Week 45: ABCD Family Mentor

ABCD (After Breast Cancer Diagnosis) is a worldwide non-profit organization that happens to be headquartered near me in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I first learned about them 20+ years ago when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and was looking for some support, to talk with someone who could not only sympathize but empathize. 

I'm thrilled to say my mom has been a cancer survivor, and ABCD mentor, for the past 20 years!!

Inspired by her generosity in the face of a difficulty I can only imagine, I've also become an ABCD mentor, but for friends and family members of those diagnosed with breast cancer.

When someone going through treatment or someone who loves someone going through treatment contacts ABCD they are asked some questions to make the best mentor match. 

For breast cancer patients, that means asking about their diagnosis, treatment plans, family makeup, etc. Anything that would be helpful for the match specialist to identify the best mentor for them. And the same goes for family matches, but it's usually more related to relationship and personality. 

I have been matched with moms of daughters who have been diagnosed, daughters of moms diagnosed, and friends of those diagnosed. All of them were looking for ideas and support and some comfort as they processed what the future may hold, and sometimes some laughs and virtual friendship. 

Being an ABCD mentor looks different for each match. 

Sometimes it's phone calls, scheduled when convenient for both of us, or being "on call" after an upcoming appointment. 

A few people want to Facetime the first or second time to get to know each other. 

Lots of people prefer texting, which is done periodically throughout the days/weeks/months we're in contact (a lot of times first thing in the morning, before bed, or when I'm sitting in my car before heading in the house, like the sweaty post-gym photo above, because I've thought of them while driving and make sure I send off the message before moving onto something else). 

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with breast cancer, please contact ABCD to be matched with a mentor. We are here to help...and it's all FREE!!