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Whether you are a parent, spouse/partner, sibling, co-worker, or friend, you may feel overwhelmed by the practical and emotional changes that come with being a caregiver. 

DANA FARBER SUPPORTS
Caregiver Support Group
Learn how to care for yourself while caring for a loved one. If you are caring for a loved one with cancer, join this group to share experiences, information, and resources with others who are facing similar challenges. Sessions are held regularly. You can browse the Support Group Calendar to find out when this group meets. Please call 617-632-3301 for more information.
One-to-One Program
One-to-One is a free telephone mentorship program for patients and caregivers at Dana-Farber. This program is designed to be a short-term resource, providing you with support from a volunteer peer mentor over the course of a few phone calls.

Peer mentors are trained volunteers who have “been there” and can be great sources of support and comfort. When matched with a peer mentor who cared for a loved one with breast cancer, they can:

  • Discuss symptoms your loved one has experienced
  • Talk about what to expect from surgery or chemotherapy
  • Identify supportive resources
  • Talk about issues you are facing as a caregiver
  • Guide you in talking with your loved one's child about their diagnosis

To request a mentor who has gone through a similar breast cancer caregiving experience fill out a referral form. Please email onetoone@dfci.harvard.edu with any questions.
Social Work
If you are interested in finding a social worker to speak with, the below websites can help you find one in your area.

EXTERNAL SUPPORTS

Young Survival Coalition
The Young Survival Coalition (YSC) is an organization that strengthens the community, addresses the unique needs, amplifies the voice, and improves the quality of life of young adults affected by breast cancer, locally, nationally and internationally. YSC has support for “co-survivors” - caregivers, families members, and friends of young adults diagnosed with breast cancer. They have communities for co-survivors to connect with others who share similar experiences and support each other.

Join the Co-Survivor Facebook Group where you can ask questions, share articles and make connections with other co-survivors.​
  • This group is open to caregivers and those who offer crucial emotional, physical, financial, or spiritual support that a young adult needs while navigating breast cancer. While many young survivors also provide support to their friends, this page is not for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.​ ​
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Attend Conferences for the chance to meet other co-survivors and attend workshops designed just for you. 
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Join a Virtual Hangout to connect with others and grow with your peers who share similar life experiences.
Virtual Hangout for Male Co-Survivors
Sometimes you just need to hear what it's like for other people. In this YSC Virtual Hangout, you can meet other guys supporting the young adults with breast cancer they love, just like you. For male co-survivors only. 
Virtual Hangout for Mother Co-Survivors
​Moms who care for their young adults diagnosed with breast cancer manage a delicate terrain of respecting boundaries. Come join moms to share in a confidential space with others who understand what it is like for your child to be living with breast cancer. ​​
Facing Cancer Together 
Facing Cancer Together (FCT) is a community that promotes hope, empowerment, and connection for people with cancer and their loved ones. Located in Brighton, MA, this organization offers weekly caregiver support groups. In a warm, supportive, and safe community, explore the challenges of being a caregiver and find ways to cope with multiple life changes and uncertainty.
Sharsheret
Sharsheret is a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Jewish women and families living with or at an increased genetic risk for breast or ovarian cancer. 

  • The Spungen Foundation Family Focus Program offers support to caregivers and families through speaking with a social worker to answer personal questions and access resources to help understand the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and the best support options available to you.

Sharsheret also provides additional resources and services including individual psychosocial support, genetic counseling, parenting support, financial assistance, nutrition support, side-effect support, and webinars. ​