An article brought to you by Dara Kurtz. Dara Kurtz is a breast cancer survivor and provides Survivor Mentorship & Support at Cancer Services.
At our July breast cancer support group, I looked around the room and couldn’t help but smile.
A group of women sat together, chatting, laughing, and sharing stories as they painted inspirational signs led by Betsy Messick from The Sawtooth. For some, this was their first time attending a monthly meeting. For others, they come regularly. On the surface, it looked like a simple evening of creativity, but what was happening around the table was more than art. We were creating something else too: connection.
As we painted, women shared updates about their doctor’s appointments, celebrated milestones, talked about challenges, and offered words of encouragement to one another. It was a beautiful thing to get to watch, and it struck me how wonderful it is to have this group. Many of the women probably wouldn’t have met were it not for a cancer diagnosis, and now they’re finding comfort and friendship in one another.
Our group is fluid. Sometimes we hear a speaker who provides expertise. Other times, we share a meal and spend the evening talking openly as a group. And every now and then, as we did in July, we sit side by side creating art. Some women are “regulars” and come to all the meetings; others join when they’re feeling like they need connection, encouragement, or understanding.
Hearing the words, “You have cancer,” is terrifying. In an instant, your whole world changes. And while friends and family can offer love and support, the truth is, no one really understands what it feels like to be a cancer patient and survivor except other patients and survivors. While every diagnosis is different, there’s something incredibly powerful about sitting across the table from someone who simply gets it because they’ve lived it. Regardless of the monthly activity, each meeting is really all about connection and feeling like you aren’t alone.
While none of us would choose to be part of this club, there’s something magical when cancer patients and survivors come together. You can be with people who understand what you’re going through, and that’s the beauty of support groups. They provide a sense of belonging at a time when many people feel alone and isolated. They remind us we don’t have to walk this path by ourselves. Sometimes, the greatest gift isn’t advice or information; it’s hearing another survivor say, “I get it. I’ve been there, too.”
If you haven’t attended one of our support groups and you’re feeling alone, please consider coming to one of our meetings. I think you’ll find our groups inclusive, judgment-free, and a great way to connect with others.
From my heart to yours,
Dara
To read more tips from Dara Kurtz, check out our Empowered Living Page. You can also check out her substack page here!
Choose One (or All) of our September Challenges!
- Read Dara’s NEW Empowered Living article about “Taking Charge of Your Mind: Finding Calm in the Midst of Uncertainty” DONE! Email us to request your sticker!
- Create a “Mixed Media Dream House” with Liz McEntee at Art and Wellness on Thursday, September 24th
- Breast Cancer Survivors: Join us for FUEL Your Wellness on September 17th!
- Breast Cancer Survivors: Join us for Pink Ribbon Talks on October 3rd. Visit our page for more information.
- Watch one of our expert interviews on a topic that interests you! Find them here: cancerservicesonline.org/expert
