Las Vegas Breast Cancer Warriors – Support Group for Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors
After enduring breast cancer twice, AnnaMarie Missisian wanted to help support others going through the same experience. So, following her second diagnosis, she founded the Las Vegas Breast Cancer Warriors Support Group.
After launching in 2019, the group became an official nonprofit in 2021. LVBCW’s mission is to create a community of support for locals dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis.
“We are all survivors helping other survivors. That makes a huge difference when you’re getting advice or guidance from someone. We have personal experience, and that’s what we share with others,” Missisian said. “Our goal is to ensure no one feels alone during their treatment and afterward. Our main group is through Facebook; that’s where people will get the most benefit.”
To join the group, you must either be actively dealing with breast cancer or have had a diagnosis at some point in your life, and you must live in Southern Nevada.
“We are a private group for patients only. You have to request to join. Once we see you qualify, then we put you through,” she explained. “If someone doesn’t have Facebook, we also have a website that lists our events.”
LVBCW Resources and Social Events
Las Vegas Breast Cancer Warriors offers a variety of resources to breast cancer patients.
“We offer supplies such as wigs, prostheses, walkers, wheelchairs, shower chairs, surgery recovery supplies, radiation creams, chemo care kits, mastectomy kits, mastectomy pillows, housecleaning, transportation assistance, meal trains, support groups, social activities, and more!” Missisian shared.
The group also offers in-person and Zoom support group meetings, informational seminars, surgical information meetings, social gatherings, and more.
“Each month, we hold a surgical informational meeting to prepare people and their families for their upcoming surgeries, and we also host informational seminars on various topics such as pelvic floor health, nutrition, physical therapy, etc,” she said. “Some of our social events include ‘First Saturday Socials,’ dominoes, holiday parties, yoga, hiking, lunches, crafts, and more.”
While most of the small events are for members/survivors only, patients are encouraged to bring someone with them in some instances.
“[For] the surgical informational meetings, we encourage the patients to bring whoever will be their caretaker after surgery. We also encourage them to bring someone when it’s time to pick out a wig,” Missisian explained. “And then several events throughout the year are open to the public.”
October Events for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Missisian shared that Las Vegas Breast Cancer Warriors is participating in events every weekend in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with most open to the public.
“We have events throughout the entire month of October. Some are different health fairs where we’ll have a table. Others are community walks or fundraising events,” she said. “Events will be posted on our Website under the events tab. Please check it out and join us! There are a lot of fun events happening.”
Some of these fun, informative events include the Mammo-Rama Extravaganza on Saturday, October 19, at Pearson Community Center. This free event will focus on breast cancer screenings and offer food, music, and educational resources for the whole family.
The following day, LVBCW partners with the American Cancer Society for its Breast Cancer Month Walk, ‘Making Strides,’ on Sunday, October 20, from 8 AM to 12 PM at Red Rock Casino.
LVBCW is also being supported through a Halloween-themed event called ‘Save the Boooobies’ with Henderson Harley Davidson on Saturday, October 26, from 9 AM to 5 PM.
“Join us for a poker run, music, food trucks, cigar lounge, drinks, and door prizes – it’s going to be an event to remember! Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite.”
On Sunday, October 27, from 12 – 2:30 PM, dress in your favorite pink and join LVBCW for a one-mile walk or a 5K run for their ‘Health is Wealth: Pink Party 2024!’ Order your tickets on Eventbrite to help support LVBCW and breast cancer awareness. All proceeds go to the organization.
Missisian also shared some of the group’s many wonderful community partners, especially for October.
“We have so many wonderful community partners. Since we are all community members, we are always so grateful when community businesses connect with us. In October, some of our supporters are Lettuce Entertain You, Color Me Mine, Rex Center, Color Theory Spa, Henderson Harley Davidson, and American Barbell.”
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Words of Encouragement and Advice
As a breast cancer survivor, AnnaMarie Missisian shared some words of encouragement to other people going through this difficult time.
“Don’t give up; trust in the science of treatment, and have hope because treatments are changing every day and getting better.”
In addition, she shared that the American Cancer Society provides great support for breast cancer patients.
And while LVBCW never gives medical or health advice, as it’s not their area of expertise, Missisian shared some general advice.
“I would just say be as healthy as you can with limiting alcohol, make sure you’re moving your body as much as you can, try to reduce things that cause you stress, and aim for whole foods over overly processed foods when you can,” she said.
A Warrior Helping Warriors
AnnaMarie Missisian shared her favorite part about her work: being able to help.
“Whether it’s giving someone a free wig, explaining to them what will happen during surgery, or giving someone an opportunity to speak with others going through the same thing, it just all feels good to know we’re making a difference.”
She also shared that the group is expanding quickly, and focusing on expanding their programs to help more people.
“We really want every doctor in town to know who we are so they can send patients our way,” she said. “We want to be able to help people right from the beginning of their diagnosis.”
#GetinMotion with Las Vegas Breast Cancer Warriors
If you’re a Southern Nevada breast cancer survivor, going through treatment, or just received a diagnosis, check out Las Vegas Breast Cancer Warriors and join their private Facebook group. You can still follow their public Facebook and Instagram if you are not a patient or survivor.
Check out the LVBCW website for info on programs, upcoming events, and more! If you know someone going through breast cancer, share LVBCW’s info with them.
To get involved, you can donate funds or supplies or order from their Amazon Wishlist!
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