When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I found several online support groups that I visited frequently for information and insights as I navigated the very confusing world of treatment options and procedures. Many of these sites would provide very hands on practical information – the “in the know” information that my doctors and nurses often couldn’t tell me or weren’t aware of.
One of these groups is “Beyond the Pink Moon,” a Facebook support group developed and led by the wonderful and compassionate Nicki Boscia Durlester. Nicki started the Beyond the Pink Moon Facebook group in 2010 to provide an active, private forum for women to share their questions and insights regarding breast and ovarian cancer, as well as genetic mutations increasing hereditary cancer risk, including BRCA1 and 2.
The Pink Moon Lovelies, as Nicki refers to us, are an amazing group of women who willingly provide compassionate support and advice to other women facing breast and ovarian cancer, as they make decisions regarding active treatment as well as prophylactic surgeries including breast reconstruction options. I’m proud to have joined them a few years ago and am continually impressed by the generous women and men in the group who are always happy to provide support for anyone posting a question or just looking for a kind word of support from someone who knows what they’re going through.
Nicki is also the author of the memoir, “Beyond the Pink Moon,” which chronicles Nicki’s own experience with breast cancer. A second book, “The Pink Moon Lovelies: Empowering Stores of Survival,” features a collection of stories from breast and ovarian cancer survivors with a Foreword by renowned breast surgeon Dr. Kristi Funk, Angelina Jolie’s breast surgeon. All proceeds from the sales of both books are donated to breast and ovarian cancer research.
If you or anyone you know are in need of someone to walk with you through this very frightening time, please visit the Beyond the Pink Moon Facebook page.
Hi Claudia,
I love all my friends on the Pink Moon. It’s such a safe and welcoming place to find support 24/7. Nicki is the best of the best for sure. Thank you for giving the wonderful group (and the books) a shout out. And thank you for being one of my Pink Moon Lovely friends.
Hi Nancy – So nice to hear from you! Yes, I really love this group. All are so welcoming and supportive. xo
Claudia, thank you so much for this generous piece about Beyond the Pink Moon. I am deeply grateful for your kind and encouraging words. With an obscure name like ours, we are not the easiest group to find. For the past 5 1/2 years it has been a word of mouth labor of love that never would have happened without the daily interaction from our Lovelies around the globe. I may have hung the moon, but my partner emeritus, BRCA1 previvor, Melissa Johnson Voight, painted it pink. She worked tirelessly by my side for over four years, and I will be forever grateful for her contributions. My fellow administrator and two-time breast cancer survivor, Susan Long Martucci, coined the name “The Lovelies,” which has served to unite 4,500+ members including survivors, previvors, MDs and HCPs in over 35 countries. Our mission is to educate and provide encouragement to breast cancer and ovarian cancer survivors during diagnosis, treatment and recovery as well support previvors as they practice active surveillance or undergo prophylactic surgeries. No one should feel alone as they make difficult decisions about their medical care. It can help to lean on someone who has walked in similar shoes and understands the emotional highs and lows of the process. Many thanks, Claudia, for being a valued member of Pink Moon, and for letting others know where they can find us… 24/7, 365.
Nicki – My pleasure. I’m always lifted up by the lovelies, there’s so much caring and warmth from all of the women (and men) on the page. We all have experienced some of the mean spiritedness on the web, but there’s never any of that on the Pink Moon and I appreciate that it’s such a caring safe haven. Best, Claudia
Thank you for sharing this beautifully written article!! The Pink Moon has become a safe haven for so many. We love this place that we call our home! We became members through the obstacles that we faced. We became family through opening our hearts to one another. May all who find their way here, truly know how much we care. And may you always feel a hand holding yours!
My pleasure, Melissa. I love the group and am always so impressed with the compassion and support from all of the members. Thank you for creating such a safe and warm online home for us. xo
Support groups like these are so helpful. I recently started one for Caregivers called The Caregivers Corner. I love having other people who have already been through it available to answerve questions and provide that much needed support.
Hi Rena – that’s wonderful that you started a Caregivers Corner support group. xo