We are thankful to partner with Memorial Hospital to provide moms with local resources and information for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
FINANCIAL GIVING & VOLUNTEERING
Help support an organization that directly benefits breast cancer survivors or research, especially local organizations.
If you are unable to give financially, consider volunteering your time to any of these organizations!
- The Memorial Hospital Foundation Breast Imaging Fund: Financial assistance for breast imaging services for uninsured or under-insured patients
- Pink Heart Funds: Provide free wigs and breast prostheses
- Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of the MS Gulf Coast
- Susan G. Komen® Breast Cancer Foundation
- American Cancer Society
- Metavivor: Approximately 30% of early stage breast cancer survivors will have a recurrence as metastatic disease, even after completing successful treatment. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for MBC. And early detection will NOT prevent this disease from metastasizing to bones, liver, lungs and brain. MBC patients are in treatment for the rest of their lives.
- Breast Cancer Research Foundation: Research is always important, especially for metastastic breast cancer as funding is low in that area.
- National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.: Helping survivors feel empowered and supported on a national level.
- Carrie’s TOUCH: Committed to reversing the breast cancer mortality rate within the African American community
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer: One of the first breast cancer organizations to train volunteers. This goal is to advocate for change by focusing on elevating the voice of the patient experience. To date, they are the only nonprofit breast cancer organization in the US that provides a “train the trainer” program. This program is for oncology nurses who pride help to young women facing unique issues with breast cancer.
DONATE HAIR
Here are a few places you can donate your hair:
The best way to be proactive is to be your own health advocate.
MAMMOGRAMS
Mammograms can be a great way for early detection, but prevention is key. Dr. Leena Pande, a radiologist at Memorial Hospital, tells us about the importance of early detection for breast cancer.
It is important to:
- LEARN how to properly perform a breast self-exam. Remind your friends to do the same!
- SEEK a doctor’s recommendations when you notice changes to your body.
- SCHEDULE your regular OB/Gyn check-up. Early detection is key, and quite often, life-saving.
MAMMOGRAM RESOURCES
- Mammography discounts and general breast health info
- Schedule mammogram at Women’s Diagnostic Services at Memorial Hospital at Gulfport
- Info about 3D mammography and the advantages
- Breast cancer awareness video: myths and facts about mammograms
HAIR LOSS AND MASTECTOMY PRODUCTS
Cancer and cancer treatment can alter a patient’s appearance. Here are resources for wigs, breast protheses, and bras.
- Tender Loving Care (TLC) Direct: Offers affordable wigs, hats, scarves, and mastectomy products.
- Victoria Secret Mastectomy Bra
- Pink Heart Funds: Provide free wigs and breast prostheses
- Epitome Cheveaux: Luxury salon specializing in wigs
- Hair Fetish Beauty Bar: Wig salon
- Foundations Professional Bra Fitting
ONLINE COMMUNITIES AND SUPPORT
If you are facing a cancer diagnosis or know someone that is, learning more and connecting with others can be a source of support and comfort.
An important part of treatment is learning how to handle the life changes and challenges that come with a breast cancer diagnosis.
- Coping and Support Info: Memorial Cancer Center is there every step of the way. They are there to help you understand what is happening and make sense of the emotions you are feeling.
- Memorial Cancer Resource Center is located on the first floor of the Cancer Center! This center represents Memorial’s partnership with the American Cancer Society and is staffed by ACS volunteers. Wigs, supplies and information are available for patients and their families.
- Cancer Survivors Network: Provides a safe online connection where cancer patients and caregivers can find others with similar experiences. You can participate on discussion boards, join a chat room, and build your own support network.
- National Cancer Information Center (NCIC): Provides information and support to those facing cancer 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Trained cancer information specialists are available via phone, live chat, and now video chat. They provide accurate, up to date cancer information to patients, family members, and caregivers. They also help connect them with valuable services and resources in their communities.
- American Cancer Society Reach To Recovery Program: Connects people facing breast cancer – from diagnosis through survivorship – with trained volunteers who are breast cancer survivors.
A cancer diagnosis affects close friends and family too. Here are a few ways to support someone with cancer:
- CALL… and just LISTEN.
- FINANCIAL SUPPORT: A breast cancer diagnosis can sometimes put a financial strain on the patient and their family. Financial support could be given in cash or gift cards.
- SHOW UP: Visit them at home, sit with them during treatment, help with errands or take them to appointments.
- BRING FOOD: Make their favorite meal, help organize a Meal Train or purchase pre-made casseroles from Fallon’s Gourmet Restaurant
- PARTICIPATE in the 2021 Komen National MORE THAN PINK Virtual Walk
- Show you care with a GIFT. Send a thoughtful care package or chemo hospital essentials bag. Purchase a long sleeve tee or this port-accessible pink long sleeve shirt, a nice leather pill case or Lilly Pulitzer Purrposefully Pink Pajamas.
- Make your birthday meaningful and RAISE FUNDS in their honor or memory.
- RESPECT their privacy and decisions.
Below are a few resources about breast reconstruction, including surgeons and nipple and areola pigmentation.
INFO ABOUT RECONSTRUCTION
- DIEP Muscle-Sparing Breast Reconstruction
- Dr. Paul Mace discusses Breast Cancer Awareness and reconstruction
BREAST SURGEONS
PLASTIC SURGEON
NIPPLE AND AREOLA PIGMENTATION
- Memorial Physician Clinics The Medical Oncology Group (TMOG)
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Memorial Physician Clinics Hematology Oncology Partners (HOPE)
Do you know other local resources on the Gulf Coast that promote awareness and/or raise funds for breast cancer?
