Breast cancer is a huge challenge that can change a mother’s life and affect her own family. It can feel like a lonely, isolating experience. But you don’t have to go through it alone, either.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s important to know what resources you have access to and what’s available in your area. This can take some of the stress out of the process while giving you time to focus on healing. Here are some options in the Delaware Valley.
Fundraisers/Awareness
Community events can be a great boost to morale, and taking part in them can help support local cancer organizations and ongoing research.
Making Strides of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
Oct. 19, 8:30 a.m.-noon
Cooper River Park – Jack Curtis Stadium | 5300 N Park Dr., Pennsauken, NJ 08109
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the largest network of breast cancer events in the U.S. This year, these non-competitive walking events are aiming to raise $590,000 for the American Cancer Society.
instagram.com/makingstridesgpsnj
2025 Butterfly Ball
Nov. 8, 5:30-10:30 p.m.
The Bellevue Hotel | 200 S Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19102
Hosted by the nonprofit Living Beyond Breast Cancer, this annual benefit event helps raise money for breast cancer research. It also honors people who have made a difference in the breast cancer community, whether it’s through medical work, fundraising or advocating for cancer survivors.
lbbc.org/community/events/2025-butterfly-ball
Local Support Groups
It’s a hard journey to do alone–and even with the support of family and friends, it can be helpful to lean on women who are going through it and can provide support and encouragement.
Forever Fighters
An offering from the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, this support group is for survivors of stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer that meets virtually on the third Tuesday of every month. DBCC also hosts My Sister’s Keeper, which is a series of monthly events for people of color with breast cancer, on the second, third and fourth Tuesdays of the month.
Cancer Support Community of Greater Philadelphia
Has three different Living With Cancer Support groups that meet at different locations in the Philadelphia area at different times. Also offers many other free programs that are open to anyone who has been affected by cancer.
Breast Cancer Centers and Services
Navigating a major medical journey is that much easier at specialty centers that are designed to specialize in that illness and can further connect families with resources.
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Part of the Temple Health system, this hospital specializes in cancer treatment and has been designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. In addition to breast cancer, it also treats patients with benign breast conditions.
Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute
The leading cancer center in Delaware is also home to the Tatiana Copeland Breast Center, which has the only dedicated breast MRI unit in the region. It also offers 3D mammography scans, which are noted for being more accurate than standard 2D breast screenings.
Financial Support
Medical bills can put a lot of extra stress on families when the focus should be healing. Here are some options for financial assistance for patients.
Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition
Offers free care packages through its Friends Like Me program, which contain free cosmetics, gifts and resources.
Unite for HER
Pennsylvania-based nonprofit that provides no-cost therapy and wellness programs to people living with breast cancer or ovarian cancer. Also works with Touch, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance, to maintain the Care for HER program, which gives support to Black breast cancer patients.
Pink Hands of Hope Helping Hands Program
Offers financial aid meant to cover medical bills to people with cancer living in parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Pink Hands of Hope is a breast cancer-focused organization, but this program is available to anyone with cancer.
