Becky Chase, the current president of Bosom Buddies, opens up to AZFoothills.com about her personal role in this nonprofit. The organization is based on volunteer survivors of cancer who meet regularly to support others facing the same battle. Due to the ill health of the remaining founders, Chase stepped in as the president after having been on the Board of Directors since 2009.

AFM:Why did you found this organization? 

BC: Bosom Buddies Inc. was founded in 1982 by five women who had breast cancer. It was founded to provide education, support and advocacy for those diagnosed with breast cancer. In 1982 there was very little information available regarding breast cancer.  At that time, breast cancer was not talked about, rather it was a disease to be suffered in silence. Bosom Buddies offered a support group where women could come and share their experiences of breast cancer with each other, and to receive help.  A 24/7 hot line was offered, where women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer could call in and talk to other women who were breast  cancer survivors. 

AFM: How has BBA grown since you first began?

BC: Bosom Buddies now offers six breast cancer support groups in Maricopa County. One of our groups, Circle of Help was formed specifically for those with metastatic (stage IV) breast cancer, as we recognize the needs for those with metastatic disease are different from those with earlier stages of breast cancer. We attend a variety of community and health fair events throughout the year.  We publish a resource guide "Navigating Your Breast Cancer Journey-Maricopa County resources.” We continue to offer a 24/7 hot line. Over the years we have helped hundreds of women. 

AFM: What is the most important aspect of BBA?

BC:The most important aspect of Bosom Buddies are our monthly breast cancer support groups. Each group meets at the same location every month. For example, our West Valley group meets the first Thursday of every month at the La Quinta Inn. All of our breast cancer support groups are led by women who are breast cancer survivors. Even though the support group meetings are only held monthly, the facilitator is available 24/7 for those attending the group. In addition women attending the groups frequently form friendships with others within the groups and exchange email addresses and phone numbers. These meetings along with providing emotional support also provide a lot educational materials on breast cancer. Our goal is to insure that no woman diagnosed with breast cancer should ever feel that she is alone. 

AFM: Where do you hope to see this organization go?

BC: We hope to be able to offer a breast cancer support group in the southwest Valley, an area that at this time has no breast cancer support group.  We would like to expand our pool of volunteers. We would like to see an increase in the number of breast cancer survivors who provide our hot line services. 

AFM: How can the community help?

BC: We always welcome donations.  Donations can be sent to our office at 11024 N. 28th Dr. Suite #200 Phoenix, AZ 85029. Donations can also be made through PayPal via our website www.BosomBuddies-AZ.org. We also have a number of clothing and housewares donation boxes throughout the Valley where people can drop off their gently used clothing and household items. We are always looking for volunteers.

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