A two-time survivor of breast cancer, Lyn was first diagnosed in April, 1984 while working for a non-profit cancer prevention organization in Chicago teaching breast self-examination and promoting breast cancer awareness to thousands of Chicago-area women. Following her recovery, she continued teaching BSE and promoting breast cancer awareness, early detection and the benefits of mammograms, using her own experience as a teaching tool.

Lyn returned home to Atlanta in 1993, and in 1996, was diagnosed with recurrent breast cancer in the opposite breast. She underwent a double mastectomy, reconstruction, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. During her recovery she received extraordinary support from two friends who had also survived breast cancer. Realizing how beneficial this type of "one-to-one" peer support had been to her own healing, she developed an idea for a network of breast cancer survivors who could provide this type of assistance 24 hours a day.

Breast Friends has become a full service cancer support network, and in just 3 years has performed over 1000 units of support for breast cancer patients all over the Atlanta area, the state of Georgia and around the country. Breast Friends is staffed by breast cancer survivors, friends and families of breast cancer patients, and professionals in the community with an interest in breast cancer. Their breast cancer support line is available locally (as well as nationally via a toll-free number) 24 hours a day. In addition to the support line, Breast Friends offers transportation services to and from treatment, prescription or medical records pickup, home and hospital visitation, chemotherapy companionship, peer support for family members and friends, as well as referrals to other related services. All services are free of charge.

Breast Friends is supported by grants from the Greater Atlanta Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and Gwinnett Community Foundation, private and corporate donations, and fundraising events. For further information about support services, volunteering or contributions call Breast Friends at 404-843-0839.

Work Experience

1997 to present: BREAST FRIENDS, INC. – Founder/Director of Breast Friends, a 24-hour one-to-one support network for women with breast cancer. Responsible for all business operations, volunteer services, coordination of marketing, advertising and promotions. Responsible for receiving and screening calls, scheduling in-home visits and assistive services and processing paperwork.

 PAST EXPERIENCE - Twenty-five years experience in the medical services industry, including positions of responsibility in the corporate sector, non-profit organizations, private and teaching hospitals, HMO’s and private practices. Also have extensive background in medical marketing, education and promotion, and in the medical/legal field.

Volunteer Experience:

191996-1998            Executive Committee member for the Celebration of Lights, benefiting the Institute for Cancer Control at Northside Hospital.

1997, 1998, 1999    Participant and table sponsor for the Susan2000, 2001 G.Komen Foundation Race for the Cure, Atlanta, GA

1997, 1998, 1999   Participant, volunteer (and 1999/2000 team sponsor) for the American  Cancer Society Relay for Life, (Metro Atlanta and North                                  Fulton chapters, Atlanta, GA)

1999, 2000              Organization participant and sponsor of free mammograms at "Dia de La Mujer Latina" a latin community health event                                  benefitting low income women and children.

 Awards and Honors

October, 1998 - Kellogg’s Complete "You Can Make a Difference" Award – Atlanta, GA

National award presented to one recipient from each city participating in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure, who most positively impacted the lives of breast cancer patients during 1998.

 October, 1998 - Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Atlanta – Atlanta, GA

Awarded to Lyn Wasserman and Breast Friends by Mayor Bill Campbell for their outstanding contribution and commitment to the City of Atlanta.

April, 1999 - Atlanta Magazine’s "20 Women Making A Mark on Atlanta" – Atlanta, GA

Honoring 20 women in Atlanta from the corporate and non-profit sectors, who have made a difference and changed the lives of all Atlanta residents

 January, 2000 – Stephanie Spielman "Community Leaders Award" presented in conjunction with

"Gridiron Glamour, 2000" a national fundraising event for breast cancer (celebrity fashion show and auction) which takes place annually in the Super Bowl host city and presented by the HollyRod Foundation

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)