Breast BuddyTM
A Comprehensive Breast Care Program
A multi-faceted, comprehensive
program that provides information and Survivor-to-Patient mentoring through
decision making, treatment and recovery. Each Breast Buddy volunteer is
a survivor, extensively trained to educate and support breast cancer patients.
Recognized by the American
Association of Health Plans as an "exemplary practice... and outstanding
women's health program that really is making a difference in improving
women's health."
Program Overview
The Breast Buddy Program includes
the following main elements:
A Breast
Buddy - A
breast cancer survivor
trained to provide peer support and information to patients
throughout
the diagnosis, treatment and recovery process.
A Volunteer
Training Curriculum - Part of a unique training program
specially developed and designed to address the complex psychosocial and
educational needs of the breast cancer patient and the volunteer who supports
them.
A Breast
Care Coordinator - A dedicated R.N. with extensive expertise
and sensitivity to help guide newly diagnosed breast cancer patients through
the Breast Buddy Program and connect her to the other services available
at the medical center in the community.
A "Survivors'
Bag of Books" - Includes an extensive resource guide,
educational books and support materials given to each patient upon diagnosis.
Decision-making
tools - Interactive computer/video programs ("Be a Survivor"
from Lange Productions available
in CD Rom and regular video format) to assist patients, their families
and friends in learning more about breast cancer and treatment options.
Patients and providers receive a printout of information after viewing
the program.
 A Lending
Library - Offering patients books / videos relating to
breast cancer, treatment, emotional and psychological aspects, other educational
materials.
A "Living
Room" / Resource Center -
An aesthetically pleasing,
comfortable environment for patients, their families and providers. (Houses
the decision-making tools and lending library). 
Detailed Descriptions of WIN Against Breast Cancer Programs
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"If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; if I can ease one life the aching, or cool one pain or help one fainting robin unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain"
