancerlifeline.org