Link to July Calendar

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.”

The content of the one-on-one session 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.

Breast Cancer 201 (Ongoing)

Modeled after Breast Cancer 101, these are one-on-one sessions for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. New issues arising about a diagnosis of breast cancer are dealt with on the same one-to-one basis as BC 101. Maintaining a nurturing and supportive environment while providing a sounding board for treatment modalities and other issues is all part of BC 201. Call 585-473-8177 for more information.

Brown Bag Fridays
Friday Afternoons
12 Noon

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 Nathan’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 American Idol to The Amazing Race…and on and on and on. The sky’s the limit…and there IS no limit! 

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

Support Group For Breast Cancer Survivors I
Every 3rd Tuesday Evening – please call 585-473-8177 for the next date!
5:30 to 7 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.

Support Group for Breast Cancer Survivors II
Every First and Third Thursday of the Month
5:30 to 7 PM

Meeting on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month, this growing group was formed to further provide support to those diagnosed with breast cancer. The group is facilitated by therapist Peg DeBaise. Ms. DeBaise’s prior and current experience includes: coping with health issues; self-esteem; coping with serious illness; relationship concerns; trauma; stress management; depression; and family issues.

This is an open support group, no RSVP required! Just come! Questions? Call 585-473-8177.

The Young Survivors Networking Group
Every Third Thursday of Every Month
12 Noon

The Young Survivors Networking Group is co-facilitated by Miriam Iker, a clinical psychologist who specializes in children, families and adult women, and Amy Weetman, a young survivor specializing in peer support. Together they address issues including the impact of breast cancer on families, children and careers.

So what is a Young Survivor? She’s a woman generally between the ages of 20 and 50. She is someone who identifies with those who have been dealt a breast cancer blow while in the midst of a career climb, or while raising children. Or perhaps her plans for children have been derailed by her diagnosis. For any of these women, a diagnosis of breast cancer presents unique challenges.

The Young Survivors Networking Group meets on the third Thursday at noon of every month. This is a drop-in group and there is no need to call ahead. Feel free to bring a bag lunch or a snack if you wish!

Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group
1st and 3rd Wednesday Mornings of Each Month (Pre-registration is required)

• 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 former BCCR Board Member, as well as a breast cancer survivor.

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 to 7 PM

About Men's Night: 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, but please call 585-473-8177 with any questions.

Peer Advocates Lending Support: P.A.L.S. SM
Peer Advocacy is at the core of the philosophy behind the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester. When a woman (or man) is diagnosed with breast cancer, she (or he) is asked to shift quickly from a paradigm of health to a paradigm of disease.

Having a carefully selected PALS mentor, someone who is fluent in the language and who has learned to navigate the unfamiliar terrain, recently, can make the experience more manageable, even empowering, to many of those who are newly diagnosed. The PALS mentors serve as role models and will help those just beginning the journey, and also their significant others, to gain an understanding of the language of breast cancer and its treatment, helping them connect to support services in the community, directing them to appropriate programs and resources. PALS mentors provide a foundation of caring; listening in a patient, non-judgemental manner to instill confidence and comfort in the face of a difficult time.

Please call BCCR at 585-473-8177 to learn how you can become involved as a mentor, or if you would like to be enrolled in the program after your diagnosis and receive the support you need and a pack of comfort items.

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 Wegmans, Vitamin Water, 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.

BCCR Book Club
4th Thursday of Every Month

Note: The next BCCR Book Club will be held on Thursday,July 23, 2009. We will be discussing "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen. Tracey Knapton and Susan Meynadasy will facilitate the discussion.

About Book Club: What if a traditional support group isn't for you, but you still like the idea of participating in a supportive community following a breast cancer diagnosis? Join our Book Club! The BCCR Book Club meets the 4th Thursday of the month, from 6 to 8 PM. Participation is limited and sign-up is required. To reserve your seat and learn the next book selection, please call Tracey 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.

Voices & Visions Writing Workshop
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 585-473-8177 to learn more and to sign up for the next available session.

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!