Cancer Collaborative Establishes

Bridges Program

DANBURY — The Community Cancer Collaborative recently announced the founding of Bridges, a breast cancer support network, connecting newly diagnosed breast cancer patients to breast cancer survivors. The Community Cancer Collaborative is a group of nonprofit agencies in greater Danbury including Ann’s Place, the Home of I Can, The Praxair Cancer Center at Danbury Hospital, and the American Cancer Society.

The program connects newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with a social worker, nurse, or counselor who provides education and support. Additionally patients can be paired with a volunteer breast cancer survivor with a similar background who has undergone similar experiences. Referrals to other community services and Spanish-speaking Bridges program volunteers are available. What makes Bridges unique for cancer patients is the assistance by fellow breast cancer survivors, as well as the added benefit of supervision by clinical staff.

The main objective of the Bridges program is to provide seamless access to services for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.

For more information regarding the Bridges program, contact Margie Blake or Su Murdock at Ann’s Place, the Home of I Can, 790-6568; Joanne Ballerini at Praxair Cancer Center, 797-7771; or Maureen Gianni at American Cancer Society, 203-563-1531