To improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients by empowering them to become their own best advocates through relevant information, resources, and community. In 2014, a group of breast cancer patients and survivors located in Knoxville, Tennessee, met one evening for the purpose of companionship and support. That group grew as dozens of women found comfort and support in sharing their stories with those who “had been down that road.”
It was during these Happy Hours that the idea of Breast Connect was born. What started as a Facebook group that connected newly diagnosed women with other women who had a similar diagnosis and already been through their cancer journey blossomed into www.BreastConnect.org; a non-profit website that provides a comprehensive one-stop-shop experience where women can find resources and answers to help give them direction, confidence and support during the most critical decision-making process and beyond. Educational material, financial assistance information, retail lists, and day-to-day assistance suggestions for those with limited family support or availability, are just a few features the site offers. Central to our mission, and an important resource on BreastConnect.org, is our Sisterhood Program. This program matches a newly diagnosed patient with another survivor based on the expressed needs of the newly diagnosed patient. Many of our members experienced the assistance of talking with a survivor when first diagnosed with breast cancer and found that experience to be empowering, educational and reassuring. We want to ensure that anyone affected by breast cancer has access to someone who has already experienced a similar situation. The survivors in this program want to pay it forward and help those following in their footsteps and are dedicated to being a positive influence - to listen, encourage, share their own experience and provide information. While the women in this program are certainly not doctors and cannot provide medical advice, they can provide examples of what worked and what did not work for them – everything from courses of treatment to how to communicate the diagnosis to friends and family. To find our private group, please go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breastconnect/
From Facebook to our Website, the focus of Breast Connect remains Survivor helping Survivor. If you are visiting us as a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient, we welcome you to our sisterhood.
