Scripps Polster Breast Care Center

Being diagnosed with breast cancer can be an overwhelming experience. Fortunately, a Breast Buddy can help ease the burden. Created by Women’s Information Network Against Breast Cancer (WIN ABC), the Breast Buddy Support Program pairs a newly diagnosed woman with a breast cancer survivor trained to provide peer support and information to patients throughout the diagnosis, treatment and recovery process.

The program has been extremely well received by patients, buddies and physicians. Breast Buddies are available 24 hours a day to comfort a patient’s family, accompany them to chemotherapy or go shopping for a wig — whatever the patient needs. Volunteers complete a two-day training course provided by WIN ABC, a national non-profit organization.