Support Connection
Support Connection, Inc. is an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization established in 1996 that specializes in free, confidential support services to people affected by breast and ovarian cancer. Although their office is located in Yorktown Heights, they help people all over the country via their toll-free cancer information and support hotline (800-532-4290.)
Support Connection’s model is unique because their professional Peer Counselors are cancer survivors themselves. They understand how it feels to be confronted with cancer because they have traveled the journey already. Women with breast and ovarian cancer, or anyone needing information, can contact Support Connection in person or by phone Mon.-Fri., 9 am-5 pm (NY time) and speak directly with a Peer Counselor. Calls received after hours are returned the next business day. Peer Counselors provide personalized emotional support. They also offer information about breast and ovarian cancer, community resources, referrals for other services, and connections to other women with similar situations. This free support is available as often as needed, for as long as it’s needed.
The Peer Counselors also plan and implement the many other services offered by Support Connection. Breast and ovarian cancer support groups are held monthly at locations in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties. There are also 2 telephone groups, held via toll-free teleconference, so women can participate regardless of where they live, from the comfort of their own homes. Groups are led by trained peer facilitators and focus on topics relating to all stages of diagnosis, treatment and post-treatment.
Support Connection’s other services empower women to cope with recovery and treatment while continuing with their day-to-day lives. Programs include wellness classes (yoga, meditation, fitness) as well as interactive workshops and educational programs on holistic health, healing, nutrition, etc. They also offer free public educational forums about breast and ovarian cancer; A lending library; Referrals to other agencies; Community outreach and collaboration with other service providers.
To learn more about Support Connection’s free programs and services,
call (914) 962-6402 or 1-800-532-4290 or visit www.supportconnection.org.
Support Connection needs your help! In order to continue offering these free programs and services, Support Connection must seek grants and contributions to provide funding. Their most important fundraiser each year is the Support-A-Walk, a 3-mile walkathon held to increase awareness about breast and ovarian cancer while raising funds for Support Connection’s services. Participants walk in celebration of or in tribute to those affected by these diseases. Each year, thousands of people from across the Hudson Valley come together for this uplifting community event
Join Support Connection this fall for their 16th Annual Support-A-Walk! It will take place on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010 at FDR Park in Yorktown Heights, NY. The date is selected in honor of National Ovarian Awareness Cancer Month in September and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Even if you can’t attend, you can help by raising funds and spreading the word. To register or donate for the Walk, visit www.supportconnection.org or call 914-962-6402. To raise funds online for the Support-A-Walk, visit www.firstgiving.com/supportconnection.
