BREAST FRIENDS SERVICES

WHO NEEDS BREAST FRIENDS?

Everyone going through breast cancer, either personally or as a caregiver, should have someone with whom they can share their feelings.
Perhaps you are:

• A wife and mother who must continue to take care of a family,
• A career woman working while receiving treatment.
• A single woman, living alone, with no way get to treatment.
• A husband who could benefit from talking with another "survivor" husband,
• An elderly, disabled or homebound woman who requires special assistance,
• A family member or friend who needs encouragement or advice on how to handle a difficult situation,
• A coworker who wants to help but is unsure on how to approach her colleague about breast cancer; or
• You might simply be someone who needs to talk at an odd hour of the day or night.

Breast Friends is ready to listen and ready to help. Whether you need us for two minutes or two hours, we are always just a phone call away.

No one affected by breast cancer has to be alone in the battle. Let us show you all the ways we
can help!

BREAST FRIENDS
ONE-TO-ONE SUPPORT

24-HOUR TELEPHONE SUPPORT

" My Doctor just told me I have breast cancer! What do I do first? How do I tell my family? What do I say tomorrow at my job?"
"I know it's the middle of the night. My family and friends have been by my side all day, and they need their rest. But, I am so afraid and I need to talk to someone." The doctor told me so much today, and I am so confused. I need to sort out this information."

Our trained volunteers, all breast cancer survivors themselves, are women who have been in the same situations and have asked the same questions. They provide a unique and timely brand of support by sharing their own experiences and resources. Just talking, one-on-one, with a breast cancer survivor provides callers with a private setting, a caring and nurturing environment, a more positive outlook, and the best kind of medicine...real hope, from real people who have been down the same road.

No voice mails; no menus, just dedicated, compassionate listeners, who have been where you are and know what you are feeling. Whether you are in the Atlanta Metro area or out of state, just dial the convenient local or National toll-free number, and a volunteer will be there for you. 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week. 365 Days a year.

Local (404) 843-0677 National Toll Free 1(888) 718-3523.

Would you rather receive support via e-mail? Easy. Just e-mail us at support@breastfriends.org, and we will be happy to respond to your questions, and provide you with any information you need.

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PERSON-TO-PERSON SUPPORT

" I just had surgery, and I can't do too much around the house, but I would love some company."
" My family has been here at the hospital all day. Can you come and give them a chance to eat something?"
" I am really afraid of this first chemo. Can you come sit with me?"
" I am so worried I am not doing anything right for my wife. It's hard to be strong , when I am so torn up inside."

Sometimes, the best medicine is a person-to-person chat with a friend. There are many ways your "Breast Friends" can provide you and your family with comfort and support.

At The Office: Want to just get out of the house and talk to someone? Visit us at our office in Sandy Springs, and we will be happy to sit down and chat, provide you with educational materials, or help you find what you need on the Internet.

Our office is open from 9am to 6pm, Monday through Friday, however, we can accommodate your schedule, and meet here at a time more convenient for you.

During Treatment: Many times, patients feel great apprehension just before their first trip to chemotherapy. What exactly is going to happen? How will I feel? When will I start to feel side effects? Will I be able to drive home? Our volunteers can put you at ease by walking you through that first chemo, step by step.

Typically, chemotherapy takes anywhere from 2-5 hours to complete, depending on the regimen your physician has chosen for you, and the routine at your infusion suite. Breast Friends urges you to plan ahead and make arrangements for someone to be with you during treatment and drive you home. If you are unable to do so, Breast Friends can provide companionship and or transportation.

Peer Support: One of the most difficult challenges a family must face is their own fear about their loved one's situation. Whether they need emotional support to deal with their own feelings or want help understanding their loved one's condition, Breast Friends can help. We provide peer support for husbands, family members or friends who want to be involved but are having trouble knowing how to help.

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TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

"My ride canceled on me at the last minute."
"My husband's employer is becoming uneasy about all the time he has taken off work to drive me to treatment."
"I feel too weak to drive myself today."
"I have no one to take me to treatment, and I can't afford a taxi."
"How can I ask someone to take me to radiation?"

For many patients, a diagnosis of breast cancer means long months of treatment, medical procedures and doctor appointments. Patients and families often feel the additional burden of finding a way to get to this treatment.

Breast Friends understands the stress patients sometimes feel when they do not know how they are going to get to their medical appointments, chemotherapy or radiation treatments. We simply will not accept the idea that patients will miss life saving medical care, because they cannot get to their doctor's office, infusion suite, or hospital.

Breast Friends provides a transportation program designed specifically to meet the needs of patients who have transportation challenges. Transportation to and from treatment is provided either by available volunteers or transport companies. Our service is entirely free of charge, and available to breast cancer patients and their families.

FAQ's about the Breast Friends transportation program:

Q. How do I arrange transportation?
A. Simply call Breast Friends at 404-843-0839 and we will arrange transportation for you.
We ask that you call at least three days prior to your appointment date, to give us time to
contact a volunteer or transport company.

Q. How Do I know Your Drivers are Safe?
A. As part of their training, volunteers who choose to drive for Breast Friends must show proof of insurance, must attest to the safety of their automobile, and MUST attest to a safe driving record with no violations for three (3) previous years. Breast Friends contracts with only reputable cab companies, whose drivers are bonded and insured.

Q. Do I need to tip the cab driver or volunteer?
A. No. Breast Friends volunteers and cab drivers are not allowed to accept tips. This is a completely free service.

Q. Can I bring a family member with me?
A. Of course! However, for safety, we ask that it be an adult (over the age of 18).

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Email: Breast Friends.Org

Write to:

Breast Friends Inc.
180 Allen Road  Suite 204-South
Atlanta, GA  30328
Phone:
(404) 843-0677  (support line)
1(888) 718-3523 (National toll-free)
(404) 843-0839  (business line)
(404) 843-2602  (fax)