Christoper Reeve said “Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.” In Buffalo, New York the Breast Cancer Network of Western New York (BCN OF WNY) is filled with hope, support, compassion, and encouragement for people in Western New York who have been impacted by cancer. An army of dedicated volunteers who have already traveled the path of having breast cancer, combined with a fierce staff of three, are there for the people in WNY who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Rachel Wallmeyer, Program Director, shared some of her time to talk about this special organization.
“Our mission is to support the well being of all Western New Yorkers impacted by breast cancer.” Breast Cancer Network of WNY
Wikipedia states that Western New York includes “the cities of Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Jamestown, and the surrounding suburbs as well as the outlying rural areas of Niagara Frontier and Chautauqua-Allegany (or the western Southern Tier. In the late 1980’s a few women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer began getting together in their homes for support and comfort. The need for connection, and talking to someone who understood what you were going through, made a difference for these women. This group began to grow, and grow, and grow. Historically the Breast Cancer Network was a volunteer run non-profit. Recently three paid staff were hired to continue the life-changing work they do. What began as a support network from people’s homes is now housed in office space in Buffalo NY.
“BCN is proud to offer programming, education and support to those impacted by breast cancer. The founders of BCN know exactly what it feels like to receive a diagnosis like breast cancer. Feeling like, ‘What do I do?’ ‘Who can help me figure this out?’ is a feeling felt by far too many women. BCN is there to help answer those questions ‘from diagnosis through survivorship.’”
Here are the programs and support offered by BCN. Restorative health classes, support groups, sisters in survival, education programs, a book club with fun reads, a YouTube channel. Every year the network donates to metastatic breast cancer research. There are community connections to help people get counseling and other support. Some programs are on site, some are zoom, and some in the community. Ninety-nine percent of the programs are free. For the ones with a fee a modest price is charged. The majority of support groups are facilitated by professional facilitators. These groups are low pressure, relaxed, approachable and welcoming with small numbers of participants. Sisters of Survival is a peer mentorship program funded by New York State for women of color that includes peer mentoring, support groups, and individual counseling. Restorative health classes are a hoot and a riot, designed to get your body moving, help your mental health, a place for everyone to feel comfortable and maybe make friends.
“The Breast Cancer Network has a rich history of supporting the breast cancer community of Western New York.”
The TLC Tote Program is one of their signature programs. The totes are filled with carefully selected items to bring comfort and support to people newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Each tote is filled with items such as a hand made heart-shaped pillow made by a breast cancer survivor, Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book, socks note cards, resources and much more. For people who live in the Buffalo area and can come to the BCN office Rachel, or a volunteer will meet with them personally to talk about the items in the tote, letting the newly diagnosed person know that BCN is there to support them. Rachel shared as other questions come up she will hunt to find them the information they are seeking. This network is invested in doing everything they can to ease and support those diagnosed with breast cancer. Because men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer they are welcomed to use all of the supports the BCN provides.
“When I first was diagnosed, my gut reaction was, ‘This is a terrible thing.’ But as my journey has progressed, I feel so blessed because I’ve experienced the most incredible outpouring of love you can imagine.” Victoria Lavine
What started as a few women seeking support and comfort in the 1980’s has grown where thousands of people have been shown an outpouring of love, education and support by the BCN. Kindness Champions is honored to shine our spotlight on the Breast Cancer Network where inclusion, empowerment, education, and commitment to research is leading the way for those diagnosed with breast cancer in Western New York. We thank you for being you and bringing your awesomeness to the world.
For more information on the amazing Breast Cancer Network of WNY here is their information:
Website: https://www.bcnwny.org/
Instagram: @bcnbuffalo https://www.instagram.com/bcnbuffalo/
Facebook: @breastcancernetworkofwny https://www.facebook.com/breastcancernetworkofwny
