A new support group aims to provide a safe and supportive space for those impacted by cancer.<\/p>\n
Founded by the San Cap Pink Project, Pink Harbor held its inaugural meeting last month for Sanibel and Captiva residents and employees, as well as their caregivers and loved ones. A free group, survivors, caregivers, fighters and those whose life has been affected by cancer of any kind can come together to share experiences, find encouragement and build meaningful connections.<\/p>\n
Pink Harbor will meet again on May 7 at 5:30 p.m. in the Sanibel Public Library meeting room.<\/p>\n
San Cap Pink Project founder Mary Bondurant explained that the initiative was created in honor of islander and cancer survivor Carol Strange, who had previously started a cancer support group.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter her passing, we felt a strong responsibility to carry that spirit forward,\u201d she said. \u201cSo reestablishing a support group in her honor ensures that her memory and legacy lives on.\u201d<\/p>\n
President Grace Murphy Robson explained that everyone is welcome at Pink Harbor.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a welcoming space for survivors, for those who are in treatment, caregivers and loved ones,\u201d she said. \u201cThey can come together, they can share, and we support one another.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not just for breast cancer, but for any type of cancer related illness,\u201d Robson added.<\/p>\n
The first meeting in April was well attended.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe felt that the meeting reflected really what the island people need for support,\u201d Bondurant said, adding that the attendees included fighters, survivors, caregivers and family members. \u201cIt really touched what this island community is all about, which is giving back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Everyone had the opportunity to introduce themselves, as well as share if they wanted.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe felt it was uplighting,\u201d she said. \u201cThere were challenging moments, but it was a place of understanding and strength.\u201d<\/p>\n
Robson noted that she is a survivor and relatively new island resident.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, I was just excited to meet other people who have walked the same journey,\u201d she said, adding that one surprising thing for her was learning about additional resources that she was unaware of.<\/p>\n
Bondurant touched on one main thing that she observed with survivors.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of them did not feel like they were survivors. They felt that their journey was not as hard as it was for other people,\u201d she said. \u201cBut they came to find out that we all walk the same journey.\u201d<\/p>\n
The meetings are designed to be organic.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe sit and share our experiences and stories,\u201d Bondurant said. \u201cThey just need to come and be.\u201d<\/p>\n
The San Cap Pink Project is dedicated to serving the breast cancer and cancer-related needs of the islands community. While the nonprofit organization is rooted in breast cancer awareness and support, Pink Harbor opens its doors to the full cancer community.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany people think the San Cap Pink Project is just about financial assistance, access to care,\u201d she said. \u201cBut we recognize that emotional support is equally as important as the cancer journey, and that no one should have to face cancer alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hope that through Pink Harbor they never will,\u201d Bondurant added.<\/p>\n
For more information, visit SanCapPinkProject.com<\/a> or contact pinkoutsanibel@gmail.com or Bondurant at 239-839-3363.<\/p>\n The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.<\/p>\n