Are you going through an important experience related to your BRCA+ status? Do you want to talk to someone who has been through the same experience? You have come to the right place. Our buddies are here for you!*
The exchanges with our buddies are a safe place where people with a genetic predisposition to cancer can find solace, understanding and practical information.
*Buddy is an English word used to describe someone who gives friendly help, support and encouragement to someone else in a particular 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 people who have already gone through specific experiences related to their BRCA+ status and are willing to share their experiences, listen to you and give you practical advice.
The main experiences that our buddies have lived and which they can help you with are as follows: living with the announcement of the mutation and telling your loved ones, preventive mastectomy, preventive adnexectomy, fertility preservation, in vitro fertilisation with preimplantation diagnosis, treatment of hereditary breast and ovarian 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 can also be difficult to find all the practical information you need. A Buddy is there for you.
You can talk to them about how you are feeling, how they have dealt or are dealing with this specific situation, and what practical steps to take. They can also let you know about all the ways BRCA+ network can help you.
How can you contact a buddy?
- 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.
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 this form to be matched with a buddy ❤️
Below you can see our current buddies. 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.
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
