Cancer Support Programs for People Battling Cancer

 

As we’re quickly approaching the end of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction want to express our gratitude for the many ways people brought awareness to breast cancer this month.

Just because National Breast Cancer Awareness Month ends soon doesn’t mean we should stop raising awareness and helping those that are currently facing cancer.

That’s why we’d like to share a few of our favorite cancer support programs.

All of these programs are designed to assist individual people and families that are battling cancer of any kind.

Thanks to the fundraisers and events that go on during this month (as well as other cancer awareness months), these organizations can provide ongoing support to those in need.

If you have cancer, or know someone who does, we encourage you to check out and share these programs.

Road To Recovery

The Road To Recovery program was created to give cancer patients access to transportation to and from treatment for people with cancer who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves.

This program is made up of volunteers that generously donate their time to help those in need.

Find out more about the program here.

Reach To Recovery® Program

Finding out you have cancer can be overwhelming. Especially when you don’t have a solid network of friends and family to support you.

The Reach to Recovery® Program is made up of volunteer breast cancer survivors who give patients and/or family members an opportunity to express feelings, talk about fears and concerns, and ask questions of someone who has been there.

Find out more about the program here.

Hope Lodge

Facing cancer is hard enough without having to travel across the country for treatments. Yet, many cancer patients have to travel numerous times to get access to the treatments they need.

Each Hope Lodge location offers cancer patients and their caregivers a free place to stay during treatment in a city they have to travel to. Not having to worry about where to stay or how to pay for lodging allows guests to focus on getting well.

Find out more about the program here.

Cancer Support Community

Having a support system outside of your friends and family is important when battling cancer. Especially when you can find a support group of people who have had the same cancer battle you are currently going though.

The cancer support community will get you hooked up with all of the resources, contacts, and support groups you need to make sure you are supported as you battle cancer.

Find out more about the program here.

Do you have a favorite cancer support program?

Let us know in the comments below!

Finding a Cure for Breast Cancer: How You Can Help

Photo Source:  http://www.komenminnesota.org/Komen_Race_for_the_Cure_/Photo_Gallery.htm

Photo Source: http://www.komenminnesota.org/Komen_Race_for_the_Cure_/Photo_Gallery.htm

 

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is in full swing, and we are continuing our recognition at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

We hope you are, too!

There are many reasons we have an awareness month for breast cancer.

This month is a great time to celebrate breast cancer survivors, remember those who lost their battle, and come together as a community to support those who are currently fighting this awful disease.

Part of the celebration is also to hold events that help fund research to find a cure for breast cancer.

We are so grateful to the doctors and scientists who spend countless hours researching and studying for this cause.

But medical professionals and science experts aren’t the only ones who can help.

You can help find a cure for breast cancer, too!

Keep reading to see how you can contribute during National Breast Cancer Awareness Week.

Participate in Fundraising Events for Cancer

When you participate in fundraising events, you’re helping to raise money that’s used for cancer research, new medical treatments, and to help families that are in need while battling cancer.

And if that wasn’t a good enough reason to participate, fundraising events are also fun!

From races like Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure to golf outings like Swing for the Cure, there are fundraising events for everyone to enjoy.

And the best part? They are family friendly.

Get your girlfriends and family together and form a fundraising team. Check out a few more of our favorite fundraising events here.

Volunteer Your Skills for Cancer Research

If you have a medical or science background, you might be able to donate your research skills and medical expertise to help find a cure for breast cancer.

Talk to your local hospital about different opportunities for research available.

Because it’s medical research, you’re going to have to go through some testing to participate in various research programs. But if you pass the testing, doctors and scientists will be grateful to have you on board as a volunteer.

Support Someone with Cancer

If you’re unable to support finding a cure to cancer through attending fundraising events or donating your skills as a medical professional, don’t worry.

One of the best things you can do is support someone who is battling breast cancer.

If you know a family member or friend who has cancer, ask her what you can do to help. Preparing a few meals, picking up carpool duty, or cleaning her home can make a huge difference for someone with cancer.

Even something as small as a handmade card or a phone call can lift up a friend or family member who isn’t feeling well.

Don’t know anyone with cancer? That’s ok.

There are many volunteer opportunities through hospitals to help with cancer patients. Sometimes the best gift you can give is volunteer to visit with someone for an hour.

And who knows, you might even make a new friend along the way.

Reach out to your local hospital and see what you can do to help!

Are you doing anything to help find a cure for cancer?

Please comment on our Facebook page!

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Show Your Support

We at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction would like you to remember that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

During this month, we remember those who have lost their lives to breast cancer, support those who are battling it, celebrate those who have won their cancer battle, and do as much breast cancer awareness promotion as we can to raise funds for new research and treatments.

And we’ve certainly come a long way!

So far, in fact, that the American Cancer Society said we have approximately 2.8 million breast cancer survivors to date, thanks to new research, medical treatments, and detection technology.

Now that’s something to celebrate!

One of the ways we want to celebrate this month is by sharing one of our favorite awareness campaigns happening October 19—The Breast Reconstruction Awareness Campaign.

What Is It?

Sponsored by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Breast Reconstruction Awareness Campaign is designed to make women aware of their breast reconstruction options.

