It began with two women...
Sisterhood of Survivors (SOS) began with two women meeting while being treated for breast cancer in the spring of 2002. They promised one another that when their treatment was over they would get together for lunch. By the time they were able to meet for lunch, they had grown to six and continues to grow and change monthly. Those same monthly luncheons continue to this day.
Towards the end of 2005, many in the group wanted to form an Outreach Program in addition to the monthly luncheon meetings. They wanted to do something to reach out to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients; therefore, created the “Tote” program. Janet Ames, one of original two founding women researched and found the Fresno Regional Foundation allowed organizations to operate under their non-profit “umbrella.” An anonymous donation of $1,000 started the wheels rolling with additional donations received from the community and area professionals. The first 25 totes were assembled in May of 2006. We continue to seek donations as we prepare totes quarterly. To date, SOS cancer survivors have delivered several hundred totes to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.
In October of 2006, the first official SOS Newsletter was printed. Prior to that, a note was mailed each month to members reminding them of the upcoming monthly luncheon. Diana Dhuyvetter, a SOS member, offers her time and talents as for our Website and the Editor for the quarterly newsletter, which is filled with upcoming events, articles of interest, breast cancer resources, volunteer opportunities, and more. The website and newsletter reaches thousands of survivors, supporters, and professionals; and continues to grow.
In 2010, SOS became an independent, incorporated 501(3)c non-profit organization.
SOS offers encouragement, support, monthly luncheons, volunteer opportunities, friendship, and a quarterly newsletter filled with inspiration, resources, event information and continues to deliver educational totes to recently diagnosed patients. The tote is delivered by a SOS breast cancer survivor to the newly diagnosed patient, which gives her an opportunity to talk to someone who has made the journey herself. SOS totes are delivered at no cost.
We soon realized the knowledge of our organization began to spread in our community. SOS members and volunteers attend conferences and forums; provide educational booths; and employee health and wellness events. The demand for SOS to attend these various events has increased the number of tote deliveries, our need for volunteers, donations, and fundraisers. If you would like to donate your time, talents, or sponsor SOS, please contact our office at 559-439-2183.