Breast Cancer Survivor Gives Back

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Breast cancer survivor and Cumberland Foreside resident, Laurie Hyndman, pays it forward.

?We are grateful for Laurie?s energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to the Center,? says Michele Johns, Executive Director of the Cancer Community Center (CCC) of Laurie?s recent appointment to the Center?s Board of Directors and ongoing support of the CCC.

?I walked out of my doctor?s office having just had the diagnosis confirmed. I had breast cancer,? says Hyndman. ?I drove straight to the Cancer Community Center to sit down with my pal, Michele Johns. I hadn?t been there before, but I knew what the center did. Needless to say, I never ever thought I?d need the CCC?s services. Michele armed me with literature about breast cancer, shared the many program offerings that might help me on my journey and, most importantly, offered her love and support. What a difference that can make.

As my family and I navigated the swirling seas of treatment, fear, and hope, we were astonished by the outpouring of concern and support we received from so many people. I was familiar with the Buddy Program and did sense that a lifeline to someone who had been through this herself would help with all of my questions, silly and serious, and would simply understand what I was going through. Turns out I was right and my Buddy was a wonderful source of hope.

There is no good reason to get cancer, but there is a good outcome for so many of us. To be able to give back to another cancer patient, share my experience, offer hope ? that is the greatest reward. The Center gives me so many opportunities to give back and to pay it forward.?

The Maine Buddy Program? is a statewide, one-to-one initiative connecting individuals impacted by cancer with a trained volunteer Buddy who has had a similar cancer experience. The Cancer Community Center finds Buddy matches for cancer patients, caregivers, and those who have lost a loved one to cancer. Buddies are available at any stage of one?s treatment or loss experience. Matches are made using a wide variety of individual criteria including the type of cancer, treatment, age, and geographic location.? Most Buddy relationships take place by phone giving the CCC the ability to accommodate Buddy requests across the state.

?I am struck by the positive feedback we, as board members, hear from CCC buddies and support group participants,? says Michele Johns. ??The Center fields daily calls from people in need and matches them with one of over 200 trained volunteer Buddies or connects them with one of 14 cancer specific support groups.? ?

The Breast & Gynecological Support Group meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesday from 6-7:30 pm at the CCC (778 Main St, South Portland). To become a breast cancer Buddy to someone in need or to learn how you can get a Buddy, call 774-2200 or visit the Cancer Community Center website.

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About the Cancer Community Center

The Cancer Community Center is the place to start when you don?t know where to begin. Since its inception in 1998, the Center has helped thousands of adults coping with the effects of cancer through free support, information and activities. The Center provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere for any adult impacted by cancer, caregivers, friends and family.??

Source: http://west.wcsh6.com/news/blogs/156325-breast-cancer-survivor-gives-back

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