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The idea for a cancer support group for women occurred to three different individuals, whose combined efforts launched our organization.
Hearing the words “YOU HAVE CANCER” have to be the scariest words you will ever hear in your life. I am not sure how I survived my initial battle, but I do know that without the help, open door, list of ladies to call or just someone to encourage and guide me, I would have had an extremely difficult time. Everyone who has heard those three dreaded words needs to have access to Friends After Diagnosis.
With the support of Friends After Diagnosis, women have access to resources from diagnosis, through
treatment, and beyond.
Today, Friends offers support meetings, whole health workshops, wellness
programming and personal services such as mastectomy bras,
wigs and breast prostheses. We also offer
supportive services for those in active treatment to include referrals and direct assistance with
groceries, housekeeping, transportation, and utilities. It really does make a difference to have ‘Friends.’
Board President
Board Vice President
Board Director
Oncology, M.D.
Financial Advisor
Rowing Coordinator
Friends After Diagnosis
Support Meeting Facilitator
Friends After Diagnosis
Equine Therapy Coordinator
Friends After Diagnosis
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Friends After Diagnosis is a 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of women diagnosed with cancer. It is our hope and vision to see that all women diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones have lives filled with wisdom, wellness, fellowship, and peace.
©Copyright 2022. All Rights Reserved. Friends After Diagnosis.
Fran Basso and Tammy Blackwill, both breast cancer survivors, met while attending a local cancer symposium.After a brief conversation, the two of them decided that more support was needed in the local community to support women with breast cancer. The two agreed to volunteer at the Indian River Medical Center Cancer Center to provide support for others. Around the same time, breast cancer survivor Lin Reading’s mother had cancer return for a third time. She too learned that no support group existed in Indian River County. Lin met Fran, and they decided to combine their efforts into the group that would become Friends After Diagnosis.
In 2017, Friends merged with the Treasure Coast Ovarian Cancer Alliance and expanded its service to include those touched by women’s cancers. In 2018, in recognition of the growing need within the community, Friends expanded again to begin serving all women with cancer, anyone diagnosed with breast cancer, and their loved ones.
