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 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 process while giving everyone time to focus on healing. Here’s where to find support in the Pittsburgh 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.
Making Strides of Greater Pittsburgh
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the largest network of breast cancer events in the United States.
This year, through its non-competitive walking event at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, it’s aiming to raise $275,000 for the American Cancer Society. The fundraiser kicks off at 9 a.m. Oct. 5.
instagram.com/pittsburghstrides
Explore the Labs Behind the Science
If you’ve ever been curious about what kinds of technology and techniques are used in breast cancer research, this fundraising event at the Magee-Womens Research Institute in Pittsburgh is the perfect opportunity to find out more from experts. Take a tour of the institute from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 8 and learn about how its medical professionals research breast cancer and other women’s health issues.
mageewomens.org/events/behind-the-science
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.
Pittsburgh Hearts of Steel
Pittsburgh Hearts of Steel is not your typical breast cancer support group — it’s a coalition of breast cancer survivors who meet up to train and compete in the sport of dragon boat paddling. The team competes in boating competitions around the country and
hosts the Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival every fall.
Breast Cancer Support Group at St. Clair Health
Facilitated by an experienced oncology nurse, this support group meets on the third Tuesday of the month at the St. Clair Health Village Square Outpatient Center in Bethel Park. Each meeting offers the opportunity to learn more about breast cancer, connect with other survivors and hear from educational guest speakers.
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.
Magee-Womens Breast Care Program
This program offers a variety of breast health -related exams and treatments, such as mammography, breast ultrasounds and surgical procedures. It’s part of the wider UMPC Magee-Womens Hospital, which specializes in women’s health.
Breast Cancer Center of Excellence
Part of the Allegheny Health Network, this breast cancer center practices cutting-edge treatments and techniques, such as surgical techniques that don’t require the removal of the breasts or nipples.
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.
Breast Care Social Services at UPMC in Central PA
In addition to offering medical resources, UMPC’s oncology social work services team offers short-term counseling and can help patients find ways to make medical care more affordable, get transportation to and from medical appointments and even receive temporary housing during extended treatment.
Breast Care Fund at St. Clair Health
The Breast Care Fund offers financial support for patients in need of medical equipment they may not be able to afford on their own. The St. Clair Health system also hosts a bi-annual Women’s Wellness Fair where anyone can pick up free women’s health resources.
