When Michele Seyranian became CEO of the Gathering Place in 2019, she found that Cleveland residents with cancer often had to take three buses to get to one of the nonprofit’s two suburban campuses for support.
“They’re sick,” Seyranian said. “They don’t want to do that.” She decided they needed a mobile unit to go out into the community and meet people where they are.
Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in Cuyahoga County, but it doesn’t affect all residents equally. Some communities are more vulnerable to cancer risks and face barriers to quality, consistent care.
The 2025 Cuyahoga County Cancer Profile found Black residents are less likely to receive a cancer diagnosis but more likely to die from cancer than white residents. The Cleveland neighborhoods Kinsman, Central and Midtown have the highest rate of cancer diagnoses and mortality.
In May of this year, the Gathering Place launched its HOPE Mobile Unit, a 28-foot-long outreach vehicle designed to expand access to free cancer support programs and resources beyond its campuses in Beachwood and Westlake into the City of Cleveland.
To figure out the best approach for engaging with Cleveland’s communities, the Gathering Place held a series of focus groups and one-on-one interviews. Seyranian said they learned that they needed to earn trust, stay consistent, and understand the kinds of needs the community has.
Seynarian emphasized the importance of psychosocial support. For those who don’t make enough to make ends meet or who have been disenfranchised, life is already stressful. “Throw a cancer diagnosis on top of that, and it just compounds everything,” she said.
Bringing a mobile support system to Cleveland
Initially, the mobile unit was intended to primarily take wigs into the community and offer limited services. It quickly became clear that the Gathering Place could do more.
Now, the mobile unit is split into two rooms.
In the front, Shermelle Schaffer, the HOPE’s coordinator and primary staffer, can meet privately with people to discuss their needs and connect them with resources, like fitness and nutrition services. The vehicle is enabled with Wi-Fi, so Schaffer can virtually connect clients with licensed clinicians.
Discovered by Documenters: Cleveland Documenters learned about The Gathering Place’s mobile unit at a Cleveland City Council caucus meeting. Read the notes here.
The Gathering Place uses Unite Us, a closed-loop referral system that connects hospitals and local nonprofits. It enables Shermelle Schaffer to refer people to services for food, housing or other needs and to track whether those referrals are received and acted on, ensuring no one falls through the cracks.
The back of the mobile unit houses the salon, equipped with wigs and accessories. Schaffer went through her own cancer journey in 2017. She remembers looking in the mirror and feeling devastated by her appearance. The mobile wig salon allows her to remind others of their beauty and worth. Schaffer named the mobile unit HOPE, standing for healing, opportunities, peace and empowerment.
So far, the focus has been on building awareness. By partnering with the City of Cleveland and local hospitals and organizations such as the YWCA and The Centers, HOPE is now seeing demand increase. Organizations are reaching out to schedule visits, and the mobile unit’s calendar is already filling into 2026.
Their next event is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 12, at 2 p.m. at the Friendly Inn’s resource and wellness fair.
Removing barriers and reducing stigma
One challenge they are facing with HOPE outreach is the fear and stigma surrounding cancer diagnoses. Many people are afraid to open up and talk about “the big C,” said Schaffer. Her goal is to reduce some of the stress and stigma and provide tools and resources that can empower people.
Schaffer recently hosted an affirmation-card workshop for local seniors, where participants created encouraging cards and love letters they sent to themselves as reminders of support.
The Gathering Place’s outreach extends beyond the HOPE mobile unit. In Glenville, they partner with University Hospitals to host cooking demonstrations and other programs. HOPE also aims to encourage city residents to visit their Beachwood and Westlake campuses or engage in virtual programming. The Gathering Place also offers a monthly Lyft service to assist those with transportation barriers.
Federal cuts to Medicaid and rising insurance premiums pose growing challenges for the communities served at the Gathering Place. Eileen Coan, the organization’s medical librarian, helps connect clients with financial and legal resources. Folks are coming to the Gathering Place with increasing needs, and “there aren’t good answers at this point,” said Coan.
Still, Seyranian is confident the Gathering Place can continue to connect people with the care they need. Staff assist clients with setting up payment plans, navigating debt collection letters, and communicating with hospital finance offices and insurance companies. “Sometimes you need to fight for what you need,” Seyranian said. “You’ve got to be your own advocate, or ensure somebody in your life is advocating for you.”
Seynarian emphasizes that health care should not be political. Everyone deserves the treatment they need. “Cancer is not a red or blue issue,” she said. “It can affect anyone.”