Breast cancer, is an unwelcome visitor in the lives of far too many, and leaves a lasting mark on both survivors and their loved ones. Although Breast Cancer Awareness Month has drawn to a close, it serves as a poignant reminder that the challenges this disease poses are ongoing. Beyond the month of October, the need for heightened awareness, support, and action remains resolute, as breast cancer’s impact knows no season.
Here’s a look at what breast cancer can mean to a mother and her family.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease caused by cells in the breast growing out of control. It is a common form of cancer and the second leading cause of death from cancer among Canadian women. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 8 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and 1 in 34 will die from it. Men can also be affected by breast cancer, but it is very rare. Visit the Canadian Cancer Society to learn more.
How Nankind Steps in to Help
A breast cancer journey is trying on the entire family in every aspect of life emotionally, physically, and financially. Many moms amid a cancer journey rarely have the help they need and often find themselves having to choose between focusing on their treatment or being present to give their kids the care that they also need.
That’s why the free and accessible support programs that we provide to families during this challenging time is so crucial. With our community of Volunteer Angels, we can provide the critical in-home and virtual support children need during this time that helps them build resilience. When that happens, they can focus on being a kid because they are building the skills to thrive in the face of this life challenge and cope in a healthy way thanks to our support. Mother’s living with cancer are connected to one another through our Mom Support Group which provides a safe space where they can share and connect with other moms navigating their cancer journey.
In addition, to our in-home program, we also provide a Meal Support Program, that delivers free healthy and delicious prepared meals to our families during the most difficult time of their journey, With great thanks to the generous support of our meal partners which include Yumba, Meal Fix and Toben.
Check out our video to learn more about how you’re making an impact in the lives of the families we support.
“I’m so lucky to be a breast cancer survivor and I’m glad to have had Nankind’s support throughout this journey”.
We would also like to extend a very heartfelt and a big thank you to all of our partners who supported us last month awareness campaigns that included a giveback to our cause. The Graze Anatomy, Tonic Blooms, Miraj Hammam Spa, and Yumba. We are very grateful for your support and we couldn’t change lives without your help! And we applaud the Ontario Government for lowering the eligibility age of self-referral for publicly funded mammograms through the Ontario Breast Screening Program to 40.
If you have been affected by cancer and would like to be a part of the change, we encourage you to get in touch and help us make a difference. Whether it is volunteering or becoming a monthly donor, we rely on the generosity of others to bring our mission to life. Make an impact today
Sources
Prognosis and survival for breast cancer | Canadian Cancer Society