Individualized Plans & Goal Setting
When you call Forge, Janet Dees, our Client Services Coordinator and former Oncology Nurse Navigator, will spend time getting to know you and your diagnosis. She can then help you set goals and create your own personal Forge Support Plan for your journey with breast cancer. She will also provide you with any resources you need, like free professional mental health counseling for you and your loved ones, financial assistance with transportation to appointments and access to healthy food, and information regarding Forge programs that can help heal your mind, body, and spirit. She will continue to follow up with you periodically to make sure you are receiving the support you need to live your best quality of life. You can call Janet directly at (205) 990-5367 or email her at [email protected].
Peer Advocate Match
Forge’s unique Volunteer Peer Advocate program matches survivors and co-survivors with local, trained, and compassionate mentors who have “been there, too.” Because they have gone through a cancer diagnosis themselves or cared for someone who has, they are able to provide personal emotional and social support. They can also go the extra step of going to doctor’s appointments with you to hold your hand, be an extra set of ears, and take notes. If you would like to be paired with a peer mentor or would like to volunteer as a peer mentor, please contact Jinida Holt, Forge’s Volunteer and Support Coordinator at (205) 990-5368 or [email protected].
Lifestyle Classes
Forge offers a variety of virtual and in-person classes to support the physical and emotional well-being of breast cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. We offer classes in meditation, yoga, stretching, nutrition, gardening, and many, many others. You can access our calendar of events here, or check us out on Facebook to see and register for all of the upcoming offerings. If you would like more information or would like to suggest a lifestyle class, please contact Alaina Pineda, our Program and Data Coordinator at (205) 990-5369 or [email protected].
Transportation to Medical appointments
A cancer diagnosis can be expensive. But getting to your medical visits is important! If you need help getting to your medical appointments, contact our Client Services Coordinator, Janet Dees, at (205) 990-5367 or [email protected] for help getting a prepaid gas card or a Lyft ride to your appointment.
Forge Support Groups
Forge offers a variety of ways to give and receive support from other breast cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. We host open Support Sundays virtually every other Sunday, where anyone call or Zoom to share. We also provide a program called Morning Pages, in which participants journal for a month and meet Monday mornings to discuss. Finally, we offer a unique support group, the Young Breast Cancer Survivor Support Group, which meets virtually on the second Tuesday evening of every month. You can find our full schedule of events here, or contact our Volunteer and Support Coordinator, Jinida Holt, at (205) 990-5368 or [email protected].
Financial advisors to help manage the financial burden of a cancer diagnosis
A breast cancer diagnosis is expensive, and often financially overwhelming. Forge partners with financial advisors who can help you budget and manage the financial aspects of a cancer diagnosis. If you would like help with managing the financial burden of a cancer diagnosis, contact our Client Services Coordinator, Janet Dees, at (205) 990-5367 or [email protected], to schedule an appointment with an expert.
Specialized Support for Young Breast Cancer Survivors
Forge offers a specialized support group, the Young Breast Cancer Survivor Support Group, for those diagnosed before the age of 45. The group meets on the second Tuesday of every month and is led by Audra Chiles, a local young breast cancer survivor. We understand that facing a diagnosis at an earlier stage of life can create unique challenges. You can contact our Volunteer and Support Coordinator, Jinida Holt, at (205) 990-5368 or [email protected] for more information.
Specialized Support for Metastatic Breast Cancer Survivors
Forge offers specialized support for Metastatic Breast Cancer Survivors and their loved ones as we understand the unique challenges of such a difficult diagnosis and its treatment. We offer retreats specifically for metastatic survivors and other support. Please contact our Volunteer and Support Coordinator, Jinida Holt, at (205) 990-5368 or [email protected] for more information.
Support for co-survivors – the unsung heroes
Those who care for and love breast cancer patients have unique needs of their own. That’s why we strive to provide support to them, too, through our services and peer mentor program. If you are a co-survivor supporting someone you love through a breast cancer diagnosis and beyond, contact our Client Services Coordinator, Janet Dees, at (205) 990-5367 or [email protected] to receive support and services for yourself.
Tip Sheets & Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Forge’s Tip Sheets and Questions to Ask Your Doctor were developed by experts in our community and are designed to specifically address the needs and concerns of Breast Cancer Survivors and Co-Survivors. Have additional questions or concerns? Let us help. Just contact our Client Services Coordinator, Janet Dees, at (205) 990-5367 or [email protected].
Resource Referrals
Forge collaborates with local and national organizations to provide support and assistance to breast cancer survivors and their loved ones. Need help budgeting a cancer diagnosis? Need a referral to a lawyer? Need help accessing food? Furniture? Let us know how we can help. Our goal is to help solve any obstacle that stands in the way of your healing, from the day of diagnosis through the rest of your life. Please contact Janet Dees, our Client Services Coordinator, at (205) 990-5367 or [email protected] for assistance. We’re just one phone call away!
