| Follow us: |   |
Breast Friends has developed several programs to help you and your family and friends as you begin and continue your journey. We believe that no woman should go through the cancer experience alone, and we know that often even our closest friends and family members are at a loss to really know how to help. Your emotional, physical and spiritual well-being are the foundation for the programs we have put together. Each patient is different and your needs will change over time. We hope you will find a continuum of support through these programs sustaining you in your journey.
The packet includes a “Welcome to the Sisterhood” message, a handkerchief silk-screened with a sweet logo to remind you that when tears come, there is a sisterhood that supports you. The packet includes a list of contacts for area support groups and a self referral card for our Volunteer Match program.
Looking into the eyes of someone who has walked the path after a cancer diagnosis that you are starting down is powerful and healing. Many of our volunteers are survivors and are themselves helped by the act of reaching out to other patients. Volunteers can help you through this difficult time by providing emotional, physical, spiritual and social support.
These workshops and retreats help you navigate all of the challenges that are part of living your life after cancer. Following diagnosis the priorities of your life are re-ordered, and treatment has been the most important thing in your life. Life after cancer is both wonderful and challenging. Surviving cancer has changed you and taking time to reflect on what those changes are and what they mean to you and those you love is important.
We understand that humor is key to survival. As they say, “Laughter is the best medicine.” Indeed it is. That is why Breast Friends developed the Hat Project. When one of the co-founders was given a funny hat that said, “No Hair Day,” it changed her world. Where she had been afraid to go out in public out of fear that people would stare, she was suddenly excited to be seen in public. The funny hat allowed people to talk to her, rather than about her.
Regardless of where you are in your journey, Breast Friends has volunteers on hand to discuss your issues with you. We are not licensed counselors, but we are women who have walked in your shoes. We’ve been down your path, some of us several times. We offer individual support either through one-on-one contact via phone, or in person, as well as support groups customized to meet the needs of our patients.