Bosom Buddies ACT is a small, independent charity that has actively supported people diagnosed with breast cancer in the ACT and surrounding NSW region for nearly 30 years. We provide a community, support and resources to help you and your loved ones. Unlike a lot of our cancer counterparts, our organisation relies on donations and doesn’t receive funding from the government or the larger national cancer organisations. That’s right, we can only continue to operate as long as our lovely community joins us in our goal to support those affected by breast cancer in the region. People not Research: We’re not a research organisation; our mission is to provide on the ground support to those diagnosed with breast cancer. In comparison with other cancer organisations, the Bosom Buddies team is small with one person working behind the scenes and our volunteers, who donate their time to keep this small local charity ticking over. We really can only continue to help the community with the aid of our wonderful volunteers, supporters, and donors. All donations stay local and directly support people in the community. ACT and NSW regional support groups: Our support team volunteers are various ages and are at different stages in their lives; but they have one thing in common – they are all survivors who understand what it is like to have breast cancer. They provide one-on-one peer support to people from when they are diagnosed, during treatment and following their treatment; and facilitate regular support groups for those going through their cancer journeys – all in their own time and in a safe and supportive setting. These support groups allow participants to share how they are feeling, ask questions and connect with people who get it - who are going through or have gone through a breast cancer diagnosis. Breast Awareness and Early Detection presentations: Bosom Buddies provides information on the services available in the region and conducts breast awareness sessions to the community on how to early detect and be breast aware. Neoadjuvant patient packs: We provide packs to oncology nurses for patients being treated with chemotherapy before their surgery. This ensures that they don’t miss out on the information given post-surgery to patients. We also gift items created by volunteers to give a warm hug during treatment. Ever heard of a buddy bag? Our buddy bags are full of helpful items made by our volunteers, information on post-surgery care and the services available in the region. These bags are given to patients’ post-surgery in Canberra’s public and private hospitals by the breast care nurses. In 2023, over 850 buddy bags were assembled by our Bosom Buddies’ volunteers for breast cancer patients. Sounds a lot, right? We’d really love your help to spread the word so that we can continue supporting our community! If you are interested in volunteering, or can donate or contribute in any way to our small charity – we’d really appreciate your support.