A holiday party surprise: Breast cancer survivors connect

News from the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Program
December 5, 2019
Contact: Lyn Dobrin, 516-997-8545

A Holiday Party Surprise: Breast Cancer Survivors Connect

Three years ago, Janet Spool of New Hyde Park, coping with a diagnosis of breast cancer, called the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline. She had received a flyer in her doctor’s office and was attracted to the idea of speaking with a breast cancer survivor. Janet had attended a group for people with all kinds of stories who were going to have chemotherapy and was frightened by some of the stories she heard. She wanted to have a conversation with someone who had had breast cancer and had similar apprehensions about chemotherapy and the prospect of returning to the hospital.

She was connected with hotline volunteer Robin Healy of Huntington, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and had been a hotline volunteer for nine years. “After a couple of conversations with Robin. I felt better,” said Spool. She went on to have treatment and last year decided to help others the way she had been helped and took the training to be become a volunteer with the Adelphi program. This month, at the Adelphi Breast Cancer Holiday Party, the two women met for the first time. “I was so touched by meeting her,” says Robin.  “I don’t think we truly realize the impact that we have on callers.”  Says Janet, “Speaking with Robin inspired me to become a volunteer with the program.”

The Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program can be reached at 800-877-8077. You are not alone.

Photo: Robin Healy (left) and Janet Spool