Brockport Breast Cancer Support Group honors founder

The Brockport Breast Cancer Support Group (BBCSG), which meets the first Thursday of each month, will honor founding member Irma Pylyshenko at the May 3 meeting, 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Lakeside Memorial Hospital's Board Conference Room.

Pylyshenko, a breast cancer survivor, started the BBCSG in October 2000 to provide support to area women for much-needed emotional and educational support while dealing with diagnosis and treatment of the disease, and maintenance of restored wellness. The group, which began with a handful of members, has grown over the last few years and is now providing support to more than 30 women. The group is supported by the American Cancer Society, Rochester Chapter, and offers opportunities for members to hear guest speakers discuss new diagnostic and treatment options, share personal stories and receive the support of others who have experienced breast cancer.

"What I have noticed over the period of time that the group has been meeting, is that the individual members have grown and continue to grow. When Irma started the Brockport Breast Cancer Support Group, the new members learned what I already knew, that is, Irma is one of the most capable, dedicated and caring people I know. She is still the backbone of our group, which is known to be one of the most active in Western New York," said Hannelore (Hanny) Heyen, one of the group's founding members.

Women from the community who are dealing with breast cancer are invited to join the group for this special evening.

April 22, 2007