Breast cancer is a huge challenge that can change a mother’s life and affect her own family. It can feel like a lonely, isolating experience. But you don’t have to go through it alone, either.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s important to know what resources you have access to and what’s available in your area. This can take some of the stress out of the process while giving you time to focus on healing. Here are some options in the Chesapeake area.
Fundraisers/Awareness
Community events can be a great boost to morale, and taking part in them can help support local cancer organizations and ongoing research.
Men in Pink Fashion Show
Oct. 11, 7-10 p.m.
Mount Airy Bowling Lanes | 304 Center St., Mount Airy, MD 21771
Women aren’t the only ones who get breast cancer. The disease also affects men. This adults-only event sees men strutting their stuff in a charity fashion show supporting the breast cancer nonprofit For 3 Sisters. There will also be a happy hour and a silent auction.
Pink Ribbon 5k
Oct. 26, 8-11 a.m.
Hood College | 601 Blazer Trail, Frederick, MD 21701
All proceeds from this 5k run and walk will benefit the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund and its mission to improve breast cancer care in Frederick County and make it more accessible. After the initial run, there will be a survivors’ ceremony and walk for cancer survivors.
Local Support Groups
It’s a hard journey to do alone–and even with the support of family and friends, it can be helpful to lean on women who are going through it and can provide support and encouragement.
Breast Cancer Support Group at Frederick Community College
Specifically for survivors of breast cancer, this support group meets on the second Thursday of the month at Frederick Community College. The Frederick Health system also has support groups for people with bladder cancer, and a chapter of Support for People with Oral, Head and Neck Cancer.
Cancer Support Group at St. Joseph on Carrollton Manor
Also in Frederick, this group is open to anyone whose life has been affected by cancer in any way, whether it’s as a survivor, caretaker or someone who has lost a relative to the disease. Meetings are held on the first and third Wednesdays of the month.
Breast Cancer Centers and Services
Navigating a major medical journey is that much easier at specialty centers that are designed to specialize in that illness and can further connect families with resources.
James M. Stockman Cancer Institute
Offers treatment services for many different kinds of cancer. Breast cancer patients can get screenings and receive treatments like chemotherapy and surgery.
Capital Women’s Care Frederick OBGYN
While not a cancer treatment facility, this women’s health center offers 3D mammography breast exams, which can be far more accurate in catching early signs of breast cancer than traditional 2D scans are.
Financial Support
Medical bills can put a lot of extra stress on families when the focus should be healing. Here are some options for financial assistance for patients.
Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund
The Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund specifically serves the Frederick area and helps cancer patients pay for their treatments, as well as funding the purchase of more advanced medical treatments and equipment for local hospitals.
The Bettie Jane Cancer Foundation
Also in Frederick County, The Bettie Jane Cancer Foundation also assists with medical expenses for cancer treatments, as well as food expenses and cosmetic accessories like wigs. The foundation also serves cancer patients in Washington and Allegheny Counties.
