An Hispanic Support Group
An article by Mary Rhoads, a Michelle's Place volunteer
The 28 women were seated in a circle sharing their stories. There were a few tears, many questions, smiles, laughter and sharing. Today the focus was on their children, learning about the Kids Konnected program. The common bond among the women however, is breast cancer.
At the March meeting, two women were new to the group and recently diagnosed. Others were at various treatment stages. Several were survivors.
I would like to introduce you to Esperanza para Mujeres, a Hispanic Support Group for Spanish-speaking women.
"Sometimes it can be hard to get Hispanic women to be open," explained Carrie Linden, Michelle's Place Hispanic Coordinator.
"Cultural differences can make some Hispanic women hesitant to share information about their breasts and health," Carrie noted. The group welcomes the women's husbands and close family and friends. Child care is available during the meetings.
Justine, from Kids Konnected, was the featured speaker at this meeting and spoke about the Kids Konnected program and the upcoming summer camps available to the women's children.
The Kids Konnected program is free for children who have a parent with cancer or have lost a parent to cancer. Justine explained the many misconceptions children and teens can have about the disease. Justine suggested a positive attitude and openness about cancer with kids is best. Also, lots of reassurance; letting them know you have the best care possible at that moment and everyone will get through the cancer together as a family.
Two women felt comfortable enough to share their stories with me, even though I am not bi-lingual; their English was very good!
Raquel Reyes travels from Redlands each month to attend the meetings with her sister. She is a bi-lingual second grade teacher and suffered a recurrence of her breast cancer in 2008.
"I met another woman during my radiation treatment and brought her to one of the meetings," Raquel said. "The meetings offer a great support and I like that they are in Spanish."
Blanca Celoallos, a 19 year survivor said she felt very fortunate her cancer was discovered when she was 30 years old and has not had a recurrence.
A Riverside resident, she found the support group through a friend, but had observed the flyers at the library regarding the support group. "[Esperanza para Mujeres] gives me hope that cancer can be curable," Blanca shared.
Esperanza para Mujeres is held the first Tuesday of every month at 6pm at the Casa Blanca Library in Riverside. Michelle's Place hosts Kids Konnected support group meetings monthly. For more information on either meeting, please contact Michelle's Place or visit the calendar of events.
