Victoria Goldberg has become a SHARE icon. She first learned about SHARE’s helpline from a friend about eight years ago, and right away, she knew it was something she wanted to work on. For the first two years after her MBC diagnosis, she explains that she was somewhat consumed by the idea of death, but then as she continued to live and thrive, she wanted to help others. And as Victoria had first been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2004, and then gotten a metastatic diagnosis many years later, she could provide meaningful support for both types of callers.
She quickly learned, however, that the difference in these diagnoses were profound, as she said, “Breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer are not really the same disease. The treatments are different, the survival is different, and the issues are not the same.” She talked with Christine Benjamin about starting SHARE’s TalkMets Helpline and engaged friends to cover the shifts. Over her four years of TalkMets leadership and support, she created a much-needed resource, and hour upon hour of information, guidance and caring to those who called. She explained that there are many types of advocacy, and on a person-to-person level, one of the most important can be empowering metastatic breast cancer patients with the knowledge and tools they need to advocate for themselves.
Along with the profound impact she had at TalkMets, Victoria also co-facilitates two SHARE support groups for metastatic breast cancer patients with Kate Vieira Pfitzer, hosts numerous educational webinars, and…most recently, Victoria has become the Executive Producer of SHARE’s own, Our MBC Life, taking over the reins from Lisa Laudico, who did an amazing job of creating and spearheading the series before we lost her last year. Dedicated to exploring life with metastatic breast cancer from the perspective of those living with this disease and the experts who partner with them to help make their lives better, each episode of Our MBC Life is accessed by hundreds of listeners. Victoria has learned all about production and outreach and is now leading the team!
Never one to rest on her laurels, Victoria is also interested in SHARE’s recent research studies, and would like to become involved in the future projects.
Christine Benjamin, Vice President of Patient Cancer Support and Education, said, “Victoria has had an immeasurable impact on the lives of those we serve at SHARE. Her extraordinary heart, leadership and dedication make a difference every day. Our amazing team of volunteers help ensure no one who learns about SHARE needs to face a diagnosis alone, and Victoria embraces our shared mission and makes it happen.”
