The YWCA ENCORE Breast Cancer Support Group serves breast cancer survivors, those currently living with cancer, and caregivers. This program is a collaboration between the YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County and WellSpan Health.
Once faced with cancer, we are also faced with so many decisions. The ENCORE group is a tremendous tool for women facing decisions about their course of treatment. We have a great bunch of ladies, all ages and from all walks of life, who are compassionate with a wonderful sense of humor. Our doors are always open to share stories, help each other through difficult times, and laugh! As with any other diagnosis, a personal element is as valuable as the information given to us by professionals.
The ENCORE group meets monthly and offers a variety of programming that reflects the needs of group members. ENCORE has hosted wonderful speakers who discuss health issues, treatments, and nutrition, and facilitated members’ wellness journeys by providing gentle exercise programs both on land and in our pool. Occasionally, the group utilizes its meeting time to host a simple social gathering and share information.
All of these programs are open to any women; a YWCA membership is not required and there is no cost to participate. ENCORE meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at the YWCA from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
You may not feel that you are in need of support, but your presence and sharing your experiences could make a difference in the life of another woman. This is a sisterhood, or as some of us call it our “club.” It’s not that we are hoping for new members – we wish the incidence of breast cancer would sharply decline – but for those of you dealing with breast cancer, we hope we can make a difference in your life. Our group gives you the opportunity to exchange information and feelings with women just like you. Please consider joining us.
E-mail Toni Fitzgerald, WellSpan Health’s Oncology Nurse Navigator, or Beth Raub, YWCA’s Aquatic and Wellness Director, for more information.