They call themselves “breast friends” — a support group of breast-cancer survivors who, they say, “meet as strangers but leave as ‘sisters in survivorship.’” They welcome women at any stage of their cancer journey, from those who are newly diagnosed to other 20-plus-year survivors.
And they’re getting together at the Moorhead Center Mall on Thursday, Sept. 29, to offer their fellow breast-cancer veterans a much-deserved evening of pampering, music and relaxation.
A team of four, including survivors Violet Deilke, Stephenie Herbranson and Krystal Anderson plus as well as Center Mall manager Melissa Rademacher, is planning the free event. Those who have experienced breast cancer are welcome to drop in over the course of the evening from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the mall’s atrium, as well as meeting rooms and the storefront immediately east of the entrance to City Hall.
The pampering includes mini-manicures by cosmetologists from Fargo and Moorhead, who are volunteering their time, as well as mini-massages by volunteer massage therapists. Yoga instruction will continue throughout the evening.
Moorhead High’s Apollo Strings will provide music for the social. Everest Tikka House is serving free appetizers. A cash bar will also be available.
Other features include a simple, fun art activity and a demonstration of the Ruby Ribbon Camisole, a comfortable alternative to Spanx and regular brassieres for those who have had breast surgery.
“Our whole purpose is to support our ‘sisters in survivorship,’” planner Violet Deilke explains. The group hopes to make this first evening of pampering an annual event.
Founded in 2008, the Breast Friends Support Group meets on the first Wednesday of every month at the Moorhead Public Library. It describes itself as “women aging from 24 to 75 who have been brought together by breast cancer. We offer support to each other no matter what year of survivorship you are celebrating.”
Meetings are designed to be a safe place to ask questions and share concerns. More information is available online at fmbreastfriends.com.
