Providing Hope and Support: Adelphi’s Breast Cancer Support Program and Hotline

By Merlyn Varghese

For over 40 years there has been a program at Adelphi University offering strength to individuals battling breast cancer. Through a confidential hotline, support programs and an educational video series, Adelphi's Breast Cancer Support Program and Hotline has offered hope and support for individuals no matter the challenges they face.

Last year, the program helped over 20,000 people through health fairs, its hotline and support groups. The program has had a significant impact on many individuals in New York State. Despite its decades-long history and various successes, this program is still unknown to many in the Adelphi community, according to the program's executive director Reyna Machado.

Machado shared that the program began in the Adelphi School of Social Work in 1980 as a post-mastectomy support group. She said, "This was before women even talked about cancer out loud so they wanted to create a hotline and help other women to the point where the hotline was originally called the Woman-to-Woman Hotline because you didn't say breast cancer out loud."

Today, the program offers resources for anyone battling breast cancer. Machado said a key part of the program is the free and confidential hotline which is staffed by trained volunteers and is available through phone and text. Volunteers consist of men and women who are survivors of breast cancer or know people who were diagnosed. They undergo a four-week training led by a social worker, and they shadow a volunteer. They continue learning through meetings that discuss calls to the hotline, information about cancer treatment and more. Anyone can volunteer if they feel connected to the cause.

Lori Fagan is a volunteer at the hotline and a breast cancer survivor. She said she was diagnosed in 2012, underwent chemotherapy and has been cancer-free since then. During that difficult time, she said she leaned on her support system of family, friends and her faith, but she wished she knew about the hotline.

"Although I wasn't alone, I felt lonely because I couldn't ask the questions I needed to ask from someone who walked the journey," Fagan said.

Fagan shared how she encourages others by using her own experiences. "For someone on the other end to hear someone who says, 'You know what? It was a miserable, rotten year when I had to do it, but you know what? Look at me. Thirteen years later and I'm still here.'"

Another resource of the hotline includes counseling from licensed social workers. The program offers to match a patient with a social worker or volunteer that went through a similar situation such as having young children at the time of their diagnosis or being diagnosed under the age of 40.

Machado said, "What makes our program different is that we are professionally led, so all of the counseling is provided by licensed social workers."

She explained that there are also support groups for individuals with Stage 4 breast cancer and for those receiving hormone therapy.

Machado said that recent developments include the STEP program (Survivorship, Treatment, Education and Peer Program), a survivor video series, physical therapists, a plastic surgeon and a nutritionist. Additionally, the program has a partnership with Mercy Hospital in Rockville Center, where Machado said a social worker is available on site on Tuesdays to provide bilingual counseling to help with treatment and accessing care.

"People are always looking for information, and we want to find different ways to reach people and ultimately support the breast cancer community," Machado said.

Both Machado and Fagan shared how navigating a cancer diagnosis and asking for help are difficult. However, this program offers free services and ensures that everyone who asks for help is supported. Machado said. "I would definitely urge someone if you're thinking about reaching out or you want to reach out, we're here. You're not alone."

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month each October, the program works with Athletics and Public Safety, and participates in classes on campus. However, Machado said the support and attention to the program should be year-round, and she encourages the Adelphi community to learn more. "Remember that we're a resource. Look at our website. See the events that are forming based on different needs as a community," she said.

To learn more, visit the program's website. The hotline number is 800-877-8077 and their email is [email protected]. The program is located in the Adelphi School of Social Work in Garden City, NY.