Chapter 10 - Women Building Bridges

They talk about a woman’s sphere, as though it had a limit.
There’s not a place in earth or heaven,
there’s not a task to mankind given…
without a woman in it.
— Kate Field

When a woman is first diagnosed with breast cancer, many things happen very quickly. Doctors and nurses can answer most questions. However, they cannot truly convey or understand what lies ahead for the newly diagnosed woman or other breast cancer survivors. This is where peer support can be very helpful.

Every Bridges volunteer is a breast cancer survivor. They are available to listen, support, encourage and share their experiences. They are here to give to you just as others have given to them. Though their ages, life and breast cancer experience may vary greatly, they have one thing in common — they care. They are here to help build the bridge from diagnosis and treatment to living a full and rewarding life beyond breast cancer.

As you read about the Bridges volunteers, you will learn a little about their breast cancer experience, including age at time of diagnosis, types of treatment, where they live and how you can reach them. Please feel free to call any of them whenever you need someone to talk with or have questions that they may be able to answer.

You will discover that healing is a process. Sharing with someone who has “walked the miles” in similar shoes offers an opportunity to learn, take comfort and, perhaps, make a new friend. No matter how far these women are from their initial diagnosis and treatment, helping you helps them.

Every Bridges volunteer has a copy of the Resource Directory to help direct you to other resources. The codes listed after each woman’s name will help you to know what each Bridges volunteer feels most comfortable talking with others about and may be helpful to you in deciding which Bridges volunteer you would like to speak with.

If you are interested in becoming a Bridges volunteer, please complete the form at the end of this section and return to address indicated on the form.