Breast Cancer

1. Why did you decide to be a SHARE Breast Cancer Helpline volunteer?

I know first-hand how empathy combined with care and knowledge can ease some of the challenges breast cancer brings. A SHARE support group connected me with women who could candidly speak about their experiences and relate in ways no internet research or doctors' appointments could.

Why did you decide to be a SHARE Breast Cancer Helpline Volunteer?

Back in March of 2015, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  In my research and efforts to find information on my type of breast cancer, and eager to speak with women who had already gone through this experience, I came across SHARE. I was greatly relieved to find valuable information and excellent resources on SHARE’s website.

Why did you decide to be a SHARE Breast Cancer Helpline Volunteer?

I decided to become a SHARE Breast Cancer Helpline Volunteer to reciprocate the warmth and support I received from the breast cancer community.  Along with my physicians and nurses at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center there have been so many survivors and thrivers that have helped me along my breast cancer journey.

1. Why did you decide to be a SHARE Breast Cancer Helpline volunteer?
Marjorie Schwartz, a Helpline Volunteer and Mentor,  suggested I volunteer for the helpline. I was flattered to be asked and after thinking about it and considering whether or not I could make a real commitment, I agreed.

Why did you decide to be a SHARE Breast Cancer Helpline volunteer?

This is my second experience as a helpline volunteer. In 2016 I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer for the second time, and I was totally devastated. It happened that I was attending the SHARE Second Helping of Life that night, and my SHARE sisters calmed me down and got me thinking clearly again.

1. Why did you decide to be a SHARE Breast Cancer Helpline volunteer?
I found out about SHARE from a fellow SHARE volunteer that I met at a breast cancer
support group called Bay Area Young Survivors (baysnet.org), a group for those in the
bay area diagnosed with breast cancer before age 45. SHARE sounded like such an
amazing way to help other breast cancer patients/survivors across the country, and I
wanted to give back, as I received so much support from BAYS. I've been with SHARE
for just over 1 year!

2. What do you like most about being a Helpline volunteer?
Sometimes when I get a call, I feel nervous about whether I will be able to provide the
support that the caller needs.

Why did you decide to be a SHARE Breast Cancer Helpline volunteer?

When I was first diagnosed, I remember feeling completely overwhelmed and scared. Conversations with friends were not helpful. They were lovely and kind, but THEY couldn’t understand what I was going through.

This is part of our "Meet a Volunteer" series, highlighting the incredible ovarian and breast cancer survivors and thrivers who volunteer with SHARE to support other women facing these diseases. If you're interested in becoming a volunteer yourself, click here!

Why did you decide to be a SHARE Breast Cancer Helpline volunteer?

I had some beautiful breast cancer survivors help me through my journey, and I wanted to do the same for other women.

This is part of our "Meet a Volunteer" series, highlighting the incredible ovarian and breast cancer survivors and thrivers who volunteer with SHARE to support other women facing these diseases. If you're interested in becoming a volunteer yourself, click here!

Why did you decide to be a SHARE Breast Cancer Helpline volunteer?

 I was a clinical social worker when I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and was looking for ways to support myself and to help others.