Brown Bag Fridays
Friday Afternoons
12:00 PM

When it’s the end of the week and it is time to unwind…join us for a bit of R & R!

Where else can you find a young Mom of three, a retired school teacher, a master gardener, a court reporter, an executive director, a community activist, a piano teacher, an actress, a writer, a cub scout leader, a homemaker, a school psychologist, a pediatric nurse, an interior decorator and others sitting around chatting over last night’s meatloaf, soup from Jason’s on Park, salad from Wendy’s, or fruit and yogurt? At the Breast Cancer Coalition! Any given Friday at noon finds a group of women conversing over whatever-they-brought-to-eat and a delectable dessert provided by BCCR. 

The conversation runs the gamut…from the latest research on Herceptin to our own locally-funded research initiatives… from hair loss to funky re-growth...from neoadjuvant therapy to the latest clinical trials…from acid reflux to exercise...from recurring dreams to friends and family’s behavior…from prosthetics to bathing suits…from The Apprentice to Desperate Housewives…and on and on and on.  The sky’s the limit…and there IS no limit! 

This non-traditional support group, in that there is no facilitator but there is plenty of support, is exactly what many of us have been looking for. This is a drop-in program. There is no need to call ahead, however if you would like more information, please contact Tracy Brown at 585 473-8177.

Gentle yoga
Monday Evenings

This popular class is taught by Susan Meynadasy, a certified yoga instructor.  Each series runs for six weeks and is limited to 12 breast cancer survivors. Susan modifies the yoga program to meet the needs of each individual participant. Those in active treatment for breast cancer or those who are long term survivors are welcome to join us. Those with bone metastases, hip and/or knee replacements, lymphedema, range-of-motion issues following a mastectomy…or any other concerns…should feel assured that the program can be adapted to fit your needs. How do we know? We just described a typical list of participants!  The program fills up quickly so if you are interested in joining this group, please call the BCCR at 585 473-8177.

Men's Night
4th Thursday of the month
6:00 PM (new time)

This group is for men whose wives, daughters, mothers, or significant others have been affected by breast cancer and is facilitated by Jay Nittoli, L.C.S.W. Jay’s wife is a six-year breast cancer survivor. As a husband and a father of two boys, he understands firsthand the impact a diagnosis of breast cancer has on the entire family. This group meets on the 4th Thursday of every month. No advance registration is required. Please call 585 473-8177 with any questions.

Voices & Visions
Tuesday Evenings

Voices & Vision is an exciting program that gives people with breast cancer an opportunity to explore and express their feelings through writing. This warm and supportive group is led by a professional, sensitive instructor.

Not only has writing proven to be very therapeutic for breast cancer survivors, this program is getting rave reviews! Each workshop runs for six weeks and advance registration is required. Call 473-8177 to learn more and to sign up for the next available session.

Breast Cancer 101 (Ongoing)
A program for the newly diagnosed.

This program provides information and support to those who are coping with a breast cancer diagnosis.  Most are making decisions about surgery and treatment, however quite a few have recently begun chemotherapy and are taking the course because, as one states, “I finally feel like I have a chance to catch my breath.”  Information is divided into two sessions.

The content of the sessions covers breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. The goals of the program are to assist participants in managing the complex tasks and emotions of a breast cancer diagnosis and to empower women to be their own self-advocates as they proceed through treatment, recovery and survivorship.

Our professional facilitators are eager to provide a safe, comfortable atmosphere where information can be absorbed and assimilated, while formulating a strategy for coping with each individual’s breast cancer experience.

Please call 585 473-8177 for a time that is convenient for you.

Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group
2nd and 4th Thursday mornings of each month

• Supportive Group environment for individuals who are living with advanced breast cancer
• To provide support and information
• To help one another while living with Metastatic breast cancer
• Professionally facilitated

Developed in consultation with Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR) members who are living with Metastatic breast cancer.

The group facilitator, Nancy E. Cooper, PhD., is a licensed psychologist in private practice with professional expertise and interest in therapeutic groups and in working with people who are coping with life changing illness.  She is a BCCR Board Member and the Education Committee Chair, as well as a breast cancer survivor.

If you are interested in joining this group, please call the BCCR at 585 473-8177.

Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester Support Group
Every 3rd Tuesday evening — please call us for the next date!
5:30 PM

This discussion-based support group, led by Claire Gladwell, RN, meets regularly here at BCCR. Join with others coping with a diagnosis of breast cancer, share your experiences and lend your support. Though no registration is required, please call BCCR at 585 473-8177 for the next meeting date.

Sister Sak Project (Ongoing)
The Sister Sak is a canvas bag filled with all sorts of goodies designed to help ease the burden a young woman feels while coping with breast cancer. 

Filled with items such as colorful bandanas, relaxation CD’s, soothing teas, notecards, gift cards for take-out or certificates for a rare evening out, pink ribbon pin or bracelet, Gatorade and power bars, and books that inspire, The Sister Sak is delivered to a newly diagnosed young woman by a sister survivor.  Whether she chooses to haul it to chemo treatments or packs it with diapers or paperbacks, she will not likely forget the compassion and understanding the bag represents. 

For more information about this project, or to make a referral, please call 585 473-8177.

Jewelry-making Class
Interested in learning to make glass beads at the torch? How about working with polymer clay to fashion your own pin? Wondering about beaded jewelry fundamentals? Interested in making a beaded embroidery pin? Or an awesome beaded bracelet? The Artisans at Studio 34 (Elton St.) are ready and willing to teach breast cancer survivors new ways to reduce stress and increase relaxation. First come, first serve…so call today and sign up for the next class by calling Studio 34 at 585 737-5858. Please indicate that you are interested in the class specifically for breast cancer survivors!