Published: Sept. 25, 2015
Sparrow will honor breast cancer Patients and survivors next week at an inspirational annual celebration of its survivor support group.
The 26th annual gathering of the Women’s Information Network and Support group will feature motivational speaker Kim Wagner, a stage-3 breast cancer survivor and author of, “Saying Goodbye to the Girls: A Light Look at the Dark Side of Cancer.”
The event will be held from 7-9 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 12, at the Clark Conference Center at the Sparrow St. Lawrence Campus, 1210 W. Saginaw Street, Lansing.
Guests will hear an uplifting message encouraging survivors to see their lives as a series of everyday celebrations, said Sparrow Breast Health Navigator Sharon Cosgrove, RN, BBA, OCN.
Wagner’s message is in line with the goal of the WINS support group – to help women navigate the frightening and sometimes lonely waters of breast cancer treatment and survivorship with support, information, humor and compassion, Cosgrove said.
“It’s a sisterhood,” said Cosgrove, WINS organizer. “There is no better support than from someone who has been there.”
To attend, please RSVP by calling 517.364.5471 or via email at sharon.cosgrove@sparrow.org. Friends and family are welcome.
WINS is a program through the Sparrow Cancer Center for women and their families or friends who have experienced breast cancer.
Cosgrove alternates programming each month between guest speakers and “sharing and caring,” in which current Patients and survivors can share their stories and advice.
A team of breast cancer survivors assist Cosgrove on a planning committee, and most are 20-year survivors.
“These ladies keep coming back to give back, to give their wisdom,” she said. “They offer such words of encouragement. They give so much hope to new Patients.”
The group meets on the second Monday of every month from 7-9 p.m. at the Sparrow Professional Building, 1200 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing.