Breast Cancer Sucks. 6 Surprising Ways to Support Survivors
Supporting someone with breast cancer isn't just about finding a cure. Meet some of the remarkable organizations helping breast cancer patients and survivors find community, confidence, healing, and even a little joy in the journey. Image: MTStock Studio
A breast cancer diagnosis changes everything in the blink of an eye. While outcomes are better than ever, thanks to tireless research made possible by powerhouse fundraisers, support doesn’t begin and end with treatment. Across the South and beyond, a growing number of organizations are offering compassion and care through programs that go beyond traditional fundraising and awareness campaigns. From fly-fishing retreats and beach vacations to peer mentorship and restorative tattooing, these breast cancer resources and groups are finding creative ways to support patients through treatment and the life that comes next. Here’s a look at the work they’re doing — and how you can help make it possible.
Peaceful Time Away: Free Vacations & Family Retreats
The financial and emotional toll of cancer treatment can make it difficult for families to find time to simply be together. These organizations offer a chance to step away from clinical environments, reconnect, and make new memories.
Little Pink Houses of Hope
More Info + How to Help: littlepink.org
North Carolina-based Little Pink Houses of Hope provides weeklong, cost-free vacation retreats for breast cancer patients and their families. The organization partners with communities to provide beach houses, meals, activities, and opportunities for families to spend time together away from appointments and treatment schedules. Loved ones can fish, explore, play on the beach, cook together, or simply relax. The schedule includes plenty of beautiful Southern destinations!
Send Me On Vacation
More Info + How to Help: sendmeonvacation.org
Sometimes what someone needs after cancer is a chance to think about something besides cancer. The all-volunteer nonprofit Send Me On Vacation does exactly what its name promises by providing healing vacations for individuals and families, as well as group trips for survivors.
The vacations are an opportunity to rest, reconnect, and rediscover joy. Plus, the trips aren’t limited to a particular destination — recipients have traveled to places all around the world.
The Wish Fund, United Breast Cancer Foundation
More Info + How to Help: support.ubcf.org
Headquartered in Jonesboro, AR, the United Breast Cancer Foundation offers life-supporting programs to men, women, and their families. The nonprofit launched The Wish Fund in 2024, specifically for patients affected by Stage IV breast cancer. The fund enables families to take a break from the battle and enjoy a relaxing getaway. Sometimes the best gift is just time to bond, create memories, and hold each other close.
Healing in Nature: Outdoor & Nature-Based Retreats
Nature-based therapy helps survivors reclaim their bodies and push past the physical limitations or fears left behind by cancer.
Casting for Recovery
More Info + How to Help: castingforrecovery.org
You don’t have to know the first thing about fly fishing to appreciate Casting for Recovery. Participants learn the skill and enjoy the outdoors at free, oncology-informed weekend retreats for women in treatment or recovery from breast cancer. The experience provides gentle physical therapy in beautiful surroundings, connection with nature, and emotional healing and support.
Casting for Recovery holds retreats throughout the South, including Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
Second Wind
More Info + How to Help: secondwindretreat.org
While Second Wind isn’t exclusively for those facing breast cancer, the Georgia-based nonprofit offers another meaningful way to support people navigating cancer and recovery. Run entirely by volunteers, it offers a peaceful mountain cabin retreat completely free of charge to cancer patients and recent survivors seeking their “second wind.”
Post-Mastectomy Tattoos & Scar Camouflage
For many, the end of surgeries can leave a disconnect between how they feel and how they look. Paramedical tattooing can help survivors feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies.
Sittin Pretty Ink
More Info + How to Help: sittinprettyink.com
Located in Memphis, Sittin Pretty Ink offers services including nipple and areola restoration, breast tattoos, eyebrow restoration, scar camouflage, and dry needling. Owner Nicolette Tomblyn provides a relaxed, welcoming, and safe place for breast cancer survivors to discuss their goals:
“A consultation is wonderful because it allows survivors to feel heard, learn their choices, and regain autonomy over their bodies,” she explains. “There’s no time frame — some people decide to wait a year or two or even more, and that’s okay. And it’s nice to have these discussions outside a sterile, clinical environment!”
