Breast Cancer Network Receives Grant for Support Programs

The Breast Cancer Network of WNY (BCN) has received a $400,000 grant from the New York State Department of Health to support local women transitioning from breast cancer treatment to survivorship. Titled “Post Treatment Support Services for Breast Cancer Survivors who are Black,” the funding will support the work of BCN in collaboration with Great Lakes Cancer Care Collaborative to deliver support groups and other programming to women of color.

Beginning in April, BCN will present two monthly support groups, individual counseling sessions, and a peer mentoring program for the target population. The sessions and programs will be facilitated by Lakia Johnson, LMSW, oncology social worker for ECMC and Melissa Wanzer, EdD, Oncology Survivorship Program Manager at GLCCC.

“The partnership between BCN and GLCCC is so important to the success of these programs and we are fortunate to be able to count on the expertise and talents of our friends from Great Lakes to make this all work,” said Rob Jones, Executive Director of BCN. “We will be depending on the GLCCC network as well as our contacts to help get the word out about the programming.”

BCN was one of only three organizations in New York State to receive the grant funding which will take place over a five year period. Both BCN and GLCCC plan to make their existing support and survivorship programs available to all participants. GLCCC also offers regular educational seminars, support groups, and additional resources for cancer survivors.

The Breast Cancer Network of WNY is located in the United Way Building at 742 Delaware Avenue. They have been offering support and education services to people in Western New York who have been impacted by breast cancer since 1994. To learn more about Great Lakes Cancer Care Collaborative and its members go to Great Lakes Cancer Care Collaborative | Buffalo, NY.

For more information, visit www.bcnwny.org or call 716- 706-0060.