While breast reconstruction following a mastectomy or lumpectomy is not for everyone, every woman should be informed of the options to which she is legally entitled.

This campaign aims both to educate women about their options and to provide women with the funds needed if they cannot afford breast reconstruction procedures.

How Can You Help?

The Breast Reconstruction Awareness Campaign is supported by charitable donations. Donations of any size are always appreciated.

If you’d rather participate than provide monetary support, individuals and groups are encouraged to start a Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day event in your area.

There is no fee to participate, and ASPS offers a free Starter Guide to help plan the activities.

Another way to show your support is to become an affiliate.

Affiliates hosting a fundraising event receive a free Marketing and PR toolkit to assist in advertising. They also share their events with ASPS and all events are posted to the Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day events page and all social media platforms.

Visit the site now to see how you can get involved.

Why We Love This Event

We believe every woman—whether she’s had cancer or not−deserves to feel confident and beautiful.

Thanks to this yearly event, women who are uninsured or under-insured have access to safe and timely breast reconstructive services.

And that means women have the opportunity to get the help they need to feel beautiful and confident after a battle with breast cancer.

Do you have a favorite Breast Cancer Awareness Month event?

Share it with us below!

The Importance of “Thinking Pink” 365 Days a Year

pink ribbon for breast cancer

With Breast Cancer Awareness Month behind us and November starting, it’s important we not just “think pink” in October, but every month of the year by spreading the word and becoming an advocate

Traditionally, October is a time of great momentum for Breast Cancer Awareness, but the excitement of all the October events doesn’t have to end! You can support these efforts, to increase breast cancer awareness right in your own backyard—and beyond—365 days a year.

Here are some creative, original ways to “think pink” all year long:

  • Host an eventIt doesn’t have to be October for you to fundraise for the cause. You can “think pink” throughout the year as a fundraising vehicle to spread the word on how to increase breast cancer awareness. Or, show your support of a friend, colleague, or family member who has breast cancer, and fundraise just for them! (Seriously, who doesn’t love a good party for a good cause)!
  • Start a blog. With the Internet being the prime place people turn to for information on breast cancer awareness, you can create digital content that inspires people to “think pink”, and spread the word on breast cancer awareness every month to a global audience. It’s a fact that many women eligible for breast reconstruction following cancer surgery are not being properly informed of their options. Blogs and social media are a great platform to educate women on breast reconstruction awareness and to share your own story.

Speaking of which, if you aren’t fans on Facebook or following us on Twitter, we welcome you to join the conversation!

  • Join or host a support group to nurture breast cancer awareness. “Thinking pink” also means connecting with other women with breast cancer, breast cancer survivors, and with those who are also passionate about increasing breast cancer awareness. By plugging into a support group every month, you stay on the front lines of the fight long after Breast Cancer Awareness month is over.

Let’s keep the conversation going. Let us know if you have any questions, or if you’d like to join us to promote your next Charleston area event in our newsletter!

 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Where Will We Be?

Join The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction throughout the month of October for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Our team will be attending all the collaborative events around Charleston that promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and promote treatment and reconstructive services.

Although many incredible strides have been made in breast cancer awareness and treatment, there remains much to be accomplished. Become part of the national dialogue on breast cancer, and help women around the world get informed about breast health when you join us for these special events:

  • BRA Day USA: Come celebrate our first BRA Day USA on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 aboard the dockside Carolina Belle on 10 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC. BRA Day is an initiative designed to promote education, awareness, and access regarding post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. BRA Day USA is a collaborative effort between The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, plastic surgeons specializing in breast surgery, nurse navigators, medical device industry representatives, breast cancer patients and families, and breast cancer support groups. Join us for a little retail therapy, some great food, and outstanding prizes. Admission is free but limited to the venue capacity of 250. To secure your spot, be sure to RSVP to info@naturalbreastreconstruction.com.
  • Komen Race: The largest sequence of 5K run / walks in the world, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®.  Series benefits education, research, and treatment programs for breast cancer. Three-fourths of the money raised by the Lowcountry Affiliate is invested into local projects, while the remainder supports national research programs. The 2012 Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure® takes place Saturday, October 20, 2012 at the Family Circle Tennis Center in Daniels Island, SC. Enjoy the option of running or walking—by yourself or with a team—or you can sleep in for the Cure. Registration fees are $25 for individuals, $20 for team members, and $35 for sleepers. The registration fee includes the official Komen Race for the Cure® t-shirt and bib. If you’re a breast cancer survivor, let the organizers know, and you’ll receive a pink survivors t-shirt, hat, and bib! Check out www.KomenLowcountry.org to register and be part of an extraordinary cause!
  • Annual FORCE Conference: From October 18–20, 2012, we’ll be in Orlando, Florida for FORCE’s Against Hereditary Cancer Conference, a forum on hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Join us as well as cancer survivors, high-risk individuals, those with a BRCA gene mutation or family history of cancer, and health care providers who treat high-risk patients. The conference will feature keynote speakers, exhibits, receptions, support groups, health and well-being assessments, and even a pool party! Come join the fun and learn more here: http://www.facingourrisk.org/events/annual_conference/index.php.

Which of these events will you attend this month? Let us know in the comments section and we’ll see you there!