As a bonus, Nicolette is a nurse, so insurance may cover a portion of the procedure more easily than if you go to a traditional tattoo artist.
P.ink
More Info + How to Help: p-ink.org
A national organization, P.ink empowers women to reclaim their bodies after treatment through two programs. The P.ink Angel Fund connects mastectomy and lumpectomy survivors with premier tattoo artists who specialize in scar tissue, while P.ink Days bring survivors and artists together for tattoo events held in cities across the country each October. P.ink also offers a directory of vetted tattoo artists, including artists in cities across the South.
Connection through Equine Therapy
Equine therapy can offer much-needed time outdoors, increase physical strength, and foster a connection with highly intuitive, trained horses.
Reins of Hope
More Info + How to Help: reinsofhope.org
In Atlanta, Reins of Hope offers a program specifically developed for the recovery, rehabilitation, and unique physical and emotional challenges of breast cancer survivors. Breast Cancer Wellness was designed to help participants regain confidence and strength. The program focuses on increasing flexibility, strengthening the core and spine, and even improving posture. Equine therapy is also great for lowering heart rates and increasing oxygen levels!
Gallop for Life
More Info + How to Help: gallopforlife.org
This one is a little more specific to equestrians, but it’s also perfect for horsewomen who are facing breast cancer. A grassroots movement, Gallop for Life connects members of local horse communities with equestrians navigating treatment. Its mission is to provide equestrian women with support, assistance, and a safe place to share their stories.
Women seeking support also receive a thoughtful gift basket filled with equestrian-themed goodies.
Peer Support & Mentorship
Standard support groups don’t always fit the unique demographics of every patient, prompting the rise of specialized advocate networks.
STAARS
More Info + How to Help: staarsmemphis.com
Memphis-based STAARS (Surviving, Thriving, African-Americans Rallying Support) was created to address the need for breast cancer conversations and support within the African American community, and it continues to provide survivor-focused resources in the Memphis area.
In addition to practical and financial assistance, STAARS offers free support group meetings and “sister step” mentoring, pairing survivors with others who can provide support throughout the breast cancer journey.
Tigerlily Foundation
More Info + How to Help: donate.tigerlilyfoundation.org
Based in Virginia, Tigerlily Foundation offers support to young women (ages 15–50) nationwide, with a focus on underserved communities that often face the highest healthcare disparities. They offer education, empowerment, and advocacy programs, plus a Peer Navigator Program that connects patients with a culturally responsive peer for empathetic guidance.
ALAS-WINGS
More Info + How to Help: alas-wings.org
ALAS-WINGS provides compassion, education, and comfort to Hispanic/Latina women and their families through support groups, as well as educational workshops, mental health programs, and yoga. The virtual support groups are designed to be a safe space for cancer survivors to share their stories, concerns, and experiences.
All the programs are free, conducted in Spanish, and most are facilitated online.
Breast Cancer Support Network
More Info + How to Help: bcsupportnetwork.org
Breast Cancer Support Network is a wonderful national resource that provides virtual mentoring and support. Led by volunteers who have battled the disease themselves, this nonprofit offers weekly and monthly support groups and one-on-one connections with survivors.
Financial, Educational & Practical Resources
Finally, here are a few organizations that provide across-the-board support, which may include education, financial assistance, and more:
- Sharsheret: a Memphis-based, Jewish nonprofit organization that provides personalized support, education, financial assistance, and genetic counseling.
- SOS Lowcountry: located in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, this group provides financial assistance to local breast cancer patients and their families for expenses that insurance doesn’t cover, such as childcare, transportation, groceries, utilities, medication, rent or mortgage assistance, and wigs/prosthetics.
- Unite for Her: a national nonprofit that takes a whole-person approach to breast and ovarian cancer support by connecting eligible patients with integrative services, resources, and therapies.
**********
For health tips, travel inspiration, recipes, and more — Follow us on Pinterest!
Gaye Swan
As a professional writer of over 20 years, Gaye is an avid traveler and enjoys highlighting food, culture, and attractions around the South. While Gaye is passionate about life in Memphis, she grew up in Meridian and is still a Mississippi girl at heart.
