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Breast cancer survivors mentor new patients

The organizer seeks to pair patients with survivors based on similarities in type of cancer and treatment plans.

In the darkness of a breast cancer diagnosis, finding positivity can feel like grasping at flashes of light.

The Firefly sisterhood is a peer-support network of new patients who are matched with breast cancer survivors to guide them through their journey. The nonprofit is based in Minneapolis. 

"We talk to women and talk to them about their diagnosis, their treatment plan as they know it," said Amy O'Donnell, the Firefly sisterhood program support coordinator. "It's wonderful to have someone outside of your circle of support and someone who's walked the path before you."

O'Donnell helps pair these complete strangers, looking for similarities in breast cancer type and treatment plans.

"On the weekends when you don't have your doctor to call, you can call this person and that person understands any question you would have," Firefly sisterhood guide Amy Berry said. 

These flashes of positivity aren't fleeting — new patients often become guides for others.

"It really felt like work that was important to me," guide O'Donnell said. "I'll just as long as they'll have me. I'll stay here."

"And I feel the same way. She will always be a part of my sisterhood," guide Ashly Wilson added. 

For more information on the Firefly Sisterhood, click here

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