Reaching Out and Relating
Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks (BCSS) in West Reading has proudly served county residents in need for last 28 years. The nonprofit’s doors opened in 1994 when a group of local women affected (either directly or indirectly) by breast cancer started searching for support. They began tossing around ideas for creating an environment of encouragement, hope and support, and were able to relate to one another. Within just a short time, they started holding monthly meetings. At those meetings, the idea of forming a nonprofit organization blossomed. Such an organization would offer a special place for others traveling this road to come and share their stories, fears and victories with others in their community going through the same trials. It would offer peace of mind and assure them that they weren’t alone. With each meeting, the number of ideas grew. They created a book of resources and a support line, just a sliver of what would evolve and become BCSS.
Support On All Sides
For every survivor, no matter what step of the journey they are on, BCSS is a home for hope. Executive Director Michele Reinert says, “Whether you choose to go through chemo, radiation, if you choose a more alternate holistic route — whatever you decide — we’re here for you. It is all inclusive. Everyone is welcome here.”
Experiencing the emotions that come with a diagnosis can be rough, but individuals can rest assured that BCSS will be there for them with compassion, beginning with the gift of a comfort bag. The bags contain items including chapstick, journals, blankets and more to help bring a warm hug of sorts. A few of the items are donated by groups such as the Berks County Quilters Guild and other local volunteers. Books for children and spouses are included, and both come in English and Spanish versions. There is also a male version of the comfort bag featuring a male breast cancer book and other supplies. Michele comments, “That started in 2006, and since 2006 we have given out over 3,700 comfort bags to Berks County residents.”
BCSS hosts an array of support groups, programs and activities like Pink Power Nights, Soul Survivors, groups for those under 45 years of age, creative writing, painting, music therapy and more. Michele says, “It really helps to unleash a lot of that stress and anxiety, but it’s also a venue where you can talk about your cancer or not.” She continues, “It gives people a little bit of an outlet where they can choose to talk about anything that they want and that [cancer] doesn’t have to be a part of it.” Other helpful resources include an extensive lending library that is open to the public, a bra and fitting room where you’ll find an assortment of bras, wigs and prosthesis, and many other resources at your fingertips. Visit bcssberks.org to learn more and to join an amazing community. Plenty of volunteer opportunities are available. And as Michele says, “Always be aware. No one knows your body better than you do, so if something doesn’t feel right, pay attention to it and ask the questions.”
Diagnosis stats. In Berks alone, there are close to 300 women and between 1 and 5 men diagnosed with breast cancer every year.
Family history facts. Approximately 85 percent of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of the disease, some as young as 18 years of age.
