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Breast Cancer Peer Counselor Training July 30

The breast cancer treatment journey from initial diagnosis through medical care and beyond can be overwhelming. Patients don’t have to face this alone. That’s why the Lutheran Cancer Center and Pink Ribbon Connection are collaborating to give breast cancer patients the support they need with peer counseling.

Peer counselors provide breast cancer patients with an understanding ear, support and information from the perspective of someone who’s been there.

A special opportunity for breast cancer survivors to learn more about becoming a Pink Ribbon peer counselor will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30, in the Cancer Resource Center, which is located in the comprehensive cancer center on Lutheran Hospital campus. To be a counselor, an individual must be a year or more beyond their last treatment.

“Pink Ribbon Connection is thrilled to be working with the Lutheran Cancer Center to train local breast cancer survivors to be peer counselors for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients,” said Dori Sparks-Unsworth, executive director of Pink Ribbon Connection. “Being able to connect women who live near each other is of great benefit since this allows them to meet face to face and develop a trusting and supportive relationships that will make a real difference as the patient goes through treatment and recovery.”

The peer counselor training will be led by clinical psychologist Christine Ward, PhD. Dr. Ward has extensive experience working with people coping with medical problems, especially psychological aspects of breast cancer.

The session will include dinner offered at no charge to registered participants. Convenient, free parking is also available across from the comprehensive cancer center in the south parking garage.

To learn more about peer counselor training, or to sign up for the session, please contact Lutheran Hospital Nurse Navigator Hollie Painter at (260) 435-7191 or via email at hpainter@lhn.net. Registration for the July 30 session is required and must be completed by July 23.

Pink Ribbon Connection provides emotional support, local resources and education to those touched by breast cancer. Visit PinkRibbonConnection.org or call (317) 255-PINK (7465) for additional information.