Support through the journey
The Breast Cancer Support Group at UF Health North is a positive outlet for group members.
A small group of women meets monthly at a safe place to show support, compassion and encouragement to others who understand their journey. Although they may enter as strangers, they leave as family. Breast cancer brought them together, but it does not define them.
The breast cancer support group at UF Health North welcomes women of all ages who have received a breast cancer diagnosis. Held on the second Thursday of each month, the group meets for an hour to 90 minutes.
The support group includes UF Health Jacksonville patients and patients from other North Florida health care institutions who are at different stages of their breast cancer journey, from newly diagnosed to breast cancer survivors. Some members attend regularly, while others as support is needed.
The goal is to help participants develop a greater sense of well-being, enhance knowledge and understanding of breast cancer, improve quality of life, increase coping skills, and reduce anxiety and stress.
Come to be curious
The group is led by Tamara Sorrye, LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor and oncology outpatient case manager at UF Health Jacksonville, and Sheila Compton, MSW, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker in surgical oncology at UF Health Jacksonville. The two facilitate the breast cancer support group in an open setting, using a free-flow format to allow members to share without judgment. The leaders also connect the members to community resources.
“The impact of engaging with someone who is going through what they’re going through can be so powerful. Support groups are created so that no one suffers alone,” Sorrye said. “The group gives the ladies something to look forward to where they come as their authentic selves and share what they’re comfortable with sharing. I encourage them to show up and come to be curious.”
Tamara Sorrye, LMHC, is a licensed mental health
counselor and oncology outpatient case manager at UF Health
Jacksonville.
Women who know and understand
“No apologies,” “remember who you were before cancer” and “we’re family” are a few of many powerful words of support shared by group members during a meeting. A new member mentioned that she doesn’t have any family locally. Each woman immediately wrote their contact information on a piece of paper, gave it to her and said, “We’re
your family.”
Tahisha Roberts learned she had breast cancer in 2019 and joined the group the same year.
“It’s an outlet for us. Cancer messes with you emotionally and mentally. I wanted to talk with women who knew and would understand what I’m going through and walked the same path,” Roberts said. “We can vent and talk about what we’re going through. It has helped me emotionally.”
Sheila Compton, MSW, LCSW, is a licensed clinical
social worker in surgical oncology at UF Health Jacksonville.
Newfound spark
It’s not easy being vulnerable and sharing one’s story, but Sorrye and Compton have seen how the breast cancer support group has empowered its members.
“There is a spark that I see inside them, and they begin to feel more comfort and relief. They’re able to share more openly and be more engaging. Although they may have a plethora of support at home, the support may not understand what they’re going through. The group members do, which makes a world of difference,” Compton said.
The breast cancer support group is making an impact. Plans for the future include reaching more women and inviting speakers to address breast health and other related topics of interest to members.
“Hearing women share that they’re glad that this space is available is gratifying. We, as a team, can provide a safe space for these women, whether it’s one person or 10,” Sorrye said.
Visit UFHealthJax.org/community for information on how to register for the Breast Cancer Support Group.
