Breast cancer is a huge challenge that can change a mother’s life and have a big impact on her family. Though it can feel like a lonely, isolating experience, it’s one that families don’t have to go through alone.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — the perfect time to highlight local resources that can take some of the stress out of the experience while giving everyone time to focus on healing. Here’s where to find support in the DMV.
Fundraisers/Awareness
Community events can be a great boost to morale, and taking part in them can help support local cancer-fighting organizations and ongoing research.
Making Strides of Washington, D.C.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the largest network of breast cancer events in the United States. This year, through its non-competitive walking events it aims to raise $530,000 for the American Cancer Society. The next local event is at Washington, D.C.’s Tidal Basin from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 18.
instagram.com/makingstrideswashingtondc
GlowHER: A Day for Warriors
Breast cancer survivors can take a load off at this free event hosted by Verve Artistry Collective, a community network for beauty and wellness professionals in Alexandria, Virginia. Survivors can spend the day being pampered and having their hair and makeup done at no cost from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 22.
verveartistrycollective.com
Local Support Groups
Battling breast cancer is 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, too, and can provide support and encouragement.
Cancer Support Community of Washington, D.C.
This is a network of support groups for people affected by cancer, offering social events, classes and workshops for cancer survivors, as well as helping them navigate their medical journey. The network offers both online and in-person services.
Thelma D. Jones Breast Cancer Fund Support Group
The signature program of the Thelma D. Jones Breast Cancer Fund, this group meets on the third Wednesday of the month in Southwest D.C. Meetings often feature guest speakers, who are often medical professionals, breast cancer survivors or public figures like politicians.
Breast Cancer Centers and Services
Navigating a major medical journey is that much easier at specialty centers that are designed to focus exclusively on that illness and can further connect families with resources.
GW Comprehensive Breast Care Center
Part of the George Washington University Hospital, this breast care center is designed to have a peaceful, spa-like atmosphere meant to make treatment a more calming experience. It also offers advanced surgical procedures for breast cancer.
Smith Center for Healing and the Arts
The Smith Center is a D.C.-based organization focused on education, wellness and the arts for cancer survivors. Though it does not offer medical treatment, it has emotional wellness options such as retreats, yoga and art therapy.
Inova Breast Care Center
Inova’s breast cancer program is one of the top resources for breast health in Northern Virginia. The Fairfax center offers free support services as well as medical treatment.
Financial Support
Medical bills can put a lot of extra stress on families when their focus should be on healing. Here are some options for financial assistance for patients.
VCS Cancer Foundation
This foundation has a “Rainy Day Gift” program that gives financial assistance to cancer patients in Northern Virginia who are unable to pay for everyday expenses, including rent and utility bills, while receiving treatment. Donations to the VCS Cancer Foundation go directly towards funding the program.
The Hawthorne Cancer Foundation
This North Chesterfield, Virginia, organization has a grant fund where patients can apply to receive money for necessities, though these grants cannot be used for medical bills or
prescription drugs.
