Support Programs

• Arm-in Arm is a breast cancer support group dedicated to promoting the physical and emotional well-being of women with breast cancer by providing friendship, support, and understanding. Arm-in-Arm provides a meeting place for women to share their feelings, establishes support systems for family and friends, and helps women rebuild a positive physical and mental sense of well-being. Meetings are informal, consisting of small, self-directed groups led by a facilitator who has had breast cancer herself. There is no formal membership in Arm-in-Arm, nor are there dues or fees. Participation in the group meetings is open to all women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Voluntary contributions cover printing and other expenses. For more information on Arm-in-Arm, please call Mercy's Hoffberger Breast Center at 410-332-9330.
  
  
• Reach to Recovery is a one-on-one support program run by Mercy and The American Cancer Society. The program pairs current patients with volunteers who have survived breast cancer. The Reach to Recovery program has been a great success, offering support and friendship to hundreds of women with breast cancer. If you would like more information on the program, or if you would like to be a volunteer, please contact Marsha Oakley at The Hoffberger Breast Center, 410-332-9330.
  
  
• Helping Hands, a community-supported program, offers enhancement services for Mercy patients with limited financial resources. Donated wigs, turbans, and cosmetics help ease the anxiety caused by your medical treatments. For information on Helping Hands, which is operated through the department of Volunteer Services at Mercy and supported by the Mildred Mindell Cancer Foundation, Inc., call 410-332-9229.
  
  
• True Sisters is a philanthropic organization that performs a variety of service projects. True Sisters make beautiful little comfort pillows for women who have just had surgery. These pillows can be used in the car on the way home or in bed, and are available to any patient who would like one.
  
  
• Recovery in Motion is a unique program designed to prevent post-surgical lymphedema, or swelling of the arms and hands due to lymph node changes. Mercy's Occupational and Physical Therapy staff see patients before surgery to obtain baseline arm and wrist measurements. The staff also provides patients with a packet detailing exactly what they should do after surgery. Women who suspect swelling after surgery may come in for an appointment to compare current measurements with their baseline measurements, allowing our staff to diagnose and treat their problem more effectively. Recovery in Motion is available only through surgical referral. Interested patients should speak to their doctors.