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FAMILY & FRIENDS RESOURCES

When someone you love is experiencing breast cancer, you want to offer the best support you can. You will also have your own support needs on this journey that, in some ways, you are navigating together with the person who has been diagnosed. This is why Carolina Breast Friends calls the loved ones and caregivers of people experiencing breast cancer "Co-Survivors."
 

Co-Survivors can be spouses, partners, family members, friends, or colleagues. Most are not trained for the role they now face. Yet many times, they are the lifeline of the person with cancer. At Carolina Breast Friends, we provide resources and support to better equip Co-Survivors for the physical and emotional demands their loved ones may experience... and require.

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Our objective is to provide FREE targeted resources to support caregivers during the breast cancer journey by providing:

  • Co-Survivor Connections support for spouses or partners

  • Programs for spouses, children, family, and friends that create stronger connections and community

  • Engaging social gatherings

  • Fun special events

  • Family-focused experiences

  • Community resources (See below for a list of resources)

Would you like to be connected
with a fellow Co-Survivor?

Are you a Co-Survivor ready to
support others on this journey?

How to Support Someone Experiencing Breast Cancer

CO-SURVIVOR COMMUNITY

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"It's been ten years now since my wife Jill was diagnosed. The cancer diagnosis hit us in so many different ways beyond just the obvious health scare. The roller coaster ride of surgery, chemo and radiation treatments had its toll on the whole family. I am excited CBF is expanding their services to include the Co-Survivors in programming and services. It's been honor to help get that started and support others in the fight"

- Martin (Co-Survivor)

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"Our Co-survivor experience has been one filled with warmth, belonging, compassion, and community. I've always imagined a place where my husband could feel all of this and more. He and we are looking forward
to what 2023 holds for the CBF Co-Survivor community. Cheers to more love and light!"

- Vinita (Survivor)

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"My first wife, Jessica, was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer at the age of 26. We had two very young children together and the struggle was everything you would expect. She fought hard and had many ups and downs and inspired many lives... and lost her fight at the age of 32. I am re-married now to an amazing woman and we have made every effort to keep Jessica's memory alive for the kids. Now, I try and have a small part in impacting the lives of other men who may be struggling and unsure who they can talk to when their wife is fighting a similar battle."

- Josh (Co-Survivor)

CO-SURVIVOR RESOURCES

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SPOUSES/ PARTNERS

COMMUNICATION COUNSELING:

Tiffany H. Young, LCSW, LISW-CP, OSW-C, Supervisor of Psychosocial Oncology
Buddy Kemp Support Center (Novant)
704-384-3119

RECOMMENDED READING:

  • A Breast Cancer Guide For Spouses, Partners, Friends, and Family by Haynes, Meyer, and Evans

  • And in Health: A Guide for Couples Facing Cancer Together by Dan Shapiro

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHILDREN

Annie Gunning, CCLS, CIMI
Empower Through Play, LLC
314-803-3530

agunningccls@gmail.com

View these 2 recorded sessions with advice from Annie Gunning:
Helping Kids Cope with Your Breast Cancer

​→Helping Children Cope with a Loved One's Breast Cancer

RECOMMENDED READING:

  • Invisible String & Invisible String Workbook by Patrice Karst (Topic: Coping)

  • Hey Warrior by Karen Young (Topic: Coping)

  • Nowhere Hair by Sue Glader (Topic: Hairloss, Age: Preschool)

  • How Do You Care for a Very Sick Bear? by Sara Olsher (Topic: Illness, Age: Preschool)

  • My Parent Has Cancer and It Really Sucks by Mya Siler & Marc Silver (Topic: Cancer, Age: Teens)

  • Our Family Has Cancer Too! by Christine Cliffors (Topic: Cancer, Age: Family)

ADDITIONAL WEBSITE RESOURCES:

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FINANCIAL & FOOD ASSISTANCE

  • Cancer Care: general information on financial assistance

  • Go Jen Go: serving greater Charlotte, nonprofit providing financial assistance to those with breast cancer

  • Pretty in Pink Foundation: serving North Carolina, financial assistance for uninsured or underinsured (medical only)

  • The Meggs Foundation: serving greater Charlotte, financial assistance for those facing a medical diagnosis between the ages of 20-39 years old

  • Second Harvest Food Bank: serving greater Charlotte, food resources

  • Feast for Good: serving greater Charlotte, meal service

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