A Look into PALS Matches: How Peer Mentors and Mentees are Connected

By Helana Shumway, Public Relations Coordinator

Our last blog post explored what goes into a Breast or Gynecologic Cancer 101 session at the Breast Cancer Coalition. These one-to-one sessions are available to those who have just recently received a breast or gynecologic cancer diagnosis or those at any point in their cancer experience. Read the full blog about our 101 sessions here.

Following a 101 session, individuals can connect with our PALS (Peer Advocates Lending Support) Program. This is a peer mentor program connecting those newer to a diagnosis with those further along in their cancer experience. To learn more about the benefits of the program, we have a wonderful article from our Autumn 2025 edition of Voices of the Ribbon. The full article is available here.

I recently spoke with Andrea Reynolds, Rachel Rosen Simpson and Yvonne Paul (our incredible Programs Department) about the work that goes into making every match. Their care in pairing up mentors and mentees, along with the guidance and leadership of our Executive Director, Christina Thomposon, is reflective of the safe and welcoming environment they foster every day.

With Careful Consideration

The Programs Department meets weekly to discuss those who have had recent 101 sessions and are looking for a trained PALS mentor.* They also discuss participants who have had changes or developments in their cancer experience and who may need additional support.

When it comes to making a mentor-mentee match, there are several considerations that Christina, Andrea, Rachel and Yvonne take into account – matches are not just about one’s cancer type. Categories for consideration include: the specifics of a diagnosis, the pathology report, treatment plan, the age or stage of life when diagnosed, marital and family status, family planning, personality traits, and similar career fields.

Other considerations for a PALS match include challenges with reconstructive surgery, implant concerns (such as implant rejection) and pre-existing health conditions. A PALS match may also be helpful for those choosing between two different surgeries, in which case an individual can connect with two mentors who have lived experience with each type of surgery.

Meeting People Where They Are

It is of utmost importance to our work that we meet people where they are. For some members of our community, they reach out to the Coalition very soon after a diagnosis. For others, they may prefer to wait until they have completed treatment or perhaps several years into their survivorship. Whenever someone is ready to connect for support, we are here.

The same goes for getting matched with a PALS mentor. There is no timeline or limitation to this program.

The power of the PALS Program has been a core part of our organization for over twenty years. Pat Battaglia, our beloved Associate Director of Communications and longtime powerhouse behind our newsletter, Voices of the Ribbon, helped to create the program to ensure those who needed peer support could get it.

She once said about our PALS Program, “You are not alone – there is hope. Just stop, pause, take a deep breath.”

We are here to be a safe space to land – to take a breath and to receive support. Some PALS matches will result in meeting for a of coffee or a sharing phone call to speak with someone who’s “been there.” Other matches turn into lifelong friendships.

One of our dedicated PALS mentors, Mimi Y., recently shared what being a PALS mentor means to her: “For me, being a ‘PAL’ is both a privilege and an honor – sharing a cup of tea, listening with an open heart, and helping others navigate systems, whether that means helping to find a properly fitting bra or enjoying a walk in the park.”

The PALS Program is a reminder that no one has to face a diagnosis of breast or gynecologic cancer alone. We are here for you.

Are you interested in getting connected with a PALS mentor or becoming a trained mentor? Reach out today. Call the Breast Cancer Coalition at (585) 473-8177 or email info@bccr.org.

*Our PALS mentors have received training and guidance from the Coalition. Each year, the Programs Department hosts an all-day training where individuals receive the needed information and resources to become a strong peer mentor. They learn techniques like active listening and how to share their lived experiences with those who are new to the Coalition community.