Breast Cancer Support & Resources
Turning to someone who has walked a difficult road before you always helps. Here, we’ve collected all the incredible resources from dear friends who have survived breast cancer or support those in the midst of navigating. 3 breast cancer survivors and a breast cancer nurse navigator all share the resources and support they recommend to their closest friends and patients. From 1:1 mentor matching, to cold caps, a book about life after treatment, the support at these links is far reaching. Because, as Dana shared about her “Breasties,” - “It helps to have people who get what you’ve gone through!”
Leena, Breast Cancer Survivor
Imerman Angles: A cancer support community that matches cancer fighters with cancer survivor
Young Survival Coalition: Connect with young adults who have "been there", a group of young fighters, survivors, thrivers and a great resource and support for those diagnosed before age 40
After Breast Cancer Diagnosis: 1:1 match/support, ABCD has been singularly focused on providing free, one-to-one emotional support to anyone impacted by the disease. Our signature service is creating a unique match between someone who needs support and an ABCD Mentor who not only shares a similar diagnosis and treatment plan, but also has similar ages, common interests, personal characteristics, career paths, and family dynamics.
Kick Pink: Dedicated to Preventing & alleviating the side effects of breast cancer treatment so that people can heal; mind, body & spirit.
Cold Caps: A way you can try to keep your hair
City of Hope: City of Hope is one of only 57 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the U.S. The NCI designation recognizes excellence in treatment, research and expertise to address the many facets of the disease.
Dana, Breast Cancer Survivor
LIVESTRONG: I did LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a free 12-week program for cancer patients/survivors.
Camp Kesem: A nationwide organization that provides free 1-week camp to kids whose parents have had cancer.
Be Well Yoga: Even now as a survivor, I take weekly free yoga classes with a local non-profit called Be Well Yoga. They are local to San Diego, but they now have an east coast location and they also do retreats that anyone can apply for.
Penguin Cold Caps: Another Cold Cap company,
Hair to Stay: A nonprofit that helps with grants for Cold Cap expense
First Descent: Outdoor adventures for those diagnosed under 40
Young Survival Coalition - which Leena listed, was a big help for me. It also has local groups in cities (so I met all my Breasties in the YSC San Diego meetings)
Local Support Group: I’ve also made a lot of friends, my “Breasties”, in a local support group for women diagnosed under 40. It helps to have people who get what you’ve gone through!
Heather, Breast Cancer Survivor
Dana Farber Young and Strong: The Young and Strong Program for Young Adults with Breast Cancer provides comprehensive care and support to young adults confronting the challenges of living with and beyond breast cancer. We have guided more than 9,800 young adults on their journeys, offering comprehensive care, support, and programs tailored specifically to them.
by, Author Hester Hill Schnipper, LICSW
The transition from active treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation) into everyday life, addressing the emotional and physical realities that catch many survivors off guard.
Deni, Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator
Wellness House Hinsdale (Illinois): A nonprofit organization that offers a variety of FREE programming to patients and their families. Including support groups, individual counseling, dietitians, beauty parlor, seminars and fun “not cancer” things like bowling and movie nights!
Camp Hope: A free week long summer camp for kids with parents going through cancer treatment. Held in Naperville, run by Social Workers with Endeavor Health
Cold Capping Grants:
Talk with you PCP or OB-GYN about family history (not just breast cancer either!), density, etc and how it impacts your risk!!
