A personal glimpse at 24 women who have survived and thrived...

Breast cancer hits close to home; every day another mother, daughter, sister and wife is diagnosed. Many lives are impacted by the disease but with recent strides in research and treatment, women are living longer and not just surviving. They’re thriving.

A group of breast cancer survivors from Seacoast northern New England have created a 24-month calendar featuring photographs of women who have fought cancer and then changed their lives. They’re young, active, engaging, creative and incredibly driven. All belong to a social network (the term support group just doesn’t apply) called “Breast Friends” started in 2003 by Rye resident Jacqui Bryan. What started as four women in Jacqui’s living room has grown into an email list with 80-plus members. Every month, 20-30 members meet at various homes to informally talk, eat, drink and sometimes kayak, do yoga, listen to speakers or brainstorm. New members join and can discuss their diagnosis, get answers to questions that they hesitate to ask their doctors, and to see firsthand that life goes on — and sometimes gets better — after breast cancer.

This is what one Breast Friends member calls, “a kick-ass group of women.” After treatment, some have started companies, had babies, switched careers, competed in triathlons, bike races and road races, and raised a lot of money for breast cancer research and treatment. Between them, the women in this group have founded a website for breast cancer patients (www.breastcancerstories.com), an adventure weekend program for survivors (www.bjbbreastcancerretreats.org), a day-long concert that raises money for breast cancer (www.seacoastconcertforacure.com), an adventure, team-building program for kids whose lives have been touched by cancer (www.on-belay.org), a tennis tournament to raise money for breast cancer (www.bridgesresort.com/TABC) and a fleece sock and mitten company that donates a portion of its profits to breast cancer research (www.mowhereinmaine.com). A new venture started by the group, Fill the Gap, is working in conjunction with area hospitals to man a 24-hour triage hotline for newlydiagnosed patients to call for information and support (www.fillthegap.info). All money raised by the sale of the calendar will benefit the organizations founded and supported by the group.

This calendar features stunning photographs of the women with their passions: various sporting equipment, antique trucks, jewelry they’ve created, hobbies and histories. Photographed by renowned local photographer Marianne Pernold Young, the calendar features a different women’s photo and short biography each month for two years. The group aims to “put a face to the disease,” said one member, and to provide inspiration to those who are facing a new diagnosis.

The women plan to market the calendar to hospitals, cancer centers and physicians’ offices to give to their patients when newly diagnosed. The calendar will help to plan treatment and appointments. The calendar will also be sold in retail outlets and online (see below.)

The photographs will also be part of a traveling exhibit that will be displayed at various locations. For more information, please contact Michelle Vangel: 603.591.4847 or Marianne Pernold Young: 603.427.0988 email: bfcalendar@comcast.net.

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The Breast Friends Calendar is sponsored by Loco Running