Breast Cancer Survivors Pay it Forward

Breast cancer survivors decided to pass along good tidings this holiday season with handmade gifts to others living with cancer. Women from Dignity Health St. Bernardine Medical Center's monthly breast cancer support groups, Breast Cancer Survivor Group and Esperanza Para Mujeres in October received a gift of handbags, valued at $75 each, from Miche Bag, a designer handbag company that donates a portion of proceeds from the sale of their "Hope" shell to cancer research. Presented by Jill Damato, a regional Miche Bag representative and a frequent vendor at St. Bernardine's annual Holiday Boutique, the bags were well-received by the survivors. After receiving their gifts, the women wanted to "pay it forward" and do something for other breast cancer patients. Together the women made several flannel blankets for women who were newly diagnosed with cancer and need chemotherapy treatment. "Chemo rooms tend to be cold, so the blankets will be great," said Michelle Melancon, RN, breast cancer navigator. Melancon said breast cancer continues to be the most common type of cancer found in women in the United States and it is the second leading cause of cancer death among women ages 40-59. "This means that one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime and a woman will die every 74 seconds from the disease." The breast cancer navigator at Dignity Health’s St. Bernardine Medical Center offers coordinated services, with a focus on preventative care, early detection and ongoing support, including monthly breast cancer support groups, in English and Spanish, for those affected by or undergoing treatment for the disease. The support groups meet at St. Bernardine’s Baby and Family Center. For more information, call Melancon at 909-883-8711.