What can I do? What can I say?
Help me understand what you're going through
Stories of Support
There are as many ways of being a co-survivor as there are people! Thoughtful gestures big and small mean so much to survivors, whether they've just been diagnosed or completed treatment years ago. Thanks for the strength, love and support you show in ways big and small by being a co-survivor.
Who is a Co-Survivor?
From the moment a person's breast cancer diagnosis is confirmed, she or he is considered a survivor. Co-survivors are family, friends, health care providers or colleagues who are there to lend support from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. There are as many ways of being an effective co-survivor as there are people. Many different co-survivors may enter the patient's life over time, lending support in big or small ways.
What can I do? What can I say?
Is someone you know battling breast cancer or stepping back into "normal" life after treatment? Sometimes it's hard knowing what to say or do. Handy fact sheets and breast cancer information about the disease and its emotional impact can help you reach out and meet the real needs of a survivor.
Learn how friends, co-workers and neighbors can join together to assist your loved one in their time of need by creating a private online group calendar at lotsahelpinghands.com.
Help me understand what you're going through
Breast cancer is complex and baffling. It changes lives, relationships, goals and priorities. Information outlining what you might expect along the way is very important in traveling the breast cancer journey alongside a friend or loved one. Information and fact sheets guide your way.
Sharing your story - connecting with other co-survivors
As a co-survivor, you provide much needed support for your loved one's fight against breast cancer. You need support, too. By sharing your story and connecting with other co-survivors, you can be part of a group connected by strength, hope and love. Read stories of hope and encouragement from co-survivors and breast cancer survivors, and share your story to help inspire others.
You are not alone. Every three minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. Each diagnosis affects everyone in that person's life. The co-survivor message board ("Family and Friends") is a place for you to share ideas and support with people who know how you feel.
Co-Survivor ribbon
Susan G. Komen for the Cure developed a co-survivor ribbon that combines the pink ribbon — the universal symbol for breast cancer awareness — with the color white to recognize the relationship between breast cancer survivors and their co-survivors. This special pink and white ribbon has become the symbol of the co-survivor.
To purchase a co-survivor ribbon, click here.
