No one in the world would ever think that having breast cancer would make your life better. In my case this is true.

I was diagnosed in 1988; just two months before the Breast Care Center of Orange was established and opened. One thing they had decided to do in the new Breast Care Center was to implement a support system. I was fortunate to be the first patient that was introduced to an individual who provided me with support and encouragement. Thus, I learned first-hand how important this was.

After healing from my mastectomy and reconstruction, I began to think about helping others. This is what brought me out of my shell as I felt I could speak out and help others.

I originally volunteered three days a week, eight hours a day for seven months. It was then they offered me the position of Director of Volunteers for the Breast Care Center of Orange. The next year, with the help of my husband, Ron, a men’s support group was implemented.

Since then we have grown from a small support group of individuals to twenty patient representatives, who spend time in The Breast Care & Imaging Center of Orange County supporting patients and thirty-five telephone volunteers who give of their time and support via the telephone. In addition we are fortunate to have the services of ten men (Partners in Recovery) who support the husbands of wives going through breast cancer.

This is a position that you get so much comfort by helping people get through a tough time. Personally, I have talked to well over fifteen hundred patients during these past seventeen years. Every representative attempts to make themselves available 24/7. This service allows the patient to talk to someone immediately and thus, eliminate a certain level of anxiety. At times, I and others have visited patients in their homes and at the hospital.

They call this my job, but I call it a very rewarding experience. It has been a great thing in my life and I will be ever thankful.