Mentoring Matters Peer Support Program | Ask Anything

A breast cancer diagnosis comes with tough questions. This space is for open, honest conversation with people who've been in your shoes.

Looking for a space to talk about the hard things with people who just get it? Somewhere to discuss the ways cancer impacts your everyday life, from changes in identity to relationships, side effects, boundaries, work and more?

That's why we’ve created this Mentoring Matters session: a safe space for you to be able to ask the tough questions and talk about what you’re experiencing, surrounded by others who have had their own breast cancer diagnosis. No need to hide or sugarcoat what you’re feeling – these people get it and are here for you.

During this session, mentors and a facilitator who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and have walked this path before you will lead a virtual community circle – a discussion giving participants like you a welcoming environment to ask questions and talk through your challenges.

Questions about things like:

• Staying present in the face of everything
• Navigating the important relationships in your life
• Grappling with questions of identity and purpose
• Balancing care for yourself with care for others
• Setting boundaries
• Having important but uncomfortable conversations with loved ones
• Sharing the news with people in your life
• Carving out time for yourself when everything feels so busy
• Managing side effects
• Considering changes in your career

EVENT DETAILS
WHEN: Wednesday, March 18th @ 6:30pm -8:00 pm ET
WHERE: Zoom Meeting (Link will be included in the confirmation email to ensure everyone's privacy)
WHO IS THIS FOR: People who have received a breast cancer diagnosis at any stage (stage 0-4)

We hope you’ll join us! If you have any questions about what to expect please reach out to us at support@rethinkbreastcancer.com.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MEET THE MENTORS + FACILITATOR

Aya - Mentor

Aya has been dedicated to the cause since her IDC diagnosis (Stage 2B, ER+, Her2-) in 2017. A Key Collaborator for Rethink, she has contributed significantly to the community — from fundraising to sharing her lived experience in research studies, panels, and interviews — all in the hope of making the next girl’s breast cancer journey a little more bearable.

Outside of Mentoring Matters, Aya is an award-winning writer, editor, and content strategist, as well as a dedicated volunteer for Sunnybrook’s Family Health Team and foster ‘paw-rent’ for six dog rescues. Aya lives in Toronto and you can follow her on social @ayamcmillan

Kelly - Mentor

Kelly was first diagnosed with stage 2b breast cancer in December 2017, then again with stage 4 in March 2020. She’s currently on her fourth line of treatment and feels pretty good. When she was first diagnosed with MBC, connecting with others really helped her to feel less alone and gave her hope, and is honoured to be a part of a program offering connection and community. A bit about me: I’m a nature enthusiast, dog mom and trying to become an avid reader.

Find Kelly on Instagram @Kellyfightslikeagirl

Sarah - Facilitator

In 2023, at the age of 40, Sarah was diagnosed with stage 3C Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Residing on Vancouver Island with her loving husband and two children, she is a dedicated educator, artist, and passionate dragon boater. Through her treatment journey, which included chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and surgery, she drew inspiration from the stories and experiences of other young women. This support network was invaluable, and she is now dedicated to paying it forward. Sarah joined Rethink Breast cancer as a mentor, with the goal of supporting and empowering other young women and mothers who are facing similar challenges.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To learn more about Mentoring Matters, our peer support program, click here.

Things to note:

*Mentoring Matters sessions are led by community members trained in peer support, not a registered social worker or therapist. This is not a replacement or space for therapy or medical advice. Always consult your medical team when making decisions about your treatment.

**Mentoring Matters sessions are cameras on spaces. If for any reason this is not possible, please let us know prior to the session and we can help find a solution so you can still join.

*** You'll be hearing open and sometimes heavy stories from others in the community during this session. If that isn't something you feel ready for this might not be the right space for you right now and that's okay.

****If the session is full, you will automatically be added to our waitlist.

*****If you have already registered and need to cancel your attendance, please cancel your ticket on the Eventbrite event page to make space for someone on our waitlist!