What did the African American program look like in its early days?
Dominique: This program was created with the knowledge that women of color are under-represented in the medical field. Because of LatinaSHARE and their successful model, the door was open for us to create a program that addressed the needs of Black women.
"I've worked for women's cancer nonprofits for over 25 years and through my position as director of SHARE's uterine/endometrial cancer program, I've been so grateful to continue my work in this area. We started the SHARE uterine program two years ago and it's been very gratifying to provide much-needed support and information to women affected by uterine cancer who didn't have many resources in the past.
Tell us about your cancer experience
I am a three-time cancer survivor, twice uterine and then ovarian cancer. I've been free of uterine cancer for 6 years, and this July, I will be 4 years free of ovarian cancer.
November 2022 will be 9 years since I received my first diagnosis of uterine cancer.
Tell us about your cancer experience
My cancer experience started with my mother’s breast cancer diagnosis when I was about 7 years old. This entire experience was devastating to my family. In the 1970s, the treatments for breast cancer were not as developed as the current options.
Tell us about your cancer experience
I have experienced all aspects of cancer as part of my career, volunteerism, advocacy for myself and others, and most importantly as a survivor. I have no regrets about my journey with cancer because it is my belief that it defines my purpose in life.
Tell us about your cancer experience
I was first diagnosed with cancer when I was 44 years old. I was a single mother of 2 boys, 14 and 18. At that time all I knew about cancer was that people died from this disease. I really did not know my family history with cancer, because we never ever talked about family illnesses or who died from what.
A few days after I celebrated my 32nd birthday, I decided it was time to look into some symptoms that were bothering me. I've always been really in tune with my body, so after I experienced some irregular bleeding in addition to consistent back pain, I knew it was time to be seen.
What was it like when you walked into that room at NYU, more than 40 years ago, with your diagnosis fresh in your mind, and SHARE in its earliest days?
I was very young at that time and didn’t know anyone my age who had gone through this. My mother died of breast cancer, and my father died of bladder cancer seven months before I was diagnosed.
Kathy Hynes-Kadish has been a dedicated volunteer at SHARE for 21 years, facilitating support groups and answering Helpline calls to be an anchor for those struggling with a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. As she moves onto her newest endeavors, we want to thank her for her tireless dedication!
Why did you decide to become a SHARE Breast Cancer Facilitator?
It is an interesting story because I never actually thought I would facilitate another group! I was a clinical social worker who facilitated many groups in the hospital and in my private practice.
Why did you decide to be a SHARE Breast Cancer Helpline volunteer?
After I was diagnosed, I contacted Sharsheret, who was quite helpful at the time. I took their training to be a peer supporter, but as they concentrated on the younger women, they had no one for me to support.
