Recently Diagnosed

Hello,

We understand you probably feel like you just got hit with the worst news of your life.

We understand the hurdles and complications of having breast cancer at all stages in life. This is why we are so passionate about our organization, the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, and our Peer Mentor Program. All of us (Connie, Erica, Lois, Nanny, Natalie, and Stephanie) personally know the feeling of being diagnosed with cancer, but we hope that our stories can inspire you to fight and continue to live life to the fullest.

This stinks (insert your choice word here). It’s not fair. We agree 150%, but know we are here for you, no matter what, throughout your journey.

The main goal of the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition is to provide support, networking, and education to women and men diagnosed with breast cancer. Topics include but are not limited to fertility, nutrition, sexuality, treatment options, resources, and continuing to live life to the fullest at every age.

You will find our photos and phone numbers below. When you are ready to talk and need someone who understands what you’re going through, we are here to listen without judgment. In the meantime, we encourage you to check out the materials available to you below if you did not receive a Pink Folder from your Oncologist.

Not ready to talk over the phone?

Join our community online, by following us on social media @debreastcancerco or @deyoungsurvivors to stay in the loop with upcoming events & activities!

Healing thoughts to you and your family. We look forward to meeting you soon!
The Survivorship Team

“My name is Connie, I was diagnosed at 45.”

Connie Holdridge
Program Director Sussex County
(302)212-2947 X 1030
choldridge@debreastcancer.org
18977 Munchy Branch Rd. Unit I
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

“Hi, my name is Stephanie, I was diagnosed at 32.”

Stephanie Cumella
Program Manager Young Survivors In Action
(302) 672-6435 X 1005
scumella@debreastcancer.org
165 Commerce Way,
Dover DE 19901

“Hi, my name is Lois I was diagnosed at 47.”

Lois Wilkinson
Program Manager Nurture with Nature
(302) 672-6435 X 1001
lwilkinson@debreastcancer.org
165 Commerce Way
Dover, DE 19901

“Hi my name is Meridith, I was diagnosed at 39.”

Meridith Rothstein
Survivorship Specialist
302-212-2947 X 1032
mrothstein@debreastcancer.org
18977 Munchy Branch Rd, Unit 1
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

“Hi my name is Erica, I was diagnosed at 44.”

Erica Saunders
Survivorship Specialist
302-778-1102 X 1001
esaunders@debreastcancer.org
100 W. 10th Street, Suite 209
Wilmington, DE 19801

“Hi my name is Natalie, I was diagnosed at 50.”

Natalie Belcher
Survivorship Specialist
302-672-6435
nbelcher@debreastcancer.org
165 Commerce Way
Dover, DE 19901

“Hi my name is Nanny, I was diagnosed at 47.”
Hablo español!

Mignaliz (Nanny) Vega-Morales
Bilingual Survivorship Specialist
(302) 778-1102 x 1017
nvega@debreastcancer.org
100 W. 10th Street, Suite 209
Wilmington, DE 19801

Who is a survivor?

The term “survivor” includes anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, from the time of diagnosis through the rest of his or her life. Family members, friends, and caregivers are also part of the survivorship experience.

You may not like the word, or you may feel that it does not apply to you, but the word “survivor” helps many people think about embracing their lives beyond their illness.

While breast cancer is a major event for all who are diagnosed, it brings with it the chance for growth. As hard as treatment can be, many cancer survivors have told us that the experience led them to make important changes in their lives. Many say they now take time to appreciate each new day.

They also have learned how to take better care of themselves and value how others care for them. Others draw from their experience to become advocates to improve cancer research, treatment, and care.

This page helps provide information and resources as you take the next steps in your breast cancer journey.

Suggestions for the newly diagnosed

  • Think positively, seek emotional support, and care for yourself in the process.
  • Become familiar with the medical terminology.
  • Get a second opinion from another physician.
  • Make a list of questions for your medical team and insurance company.
  • Research your diagnosis, treatment plan, other treatment options, and possible side effects.
  • DBCC can send you resources to help make informed decisions.
  • Take someone with you to your appointments for emotional support and take notes.
  • Ask questions about your diagnosis, test results, and treatment plan.
  • Ask about clinical trials and decide if it’s right for you to participate in one (or more).
  • Find out about what your health insurance covers – and doesn’t cover.
  • Find someone to talk to about your concerns – DBCC can connect you with a breast cancer survivor as a Peer Mentor.
  • Seek advice on how to talk to your spouse/partner, family, children, co-workers, and friends.
  • Accept help from others – whether it’s preparing meals, mowing the lawn, doing housework, or listening to your concerns.

Did you receive our DBCC Pink Folder from your oncologist?

DBCC’s Pink Folder, is a toolkit of resources that is provided to those newly diagnosed with breast cancer at no cost. If you have been recently diagnosed and you did not receive or do not currently have a DBCC Pink Folder please click the button below to visit our Pink Folder Page to download materials to assist you on your journey.

Peer Mentor Support for Breast Cancer

Our unique Peer Mentor Support for Breast Cancer provides breast cancer survivors who are ready to help others with the critical education and training required to become a DBCC Certified Peer Mentor. Once certified, Peer Mentors are matched as closely as possible with someone newly diagnosed at a similar age with a similar diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and lifestyle. DBCC Peer Mentors then provide free one-on-one personalized support.

DBCC Survivor Programs

We proudly innovate new programs and services for the breast cancer survivors we serve. DBCC Survivor Programs for breast cancer survivors are held throughout the state year-round to provide education, support, and friendship!

We hope you will become a part of the DBCC family and participate in our programs!