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 Chesapeake Bay area.
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.
Bras for the Cause
Hosted by The Red Devils, a statewide support and aid group for breast cancer patients, this annual event sees models of all genders from the local community walking the runway in bra-themed outfits. At the show, you can vote for your favorites, with funds raised supporting The Red Devils as well as the Women’s Council of Realtors Anne Arundel Network. Register for this year’s Oct. 6 event in Pasadena via the network’s Facebook page.
Kicks for a Cause: Breast Cancer Awareness & Advocacy Sneaker Soiree
The ways in which breast cancer affects Black women are often underrepresented, but they’re the focus of this festive and educational event. Put on your fanciest sneakers for this breast cancer awareness fundraiser from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 25, hosted by The National Coalition of 100 Black Women’s Anne Arundel County chapter at the BWI Airport Marriott in Linthincum Heights. | ncbw-aamd.org
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.
METAvivor
This support and advocacy group is specifically focused on people with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer (MBC). It first started in Annapolis and now has chapters across the country, as well as a central Facebook group. METAvivor is the only nonprofit in the country that specifically awards grants for MBC research.
Annapolis Wellness House
The Annapolis Wellness House provides free resources and aid to anyone in the community who has been affected by cancer. It offers many regular support groups for adults, including a monthly group for people undergoing breast cancer treatment.
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.
Luminis Health Breast Center – Annapolis
An offshoot of the Luminis Health system, which also has general locations in Anne Arundel County, this center focuses on breast care and surgery, as well as providing resources like financial counseling for people navigating cancer treatment.
Clark Comprehensive Breast Center at University of Maryland Shore Regional Health
This Easton-based breast health center treats breast cancer and other related conditions like lymphedema. The University of Maryland Shore Medical Center also has a second breast health center, the Eleanor and Ethel Leh Women’s Center, in Chestertown.
Financial Support
Medical bills can put a lot of extra stress on families when their focus should be healing. Here are some options for financial assistance for patients.
The Red Devils
This Maryland-based organization helps fund treatments and resources for breast cancer patients, including transportation to and from doctors’ appointments, financial assistance with utilities and rent and massage therapy. The Red Devils has partnerships with 31 different hospitals in Maryland.
Anne Arundel County Department of Health
The Anne Arundel County Department of Health offers free cancer screening services, including breast exams, mammograms and pap smears. You can also order free health kits online or through the Department of Health’s Community Education Line.
