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Breast Cancer Support Group to Start May 12
    A newly formed Breast Cancer Support Group will hold its first meeting soon at Three Rivers Health. This group will be open to all survivors of breast cancer, from those who are newly diagnosed through those who have survived for many years. “The group will offer education and support,” said Kim Rogers, MSN, RN, who is a 20-plus year breast cancer survivor and experienced support group leader.

    The first meeting will be held in the St. Joseph Conference Room at Three Rivers Health, beginning at 6:30pm on Tuesday, May 12th. The two-hour meeting will begin with an informative presentation, followed by refreshments and a support group discussion.

    Leonard Darling, RPh, director of pharmacy at Three Rivers Health, will discuss “The Role of Herbal Products in Breast Cancer.” He will cover herbal products used in prevention and treatment, how some herbal products interfere with treatment, and how some even contribute to the development of breast cancer.

    Leonard is a graduate of the School of Pharmacy at Ferris State University, where he later served as an instructor. He worked at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids and at several independent pharmacies before joining Three Rivers Health in 2000.

    Following the presentation, refreshments will be served and the support group discussion will take place. Kim will be joined by co-facilitator Katharine Gaj, who is a four-year survivor, having had a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in 2005. In addition to her insights and personal story of her experience, she brings a wealth of health expertise. Katherine holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the Ola Grimbsy Institute in San Diego, California, and BS in Physical Therapy from California State University, Long Beach.

    She has also taken course information for exercise protocols following breast cancer surgeries, and is a certified orthopedic clinical specialist and certified athletic trainer. Katherine is on staff in the outpatient physical therapy department at Three Rivers Health.

    Kim Rogers, MSN, RN, works in nursing administration at Three Rivers Health. “When I was diagnosed 20 years ago with breast cancer, I had a four-year-old son and was working as a nurse. I worked fulltime while undergoing nine months of chemotherapy. I then went back to school to get my bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree in nursing administration from Walden University. I now have an eight-year-old daughter,” said Kim. She has served on the board of the local American Cancer Society, and has been Reach to Recovery volunteer in the past. I

    “We have a wealth of expertise and direct experience with breast cancer among our staff,” said Laurie Herbert, VP of Operations, “and they are willing to share both their expertise and experiences for the benefit of those in our community.”

    Following the initial meeting on May 12, future meetings are scheduled for the third Tuesday of the month. The format will include a featured speaker for one hour, with time for questions, then a support group discussion. All women who are survivors are welcome and encouraged to attend, to receive and give support and comfort to one another.

    This Breast Cancer Support Group is offered free of charge as a service to the community. For more information, call Kim Rogers, MSN, RN at Three Rivers Health at 269.273.9757.

Three Rivers Health
701 S. Health Parkway
Three Rivers, MI 49093
Phone: (269) 278-1145
Fax: (269) 273-9611