Are you living or about to live a major experience related to your BRCA+ status? Are you eager to have a chat with someone who has already gone through the same experience? You are in the right place. Our buddies are there for you!
Buddy is an english word used to describe someone who gives friendly help, supports and encourages someone else in a specific situation or problem. There is evidence that in communities of people with rare genetic predispositions, the buddy system can help people make important decisions about screening and prevention.
“Having a buddy helps people with a genetic predisposition to cancer to better understand their condition and know what to expect at different stages of their lives. Sharing tips, advice, experiences and personal stories is essential in coping with such a predisposition.”
Who are Buddies?
Our buddies are women and men who have already gone through certain experiences related to their BRCA+ status and are ready to share their experiences with you, listen to you, and give you practical tips.
The main experiences that our buddies have lived and on which they can provide help are: intensive screening, preventive mastectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy, gg freezing, IVF with PGT, treatment of hereditary breast, ovarian or prostate cancer.
How does a Buddy help?
Dealing with certain experiences such as risk-reducing surgery, cancer treatment, or IVF can be isolating and scary. It may also be difficult to find all the practical information you need. A buddy is there for you.
You can talk with them about how you feel, how they dealt or are dealing with that specific situation, and what practical steps to follow. They can also let you know about all the ways BRCA network can help you.
How does it work?
- Express your interest in exchanging with a buddy via the form below
- We will carefully read your request and match you with a buddy who suits your needs
- An exchange with your buddy is set up via the agreed channel (in person, by phone call, via Whatsapp, via video call, and/or by email). After this first exchange, you two will then decide if and how to continue your buddy relationship.
In the map below, you can see our current buddies and where they are located. Some buddies prefer not to make their identity public and not to be on the map, but are willing to support and organise an exchange.
Please note that our network of buddies is constantly evolving. In the event that we cannot find a match for you, we will actively seek one for you through our partner associations.
Fill in the form below to get in touch with a buddy
Want to become a BRCA+ buddy?
We are constantly looking for more buddies to help out!
Go to this page and find out why and how to become a buddy.
BRCA network asbl/vzw
