October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The Breast and GYN Health Project's office and Arcata has resources available in our community.
"A lot of the time it can be transactional, with the medical system just because they have a lot of clients they have to deal with," said Hannah Swope, the Volunteer & Fundraising Coordinator at the Breast and GYN Health Project.
"Whereas here we really provide the holistic, kind of empathetic approach to dealing with some of these cancer journeys."
"Here we provide a variety of support services. Like we have support groups, we have warm liners. And they typically keep the phone warm as they call clients and provide emotional support, and advice. We provide a variety of other prosthetics and wigs. And, just some things that the medical system is, just, it's it's more like a collaboration with the medical system," said Swope.
The Breast and GYN Health Project provides many different kinds of support groups from ones for young women, advanced diseases, and even ones for gynecologic support.
"Finding a place in these support groups is relatively easy because you're talking to people who have similar experiences, and it's a bonding moment," said Swope.
"And you can find people who provide that comfort and that familiarity with what you're dealing with."
Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, many organizations are trying to not only raise awareness, but fundraise to be able to continue supporting patients with the disease. 55 local businesses are participating in sales for survivors and are donating a chuck of proceeds to the Breast and GYN Health Project.
"During the month of October, we like to promote awareness of breast cancer just so that people understand that your health is the utmost important thing, and you deserve to live a healthy life," said Swope.
"What we typically like to tell people, especially when they call us, is first off, that they've come to the right place, and that we're going to provide them the help that they need. And just know that you're not alone," said Swope.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the disease, you are not alone and there are resources available to help.