Mentoring
SUPPORT GROUPS
Breast cancer support groups are important because they offer a safe, secure, and supportive place for those who have experience with cancer to share their stories. Sharing experiences and stories is a part of life, and some of the strongest bonds of friendship we make are through adversity.
A breast cancer support group gives you the chance to share your story and engage with the stories of others so that you know you’re not alone. Feelings of isolation are common when someone is diagnosed with a serious illness, and Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks wants you to know that there are others out there who know exactly what you’re going through.
BCFO hosts a support group in Branson every other month. This group offers a structured, yet interactive setting featuring a scheduled speaker to address the needs of those in the group. Past speakers have included a licensed counselor, life coach, physical therapist specializing in lymphedema, prosthetics fitter, breast cancer patient navigator and yoga instructor. For information on dates and location, click here or call BCFO program director at 417-862-3838.
Several support groups are hosted by local hospital systems including Mercy Springfield, CoxHealth Springfield, and Freeman Hospital. BCFO does not duplicate services but supports each community’s effort to provide resources to those affected by breast cancer.
To learn more about starting a BCFO-sponsored Breast Cancer Support Group in your area, please contact our program director at 417-862-3838.
MENTORING PROGRAM
A Mentor Speaks Up on Reasons to Join “One to One” When Newly Diagnosed…
“When a woman is newly diagnosed, she can experience a huge array of emotions. Many times, it is very difficult to know where or who to turn to for support and unconditional understanding. Your mentor has been exactly where you are now and may be able to help. Many of us who have experienced a cancer journey similar to yours wish that there had been someone there for us to relate to in our time of need.”
– Mary Beth, mentor for over 10 years
For more information on joining “One to One” for support or on volunteering through this program, please contact the program director at 417-862-3838.
BCFO offers the “One to One” Mentoring Program to provide emotional support to those newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Someone who has been recently diagnosed is paired with a mentor who is a survivor of similar disease with similar age and lifestyle traits. A mentor provides a listening ear for someone who is likely to have many concerns and questions about how to cope with a new diagnosis. A mentor can provide information on frequently asked questions, friendship, educational materials and, above all, a listening ear when it is most needed. Contact us to be paired with a mentor as soon after diagnosis as possible.
"BCFO offered me a hand up,
not a hand out."
-BCFO Client
DONATE
With your help and support, BCFO can continue our mission of helping families impacted by breast cancer. To make a charitable donation, click HERE.
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ABOUT BCFO.org
Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks is a local 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization. BCFO reaches out to friends and neighbors who have been affected by breast cancer. BCFO offers personal support and comfort in real and practical ways, providing support networks, mentoring programs, a full range of resources regarding breast cancer awareness, diagnosis and treatment, where to find related community services, and more.