Support for You

Breast cancer can be scary and confusing, both for those diagnosed and for their friends and family. It’s important to have a strong support network to help with the physical and emotional demands of the disease. Remember, you are not alone. There are many support services available to assist you on this journey, including:

• 1-877 GO KOMEN, a free breast care helpline offering professional support services to anyone with breast health and breast cancer concerns, including breast cancer patients and their families.
• The Co-Survivor section of Komen’s national website, where friends and family members can share tips and advice, and read personal stories from others who have been in similar situations.

Local Breast Cancer Support Groups

M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando

This group benefits anyone currently or previously diagnosed and treated for breast cancer and meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm in the conference room on the second floor at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando. Please note spouses/partners are welcome. Please call Dana Nolan, MS, LMHC, for more information at (321) 841-6087.

St. Luke's Care & Nurture Ministries

Offers support to our church family and the community. Offers monthly meetings with information, resources, and fellowship. Promotes community-wide cancer awareness events. Contact Carol Crowley (407) 876-4991 ext. 262.

Breast Cancer Support Group

Support, education and special understanding for women who have had breast cancer.
Florida Hospital Altamonte Family Resource Center. Meets second Tuesday of each month from 6-7:30 pm.
For information please call (407) 303-5715.

CancerCare

CancerCare is a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services for anyone affected by cancer. Call 1-(800) 813-HOPE or email info@cancercare.org. Support groups online are available.

Sand Lake Cancer Center Support Group

This group serves as a place of healing and hope. They meet the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30 PM at 7450 Sand Lake Commons Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819. Dinner is served during the meeting. Call Asha Jiawan at (407) 351-1002 for more information.

Other Resources

Pink Ribbon Program (Post-Operative Workout Enhancing Recovery)

Dedicated to promotion a healthy lifestyle and positive body image to all breast cancer survivors.  The Pink Ribbon Program will help stretch and strengthen the shoulder, chest, back and abdominal muscles, allowing women to regain full range of motion to those areas affected by breast cancer surgery.  This program is suitable whether your surgery was recent or several years ago and accommodates all fitness levels.

The Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist (BCES) is a professional who has a complete understanding of the entire cancer process from diagnosis to treatment, recovery, prevention of lymphedema, contraindications and is qualified to assess, design and implement an individualized exercise program.

Location:  Serving Central Florida and Lake County
Contact:  Cristy O'Connor, Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist(BCES) at 407.595.5539 OR cristyoconnor@yahoo.com