|
 |
Show all news articles
Women with Breast Cancer Find Comfort and More in Mentoring Program at Georgetown
May 22, 2009
|
"SOS" to the Rescue
If you didn’t know better, Debbie Charles Chisholm and Anne Nelson Pieper could be sisters. Both in their 40’s they share an enthusiasm for work, are fiercely devoted to their families and insist that everyday is a welcome gift that should be embraced with vigor. Sometimes they know what the other is thinking. They light up in each other’s company. Up until very recently however, they hadn’t even met. It was breast cancer, not family ties that brought them together and gave them a lifelong bond.
 Debbie Charles Chisholm (left) and Anne Nelson Pieper (right) share advice and comfort as part of "SOS" at Georgetown.
Debbie and Anne are part of a growing number of women at Georgetown University Hospital newly diagnosed with breast cancer who are finding emotional comfort, practical advice and deep friendship through a new mentoring program called Survivors Offering Support (SOS).
Debbie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. Anne was diagnosed in the fall of 2008. Both women said the diagnosis stopped them in their fast-paced tracks. Debbie didn’t have a mentor when she went through her breast cancer treatments at Georgetown, but Anne was happy to sign up. That’s when their paths finally crossed.
| Video |  | Women with Breast Cancer Find Comfort and More in Mentoring Program at Georgetown |
“I had been a mentor before and I knew the value in it,” said Anne. “I had lots of questions about chemo, and wondered how I would feel. Debbie gave me help on everything from what kind of mouthwash to use to fight off mouth sores after chemo, to when I’d lose my hair and how I would feel afterwards, to how my husband might be feeling about my cancer. Sometimes I’d just need answers at 10 or 11 O’clock at night and low and behold she’d get back to me.”
“I remember having so many questions when I was going through my breast cancer treatment,” said Debbie. I was so excited when I learned that I had someone to mentor. I love the idea that I can share what I learned going through breast cancer treatment; that it wasn’t all a waste. I feel constantly like I’m giving back.”
SOS was started in 2004 by Denise O’Neill, formerly Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Nabisco who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003.
“I found that the doctors could provide great cancer care, but that women really needed a mentor, a buddy or friend to get them through the rough times,” said Denise. “The terrifying moments at 2am when they wake up scared in the dark and don’t know who to talk to. There is nothing more comforting than talking to someone who has been where you are.”
Women interested in mentoring go through an initial four hour training session to handle topics including breast disease, lymphedema and best practices for being a mentor. The mentors are required to attend two more training sessions throughout the year so the information they provide is timely and accurate.
SOS received the Governor of Maryland Commendation in 2007, the Komen for the Cure Maryland Affiliate Ellen Barnett Memorial Award in 2007 and the Yoplait Susan G. Komen 2006 National Breast Cancer Champion Award.
In the case of Debbie and Anne, the mentoring relationship is going to be a lifelong friendship.
“We knew immediately we had a bond,” said Debbie. As much as a doctor or nurse can tell you what’s going to happen, no one really knows like someone who has been through it. It’s a disease that makes people want to give back.”
“Breast cancer is something you don’t want to go through,” said Anne. “But if you have to, having a mentor makes it so much easier. We’re friends forever. I don’t know how we’d ever break this bond we have. Debbie has given me strength I never thought I would have, and I am very optimistic about my future.”
If you would like to become a mentor please call the GUH SOS Line at 202-444-5205 or by email at denise.j.oneill@medstar.net.
Media Contact: Marianne Worley
202-444-4659
mw32@georgetown.edu
|
Back
|
|
|
|
