By Jamee Larson
People in society often define themselves by the groups in which they belong. We all associate ourselves with a wide variety of groups: whether related to work, school, social ties, or family. Membership in these groups occurs naturally and often without much consideration. Other groups, however, emerge out of necessity, often after a physical or emotional crisis. Most don’t desire membership in these groups, but that doesn’t negate their power. One such group is FM Breast Friends, a support group for breast cancer survivor started by high school classmates Pam Knapper and Lisa Verworn. Operating under the slogan “Sisters in Survivorship,” Knapper acknowledges the reality of the group’s membership. “We joke that breast cancer is a sorority that no one wants to belong to,” she said, “but we consider ourselves ‘Sisters’ and survivorship comes from doing what it takes to survive each day.”
According to the American Cancer Society (ACA), breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women in the United States, second only to lung cancer. Fortunately, focused awareness on prevention has steadily decreased the number of women diagnosed each year. In addition, early detection has enabled an increased number of women to receive timely treatment and then continue leading healthy and full lives. The ACA estimates that there are currently more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States alone.
Knapper and Verworn decided to start Breast Friends after fighting through their own diagnoses and treatments. Knapper was diagnosed with a rare type of breast cancer called Inflammatory Breast Cancer in 2006. Verworn’s diagnosis of triple positive breast cancer came in 2007. Over the course of their treatments, the women discovered the power of being able to talk with other women who were fighting the same demon. “We decided that when we both were healthy we would start a support group where women could come and have a safe haven to be able to ask questions and discuss their fears and their milestones,” Knapper explained. “The knowledge women can gain through other women that have traveled the journey before them is priceless.”
Since its inception six years ago, Breast Friends has grown from 8-10 members to over 25. “Quite a few members are brought by women that have been part of the group, so the networking is working,” Knapper said. Like other support groups, the women who attend Breast Friends have an intimate knowledge of the struggles that accompany a breast cancer diagnosis. Others may be able to imagine such a situation, but nobody can understand it like one that has heard those words herself. “It’s important for newly diagnosed women to meet women that have 7+ years of survivorship under their belt; it offers hope,” Knapper explained. “Or we have women that are living with stage 4 and to see them living with breast cancer brings light to everyone’s journey.”
Another goal of Breast Friends is to help spread awareness about the disease. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, a time devoted to raising breast cancer awareness and raising funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. Although Breast Friends operates with a similar mission all-year round, they are doing their part to support the spirit of the month. “Moorhead Center Mall and Vi Dielke, owner of Center for Hair, wanted to do something in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness month, so we put our minds together and came up with a fun event,” Knapper explained. On October 11, Breast Friends and the Moorhead Center Mall will be sponsoring the “Surviving in Style” Fashion Show. All of the models in the show will be breast cancer survivors or family members of breast cancer survivors. “I wanted family involvement because when a woman goes through breast cancer, it’s not just her; it’s her whole family,” explained Verworn. In addition, Vic’s Lounge will be sponsoring free burgers and beer after the show. A free will donation to FM Breast Friends is suggested.
Both Knapper and Verworn are looking forward to the fashion show and all it represents. “We are blessed to live in a community that really cares and is so giving and willing to support our group as well as many other cancer survivors in the FM area,” Knapper said. Verworn is equally excited about the opportunities the event presents. “Not only does this get our name out there, we are raising money to help other women in the FM area,” Verworn said.
Although Knapper is very grateful for the opportunity to raise breast cancer awareness during the month of October, she believes the other eleven months should be equally important. “With one out of eight women being diagnosed with breast cancer, this disease touches everyone,” she said. “Personally speaking, I think breast cancer, as well as all cancers, should be important all months of the year.”
Knapper and Verworn are both proof that a breast cancer diagnosis does not have to be fatal. Knapper has been married to her husband Marv for twenty-five years and has two adult children. In addition to starting FM Breast Friends, she also volunteers her time with The American Cancer Society. Verworn is also living a rich and full life. She is currently engaged to a man that shares her philanthropic interests. “Dave and I attend as many fundraisers in the area as possible because we know how important it is to get that support and pay it forward,” she explained.
The “Surviving in Style” fashion show will be held at the Moorhead Center Mall on Saturday, October 11 at 11:00am. Additional information can be found at www.moorheadcentermall.com.
More information on cancer in general can be found at www.cancer.org. Specific information on FM Breast Friends is located at www.fmbreastfriends.com.
