Sometimes, nothing can help a situation like talking to someone else who has been through a similar experience.
Realizing this fact, local nonprofit Breast Cancer Support Services offers support groups for survivors at any stage of their breast cancer journey, at the downtown YMCA and now on Signal Mountain.
“Several survivors approached us and asked if we’d be willing to open a group up there,” said Tonya Gentry, who took over the role of executive director at BCSS in July.
The Signal Mountain breast cancer support group is held at 935 Ridgeway Ave. on the campus of Signal Mountain Baptist Church at the same time as the downtown support group: the fourth Monday of every month at 6 p.m. The group’s next meeting is Jan. 27.
The nondenominational breast cancer support group held its first meeting in October of last year and has drawn approximately five participants to each meeting, Gentry said.
“We would certainly like to see that grow,” she added.
All services provided by BCSS are free of charge, including the support groups. BCSS pays professional facilitator Sally Ensley to lead the Signal Mountain group, said Gentry.
Participants discuss issues women with breast cancer typically have in common.
“They share ideas and feelings they have a hard time discussing with even family members or close friends,” Gentry said. “Studies have shown peer support is so important to survivorship and quality of life. It helps to know someone else has gone through the same thing you have.”