Questions about starting a listening circle

InMemoryofNana

My name is Jessica and my husband's grandmother lost her battle with breast cancer last year. Since then I have been trying to advocate for those struggling with breast cancer, survivors and their families. I am a Social Work student at a private college in Buffalo,NY. My college offers listening circles for veterans and their families. I want to start a listening circle for women with breast cancer, those who are survivors and for the families of both. The listening circle would be a place where the group could uplift each other by giving advice, being a shoulder to lean on or just an ear to listen. Before I take this to my advisor, I would like to know how women with breast cancer who have went to such listening circles or support groups feel about such a program. Positive or negative feedback on such programs would be a great help to me! I would greatly appreciate your help. Thanks in advance! Many blessings to you all!

Thanks again,

Jessica

-trying to make strides in Nana's Memory

lvtwoqlt

Jessica, this is a very good idea. I have attended the local support group since my first pre-cancer diagnosis with my mom. The ladies in my local group accepted me and every month we have meetings where women who are up to 20 yrs out mentor the newbies who have just been diagnosed. One of the stage IV ladies even took me into the restroom and showed me what bilat scars looked like when I decided that I needed to go that route. You do need a group of women willing to share their experiences with others who are just starting on the path that they have gone down.

Sheila

InMemoryofNana

Thank you so much for your reply. My Husband's aunt works at Roswell Park Cancer Institute here in Buffalo. I am going to pitch the idea to her also to see if maybe she can find a group of ladies who are willing to share their stories or give hope and advice to others.