National Resources
National Breast Cancer Coalition
After Breast Cancer Diagnosis
BreastCancer.org
Breast Cancer Action
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Dr. Susan Love's Foundation
Sisters Network
Greater Nashville Affiliate of The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
The Young Survival Coalition : An organization dedicated to reaching young women diagnosed with breast cancer. Alliance in Reconstructive Surgery: An organization providing the resources necessary to make this surgery an option for women who would not otherwise have access to breast reconstruction
Knitted Knockers are special handmade breast prostheses for women who have had breast cancer and undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy. Traditional breast prosthetics can be hot, heavy and sticky. They typically require special bras or camisoles with pockets and can’t be worn for weeks after surgery. Knitted Knockers are soft, comfortable, beautiful and when placed in a regular bra they take the shape and feel of a real breast. They are adjustable, washable and can even be worn while swimming. Our special volunteer knitters provide these FREE to those requesting them. Click on the button above to learn more about them from their website!
Live Long & Life was started by Aimee Farabee and is a direct result of her sister, Michelle - a breast cancer previvor AND a TBCC Volunteer! Michelle was the inspiration for starting the business that has helped Aimee find her focus of serving the community of lives impacted by cancer. Since Aimee is a Cancer Exercise Specialist in training, her highest priority is gaining real-life experience. She is looking for several volunteers to work with free of charge, so she can put into practice what she is learning. Her passion is helping people, above all else. Aimee has found the truly amazing benefits of exercise. Through working with her sister Michelle & her ongoing research at Cancer Exercise Training Institute (CETI) Certified Personal Fitness Trainer | Cancer Exercise Training Institute (thecancerspecialist.com), she is learning about how beneficial it can be for anyone with genetic predispositions to cancer, active patients, cancer survivors AND thrivers. Additionally, caregivers could benefit greatly from an exercise program! Give it a try! Just click on the link above! Read more about her journey ……A Legacy of Courage: Navigating the Sacrifices and Triumphs in Our Battle Against Genetic Cancer (livelongandlift.com)
Emotional & Family Support Resources
Gilda’s Club for emotional and family support (Middle Tennessee & Memphis):
Cancer Support Community East Tennessee
"Managing Mental Health After a Cancer Diagnosis" published by Georgetown University's School of Nursing. This resource was created to help support patients & their families affected by cancer. This material discusses how cancer affects mental health and can lead to distress, depression, & anxiety, and it highlights research on the correlation between mental health and cancer survival and the overall importance of managing emotional health during a cancer journey. The guide also shares additional sources for further learning on this topic such as helpful tools and support groups available. I believe this resource could be a useful educational tool for your community to help cancer patients with self-care and overall mental well-being.
Middle Tennessee Resources
YMCA After Breast Cancer (ABC) Program: The YMCA of Middle Tennessee’s After Breast Cancer (ABC) Program was designed BY survivors FOR survivors, for the purpose of providing education and healing for mind, body, and spirit after a breast cancer diagnosis. During the FREE 16-week program, you’ll find a community of other survivors to help you through as you bridge that gap of “treatment’s over….now what?” Together, along with a team of professionals, you’ll begin to define and discover your own unique “new normal” through supervised exercise, nutrition classes, and discussion groups. No YMCA membership is required. Currently available at YMCA locations in Bellevue, Clarksville, Maryland Farms, and Smyrna (North Rutherford Y).
Breast Cancer Recovery in Action (bragroups.org): As survivors who’ve been right where you are, we’ve designed a proven program that delivers just what you’re looking for. Our customized exercise and nutrition classes help restore strength and energy, and small group discussions help process emotions and lead to a survivorship action plan.
Screening Resources
Tennessee Breast & Cervical Screening Program for low-income Tennesseans: https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/fhw/rwh/tbcsp.html
Financial Resources
TBCC Emergency Access Fund:
In 2002, TBCC established the Emergency Access Fund to provide financial assistance to individuals in financial need due to inability to work and/or mounting medical expenses incurred while undergoing treatment of breast cancer. This fund provides assistance with mortgage and rent payments, utilities, insurance premiums, and medical necessities related to breast cancer treatment. Recipients must be residents of Tennessee and currently undergoing breast cancer treatments. For more information about qualifications and how to receive assistance from this fund please call 615-377-8777.
The Pink Fund: https://pinkfund.org/get-help/
Komen Assistance Fund: https://www.komen.org/financial-assistance-program/
Purity Foundation: https://www.purityfoundation.com/apply
Infinite Strength – for single mothers with metastatic breast cancer: https://www.infinitestrength.org/apply-for-aid
