Thrive has recently relaunched the popular and much-needed Mentor Program and renamed it SEEDS (Support and Education to Engage and Develop Survivorship).  As you may recall, this program matches women newly diagnosed with breast cancer with survivors willing and eager to share support, companionship, and first-hand knowledge. 

SEEDS mentors range in age from late 20s to early 50s.  At the time of diagnosis they were anywhere from age 21 through late 40’s.  Some mentors discovered their cancer when they were breastfeeding, some through screening, some through self-exam, some while pregnant.

Mentors carry diagnoses ranging from DCIS through metastatic disease and had the full range of treatment options.  They have undergone surgeries, chemotherapies and radiation therapies, and participated in clinical trials.  Mentors may be as close as one year or as far as 15 years away from diagnosis.  Some have experienced recurrences.

Thrive mentors may be working professionals, stay-at-home moms, or students.  They are single, mothers of young or grown children, lesbian, heterosexual, rich and poor.  Mentors are athletes, artists, businesswomen, and craftswomen.  They live in southern New Hampshire and central Massachusetts, in greater Boston and on Cape Cod. 

SEEDS mentors are ready to talk with any young woman diagnosed with breast cancer while in her 20s, 30s, or 40s.  Mentors provide support, encouragement, resource recommendations, skilled listening and the voice of experience.  They may be “just what the doctor ordered” for newly diagnosed women, women experiencing a recurrence, or women facing a new life challenge (e.g., considering adoption or other fertility options).

Mentors have received training and practice in supportive listening, motivational interviewing strategies, and utilizing consultation.  They are supervised by an LICSW with 20+ years of clinical experience in the field of women’s health and mental health.

No professional referral is required, though providers are welcome to call and make referrals on behalf of patients.  Young women are also welcome to call themselves to inquire about finding a mentor.

Questions about the program?  Want to learn more?  Want to find a mentor or make a referral for a friend, colleague, or patient? Interested in being a Mentor? Please contact Program Manager Bonnie Zimmer, MSW, LICSW at 617-530-0360 or bzimmer@thrivetogether.org.