Special Resources to Help You Through Breast Cancer and Beyond

When you are going through breast cancer, nothing is more important than having the support of your family and friends. However, there is also a big network of breast cancer survivors and healthcare professionals who can offer you support and assistance during this time. There are so many women (and men!) who are doing wonderful and amazing work to support breast cancer patients and survivors, and these are just a few of my personal favorites:

Planned Parenthood: Planned Parenthood doctors and nurses teach patients about breast care, connect patients to resources to help them get vital biopsies, ultrasounds, and mammograms, and follow up to make sure patients are cared for with the attention they need and deserve. They also work with the Susan G. Komen foundation to help provide women with life-saving exams and diagnostic services, as well as education. Visit www.PlannedParenthood.org to find a location in your area or to donate to this amazing organization.

A Silver Lining Foundation: Founder and Chairman Sandy Goldberg created A Silver Lining Foundation in 2002 to ensure that socioeconomic status never affects an individual's ability to obtain information, timely cancer screenings and/or diagnosis. The mission of ASLF is to provide dignified, respectful and equal access to quality breast cancer education and services for all, by creating meaningful partnerships with community, advocacy and healthcare organizations.

For more information visit www.asilverliningfoundation.org or call 312-345-1322. Find them on Twitter @ASLF2002 and on Facebook at “A Silver Lining Foundation.”

Pink Ribbon Girls: Pink Ribbon Girls was founded when Tracie Metzger and Dawn Harvey realized there was no specific group for young women dealing with breast cancer. Through this non-profit organization, young women are offered education and awareness for early detection, support and an outlet to express fears.Visit www.PinkRibbonGirls.org to learn more.

Y-ME: For more than 30 years, Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization has been providing emotional support and information to people concerned about breast cancer. When you call the Y-ME Hotline, you can reach a peer counselor who is also a breast cancer survivor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call 1-800-221-2141 or visit www.Y-Me.org to learn more.

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer: The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is your chance to make a powerful difference. By walking up to 39 miles in 2 days, participants support critical research and help ensure that all breast cancer patients can get the care they need. Avon Philanthropy donated almost $740 million to Breast Cancer programs globally from 1992–2011. Visit www.AvonWalk.org to learn more about joining a walk.