Need help & opinions on starting support group

srfranklin

Hi! My name is Shannon and if you have time, I would like to take a little time to tell you about myself and get your advice. My mother was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer January 30th. She was 52 years old. She died less than three months later. I am 23 years old and I have two younger sisters, 20 and 17. She was our only parent. Our dad left a while ago. The sad thing is that I just got married June 8th and my mom was supposed to walk me down the isle. Now, I am starting a new marriage and raising my 17 year old sister. It has been really tough moving on. I know that I am not the only one who is young and has lost a parent to breast cancer, but I feel like it. These last few months have been incredibly difficult and filled with mixed emotions. I am supposed to be strong for my sisters and happy about a wedding and at the same time I feel like I am falling apart. My friends have tried to help, but, to me, they cannot understand. They don't know what its like yet to loose their parent.

Now, Ill stop talking about myself, because the last thing I want is for people to feel sorry for me. The reason I am here writing is because through all these experiences in the last few months, I know that I cannot be the only one who has lost a parent to cancer at a young age. I would really like to start a support group for young people (27 and under) who have lost a parent to cancer. I know that they have school counselors and support systems for high schools and they may have networks through church, but I want to try and bring a group together who is young, who is going through the same thing, who can relate.

What I guess I am asking, is if you feel this would be something good to try and start or if this is a bad idea alltogether. (don't worry I can take criticism). If you do feel like it is a good idea, I was wondering if you could help me figure out how exactly I would start a support group like this. Where would I begin? Do you think people would come? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read this lengthy message. Any advice for me would be good advice. Thank you.

NarberthMom

Hi! First, I admire your courage in raising your sisters and trying to help them deal with this. My mother was diagnosed with bc when I was in my early 20's and my youngest sister was in her teens, so I have some idea of what you're going through.

I wanted to let you know that there might already be existing support groups in your area. Two places to check out are Gilda's Club and The Wellness Community. Both of these organizations have support groups for family members, including children of cancer patients. You can also check your local ACS office to see if they have one or are interested in helping you get one set up.

Good luck,
Hillary