Breast Cancer Survivors Pay it Forward

Breast cancer survivors decided to pass along good tidings this holiday season with handmade gifts to others living with cancer. Women from Dignity Health St. Bernardine Medical Center's monthly breast cancer support groups, Breast Cancer Survivor Group and Esperanza Para Mujeres in October received a gift of handbags, valued at $75 each, from Miche Bag, a designer handbag company that donates a portion of proceeds from the sale of their "Hope" shell to cancer research. Presented by Jill Damato, a regional Miche Bag representative and a frequent vendor at St. Bernardine's annual Holiday Boutique, the bags were well-received by the survivors. After receiving their gifts, the women wanted to "pay it forward" and do something for other breast cancer patients. Together the women made several flannel blankets for women who were newly diagnosed with cancer and need chemotherapy treatment. "Chemo rooms tend to be cold, so the blankets will be great," said Michelle Melancon, RN, breast cancer navigator. Melancon said breast cancer continues to be the most common type of cancer found in women in the United States and it is the second leading cause of cancer death among women ages 40-59. "This means that one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime and a woman will die every 74 seconds from the disease." The breast cancer navigator at Dignity Health’s St. Bernardine Medical Center offers coordinated services, with a focus on preventative care, early detection and ongoing support, including monthly breast cancer support groups, in English and Spanish, for those affected by or undergoing treatment for the disease. The support groups meet at St. Bernardine’s Baby and Family Center. For more information, call Melancon at 909-883-8711. [END] Original PR: For those living with or affected by breast cancer, Dignity Health St. Bernardine Medical Center hosts monthly breast cancer support groups. On October 28, members of the two support groups, Breast Cancer Survivor Group and Esperanza Para Mujeres, were given extra special support and gifts – handbags, valued at $75 each. Jill Damato, a regional Miche Bag representative, presented 24 Miche Prima Hope Bags to the breast cancer survivors. To support the fight against cancer, Miche Bag, a designer handbag company, donates a portion of proceeds from the sale of their "Hope" shell to cancer research. Damato, a frequent vendor at St. Bernardine’s annual Holiday Boutique, said she’s grateful to work for a company that is compassionate and supports patients fighting cancer. "Breast cancer touches the lives of so many. It is our pleasure to support and bring a little joy to these women through a gift of a Miche handbag." After the women received the handbags, they "paid it forward" and made several flannel blankets for women who are newly diagnosed with cancer and who need to have chemotherapy treatment. "Chemo rooms tend to be cold, so the blankets will be well received," said Michelle Melancon, RN, breast cancer navigator. Melancon said breast cancer continues to be the most common type of cancer found in women in the United States and it is the second leading cause of cancer death among women age 40-59. "This means that one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime and a woman will die every 74 seconds from the disease." The breast cancer navigator at Dignity Health’s St. Bernardine Medical Center offers coordinated services, with a focus on preventative care, early detection and ongoing support, including monthly breast cancer support groups, in English and Spanish, for those affected by or undergoing treatment for the disease. The support groups meet at St. Bernardine’s Baby and Family Center. For more information, call Melancon at (909) 883-8711.