Breast Cancer Awareness Month shines a spotlight on support systems that help patients navigate diagnosis and treatment.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Breast Cancer Awareness Month shines a spotlight on support systems that help patients navigate diagnosis and treatment.
In Albuquerque, women living with breast cancer are finding community, resources and encouragement through the program Radiant Healing Together.
One Stanford study found that women with Stage 4 breast cancer live longer when they participate in support groups. Organizers and participants of Radiant Healing Together said the benefits extend beyond longevity, helping women heal emotionally and build meaningful connections.
Renée Garcia moved from Las Vegas, New Mexico, to Albuquerque after being diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer.
“He said, basically, you’re terminal, and I woke up and I said, ‘Terminal. Well, doctor, aren’t we all terminal?’ And he said, ‘Well, yeah,’ and I said, ‘Only he {pointing to God}knows my expiration date,’” Garcia said.
That conversation happened eight years ago.
“Just at that point continued to live my life and try to build my hopes and dreams. And the radiant healing together has really helped with that,” Garcia said.
Radiant Healing Together connects women diagnosed with breast cancer to holistic health care services, classes and support groups.
“Just seeing the green helps my stress levels I think,” one participant said during a group gathering.
Diane Nielsen, a breast cancer nurse, said social support can play an important role in recovery.
“We know from studies that if you are down and depressed, you don’t have social support, that you don’t heal as well,” Nielsen said.
Nielsen said community is an important part of the healing process.
“It helps these women heal emotionally. It helps them, you know, cry together, but it also helps them laugh together and get out some of the things that they maybe can’t talk to their family about,” Nielsen said.
The Heritage House in Corrales is one of the group’s meeting locations. During gatherings, women share their stories one at a time, building friendships through shared experiences and mutual understanding.
“It didn’t matter if you were rich or poor, if you speak English or you don’t, if you have a large family or you’re a single child, if you have children and grandchildren, or you don’t, when we meet in that circle, we’re all the same,” Garcia said.
Women at any stage of breast cancer are welcome to join the group. Those interested in participating can find registration information online. Supporters can also contribute through a fundraising gala scheduled for next weekend at Big Jim’s Farm.
