Cancer Fighters Thrive is a quarterly print and online magazine bringing readers practical, innovative and inspirational information about cancer treatment and survivorship.
Issue link: http://cancerfightersthrive.epubxp.com/i/197379
ADVOCACY SPOTLIGHT Despite the large number of breast cancer organizations and online communities providing resources to survivors, Jody says that the #BCSM chats provide a unique vehicle for connection and education. making money from your participation." In addition, the authenticity and the transparency that are hallmarks of the chats create a quick bond between moderators and participants and develop trust among community members. "Our voices are now known to them; they like our voices," Jody says. "And we all contribute different things: I write about symposia I attend. Alicia shares things she's involved with. Dr. Attai shares her expertise. Our voices provide a range of experience." As the #BCSM community continues to evolve, participants have expressed their desire for more opportunities to connect with one another and the moderators. To that end the group launched a website (bcsmcommunity.org), is planning an online radio show and is considering planning an event to enable community members to meet one another in person. "We have people from all over the U.S. and from around the world," Jody says. "They all want to get together—they want more." Though Jody, Alicia and Dr. Attai all work day jobs in addition to the time they contribute to #BCSM, they want to continue to expand to meet cfthrive.com the community's needs. "We want to provide more, and we're working with these growth issues to ensure that the organic, authentic part of the community remains consistent," Jody says. As Jody refects on the growth of #BCSM and the beneft the group has provided, she is grateful for the opportunity to meet a clear need among survivors. "This experience has just been electric for me; it's just wonderful to hear two or three months down the road how a discussion impacted someone's life," she says. "I never in my wildest dreams would have seen this kind of thing happening; the fact that it happened on its own accord by my being in this place at this time tells me that this is exactly what I'm meant to be doing; it's what people need and how I can help people in this forum." For more information about #BCSM, visit bcsmcommunity.org or check out the weekly hourlong chat, @BCSMChat, every Monday night beginning at 9 p.m. ET, 8 p.m. CT and 6 p.m. PT. FOR A FREE PRINT SUBSCRIPTION GO TO CFTHRIVE.COM COMING SOON! The spring issue of Cancer Fighters Thrive® will be distributed in early March and will include in-depth features and informative columns covering a wide variety of topics related to the cancer journey, including: • Stem Cell Transplantation • Advances in the Treatment of Metastatic Cancers • Stocking Your Pantry in Preparation for Cancer Treatment • Coping with Divorce in the Wake of a Cancer Diagnosis • Lymphedema • New Horizons: Changing Priorities after Cancer winter 2013 | cancer fighters thrive 9