Health Care Guide Press Releases

Princeton Mayors Join Together for Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day

PRINCETON  Looking at all the pink surrounding us this month, visibility for breast cancer has grown significantly. But, increased awareness about metastatic breast cancer, also known as stage IV or advanced breast cancer, is greatly needed.

In October, 2009, the U.S. Senate and House voted that October 13 be designated as National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. The intent was to draw attention to the needs of the metastatic breast cancer community.

Princeton Borough Mayor Mildred Trotman and Princeton Township Mayor Chad Goerner joined together in proclaiming October 13th Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day during a ceremony at the YWCA Princeton’s Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC). Kara Stephenson, Director of the BCRC, shared about the national movement behind this symbolic day.  The audience was comprised of a number of women who have triumphed over metastatic cancer, some who continue their journeys, friends, and family members.

"I'm proud to offer the Township's support in issuing a proclamation to raise awareness for metastatic breast cancer in our community,” said Mayor Goerner. “The Breast Cancer Resource Center, based in Bramwell House at the YWCA, provides critically important emotional support for those whose lives are affected by this form of cancer and I and Township Committee are proud to support their efforts in any way we can." 

For those with stage IV breast cancer, October can be a difficult month. Everyone is talking about early detection and a cure. The color pink is everywhere - in the malls in newspapers, on restaurant menus, and even in NFL football games. For those with stage IV breast cancer, their enthusiasm is tempered as they cope with the metastatic form of the disease, ongoing treatment, and side effects as there is not a known cure.

Many people don't grasp that metastatic breast cancer is not a rare "kind" of breast cancer. When someone dies of breast cancer, that's metastatic breast cancer. It might have been triple negative breast cancer, triple positive breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer, hormone receptive breast cancer (ER/PR+) or some variation. In all cases, regardless of pathology, if the person had metastatic breast cancer, it means the cancer spread outside the breast to the bones, liver, lungs or brain.

“That’s where the YWCA Princeton’s Breast Cancer Resource Center’s Advanced Breast Cancer Support Group comes in. The needs and challenges for those with metastatic cancer are different from those with other stages of the disease,” said Kara Stephenson.  “These women sometimes feel hopeless, misunderstood and often very isolated.  The support group offers them an opportunity to talk about their fears, challenges, and triumphs in an understanding environment, without having to check what they are saying for fear of scaring someone newly diagnosed.”

Elsje Reiss, Clinical Social Worker and facilitator of BCRC’s Advanced Breast Cancer Support Group, established the group in 2004. She started with three women - two of whom are still participating in the group seven years later. She says she sometimes feels metastatic cancer is the “forgotten disease” and wants the public and those diagnosed to be more aware of the realities of the diagnosis. “Many feel that a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis means a certain and quick death, which is, as demonstrated by many women in the support group, is just not true.”   

“This network is amazing and empowering.” says Elsje. “When someone is sad, cries, or is in pain, this group works with them to get them through it. It is a safe, nurturing place where they can be afraid. Expressing their feelings is important.”

Meg Fels, Peggy Prescott, and Bonnie Crowley, were part of that original group at BCRC. They often stayed after the “regular” support group meetings they were attending to share their specific  experiences and challenges with stage IV disease that only they could understand.  Meg says, “Many in the regular support groups were speaking about different types of reconstructive surgeries and I was screaming inside that I wanted to stay alive.” Realizing that they needed a different type of support, they formed a new group at the YWCA Princeton, the Advanced Breast Cancer Support Group, whose membership has continued to expand over the years. She adds, “A sisterhood formed and my life’s path changed as a result of this support group.”

Diagnosed nine years ago with metastatic breast cancer, Meg immediately thought it was a death sentence. It wasn’t. Nine years later, she is living a full live, engaged with helping other women, and exudes boundless energy.  She credits the advanced support group for being a space for serious discussions, developing close bonds with others, helping others inside and outside of the meetings, as well as tears and much laughter. “It has been a place where we learn about other treatments that we can ask our doctors about,” she adds.

Mayor Trotman added, “Princeton is very fortunate to have the YWCA Princeton Breast Cancer Resource Center in our town.  At a time when emotions are probably so frayed, to know that there are those who are so willing to offer help in whatever way possible, is comforting to me as both a leader and a resident of this town.  We are grateful to all who play a role in supporting and promoting this worthy cause.”

Meg’s wish is simple - to share what a wonderful place the YWCA Princeton Breast Cancer Resource Center is for those with metastatic breast cancer. And she wants to people to get that metastatic breast cancer is not a death sentence. Life can still be bountiful and filled with aliveness. She and other members are proof that living can continue.

The YWCA Princeton’s Breast Cancer Resource Center, located in the Bramwell House on the YWCA campus, is dedicated to providing information and support to women and families affected by breast cancer, and to increasing breast cancer awareness in the community. Find out more about programs and services by calling 609-497-2100 extension 346, or visit www.ywcaprinceton.org/bcrc.