Three Cambridge women are using their breast cancer journeys to bring support and reassurance to others.
Local women Ruth Crampton, Carillon Faery and Mandy Robinson have partnered with national charity Breast Cancer Support (BCS) to set up a support group for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast Cancer Support Cambridge will provide peer support from the positive, personal perspective of those who have ‘been there too.’
The Cambridge support group will meet at the Absolute Coffee House in the New World carpark, every Friday at 10am. Anyone who has experienced a diagnosis of breast cancer at any time is welcome to attend. Women can call Ruth on 022 601 1099 or visit the group‘s Facebook page for more information.
‘The group is very much in the peer to peer support space,’ says Ruth. ‘We will be there from day one, right through a woman’s journey.’ Ruth was new to Cambridge when diagnosed and her determination to ‘do some good’ led her to like-minded Carillon who found it difficult to connect with others in the community after her diagnosis. Mandy is a keen blogger, has written about her journey and promoted the ‘check your boobs’ message, one she hopes will last long after her treatment ends.
Cambridge will join Breast Cancer Support’s (BCS) network of trained volunteers providing peer support services to women and caregivers experiencing breast cancer. The charity has groups in Auckland and Christchurch, and offers one to one support on 0800 273 222.
BCS Chair Marion Barnett is looking forward to adding Cambridge to the organisation’s support network. ‘Breast Cancer Support is like no other breast cancer charity. We offer support and care provided by trained volunteers who have gone through the same experience. We are here to let women know they are not alone - and that is a unique gift for someone diagnosed with breast cancer.’
For further information: Ruth Crampton: BCS Cambridge Coordinator 022 601 1099 ruthecrampton@gmail.com or Jane Bissell: BCS National Coordinator 0800 273 222 support@breastcancersupport.co.nz
11 July 2019
