Brockport's Breast Cancer Support Group celebrates life

On the first Thursday of every month, a group of women gather at the Family Wellness Center at Lakeside Memorial Hospital in Brockport. They wear pink ribbon pins because pink is the universal color for breast cancer awareness and pink is the color of hope.

The women are members of the Brockport Breast Cancer Support Group and come from Holley, Hamlin, Hilton, Bergen, Spencerport, Brockport and Irondequoit. Belonging to a sisterhood they didn't ask to join, they are breast cancer survivors or newly diagnosed women who support and encourage one another while spreading awareness about this disease. They learn medical terms, treatment options, cancer staging and procedures on breast reconstruction. Doctors and nurses from area hospitals and clinics often present programs and answer questions.

It is through meetings and events that hope can grow and information is shared. Survivors give back so no woman has to go through breast cancer alone. They learn to live life to the fullest, one day at a time. Luncheons are planned, they practice breathing and exercise using yoga and QiGong. Four times a year, weekends are offered at Camp Good Days and Special Times on Keuka Lake. Sunrise hot air balloon rides, wellness cooking classes, woodworking, musical massages for the mind, wine tasting, dessert parties, shopping are a few of the camp activities.

Many of the women participate in the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk (October 16) and Relay For Life held in June. Life and survivorship is celebrated at these events but those who have died of cancer are also remembered. The Brockport group has lost two members.

For information, contact Irma Pylyshenko at 467-5365 or Anne Klein at 637-0220.

October 9, 2005