HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post

jsattaw · 05-14-2006, 06:46 PM

Hi Sassy --

I started a cancer support group in my rural area (population 1500) in January. While open to all types of cancer survivors, we mostly have breast cancer survivors attending. We meet once each month (3rd Saturday) at a local coffee shop that has a private room available to groups.

I've utilized some materials from the Lance Armstrong, Live Strong Foundation -- they have 3-ring Survivor binders that are free (you have to pay shipping) and lots of other information available on survivorship. I also have been intenting to contact our local Komen affiliate to see if they have any community grants available that could defray costs of speakers, education materials, etc. but haven't yet had a chance to follow-up with them.

Our group is working with our local library to make publications and books available and support those newly diagnosed, going through treatment, and beyond. We also attend other events in the area together (e.g. Race for the Cure, Relay for Life, etc.).

We are about 45 miles from our cancer center that has nutritionists and therapists -- they have been very willing to provide us with information and/or a guest speaker but since we're so new we are just focusing on peer support right now. We've had a good response from the community and I think it's been especially useful for people who are newly diagnosed to know there's people who have been through it and are there to assist.

Good luck with your group.

Jill

05-14-2006, 06:46 PM	#6
jsattaw Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 49	Hi Sassy -- I started a cancer support group in my rural area (population 1500) in January. While open to all types of cancer survivors, we mostly have breast cancer survivors attending. We meet once each month (3rd Saturday) at a local coffee shop that has a private room available to groups. I've utilized some materials from the Lance Armstrong, Live Strong Foundation -- they have 3-ring Survivor binders that are free (you have to pay shipping) and lots of other information available on survivorship. I also have been intenting to contact our local Komen affiliate to see if they have any community grants available that could defray costs of speakers, education materials, etc. but haven't yet had a chance to follow-up with them. Our group is working with our local library to make publications and books available and support those newly diagnosed, going through treatment, and beyond. We also attend other events in the area together (e.g. Race for the Cure, Relay for Life, etc.). We are about 45 miles from our cancer center that has nutritionists and therapists -- they have been very willing to provide us with information and/or a guest speaker but since we're so new we are just focusing on peer support right now. We've had a good response from the community and I think it's been especially useful for people who are newly diagnosed to know there's people who have been through it and are there to assist. Good luck with your group. Jill __________________ Jill Attaway