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For women newly diagnosed with breast cancer... and the people who care about them.

Have you just received the shocking news that you have breast cancer?
Has someone you care about just been diagnosed with breast cancer? Now you can know what to say and do.

"Alaskans in Pink "
A Photography Exhibit by Alaskan Photographers
Many thanks to Brad and Kristan Cole for underwriting the endowment of this exhibit to the brand new state of the art Mat-Su Regional Medical Center of Alaska

Comments about our new video - "Beyond Flowers"

"Oh my goodness, how can I ever thank you? The tape is so wonderful I've viewed it three times and pick up on something different each time- I feel all cancer information lists should include this, and every public library- it's such a wonderful tool.  I could relate to feelings in each person- even my teenaged daughter liked it!" Kathi G., newly diagnosed in Jan. 05

"Please remember how you enlightened my life with your tape.  It couldn't have been at a more perfect time in my diagnosis- to encourage women is an easy thing- to be the person who needs the encouragement is very difficult.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart." Newly Diagnosed, Almost a Survivor

"A friend of mine from college is going through treatment. She wears her scarf to the grocery store and when people stare, she tells them she has breast cancer and she is in chemo and tells her story to people in line--she's something else!! Brave. I sent her some flowers yesterday and I may go over there after her next treatment to just stay with her in the evening and watch t.v.  When I mentioned it, she said that she would like that. She lives alone. I have to say that the video inspired me to make the offer. I'm very serious and not just saying that. I thought through the video as I was talking to her.  That is so cool!!!  Just think of all the people who will be inspired to action because of Beyond Flowers."

"Beyond Flowers provides moving, wonderful support to those around us and I'm so grateful you tackled filling that gap."  Support Group Facilitator

"I wish there had been something like this when my mother was diagnosed."

"Wonderful film - I especially like the nature shots which are inspiring.  I felt you really captured the individual personalities, and I liked all the different ages including husbands and children."

"I loved the mood of "you can do it!" for the support team."

"I loved the openness and candidness of the couples you chose - so helpful."

"This film helped me understand many things regarding my emotions and feelings.  Maybe I can be more supportive to my sister. This film gave me "tools" to use to talk to her.  It also gave me ways to help myself."

"I liked this film even better than your first (Between Us) - I'm surprised given how much I loved that one!"
 

Comments about the First-Aid Kit for Your Heart and Soul

"Three years after my DCIS diagnosis I am still in debt to the volunteers for the "Between Us" bag of goodies. At the time I was probably too stunned to fully appreciate this gesture of throughtfulness.  In retrospect however I know how much I liked the journal, the candle, the phone card, and especially the pocket address book.  This pocket address book became my directory of doctors and important numbers to have close at hand as I traveled between Fairbanks and Anchorage, Alaska and Portland, OR. The accordian style pages made room for much more: numbers of friends and family, mileage number, bank accounts, etc.etc. It is now my most valuable and comprehensive resource directory and located in a directory the size of a credit card. The medical numbers are there too, just in case...

I like it so much I have called the "Between Us" phone number and requested another one.

Thank you again for your thoughtful, and most useable, gifts." Mary Matthews, Director SSS Project, Fairbanks, Alaska.
 

"I want to thank you for your program on Channel 13 on breast cancer.  It really helped me understand what happened after.  I'm only 16, but my grandma just had to get a mastectomy done."

"Congratulations on creating a very moving and effective film not only for women who are diagnosed with breast cancer but for all others. It will be of immense help and comfort to both women facing this disease and those supporting them."  Susan M. Knowles, First Lady, State of Alaska

"My husband and I watched your wonderful film work on Sunday, October 17, 1999.  When it was over my husband turned to me and said, "in the 20 years since Lyn died (his first wife who fought an unsuccessful battle with breast cancer), why has no one else said its the husband's battle too???"

"Waiting to ask questions of Doctors has been the most frustrating, anxiety ridden time of our lives. I feel that this kit would give her the information and support she so desperately needs right now." P.C., Mattawa, WA

"I just got a phone call from B. She LOVED her kit! She said and I quote 'It was wonderful! It answered every question I had written down to ask the cancer specialist. The best thing was when they showed how the different surgeries looked, that was really important to me.' She got her kit before her surgery and was feeling really good about everything when I talked to her, even though her surgery was scheduled for this morning. Thank you!" G.A., Lanno, Texas

"What a truly wonderful idea. To add to the miserable, heart-wrenching scenario of those first few days after diagnosis, many women including myself have heard the news over the telephone. It's such a terribly cruel approach on top of the wait for the pathology. I can see where your kit should be available to give each newly diagnosed patient immediately upon hearing the information that will change their life so profoundly and immediately." Diana Dyer, Nutrition and Cancer Consultant, and author of "A Dietician's Cancer Story"

"I spoke with my sister this morning and she had just finished watching the video. She thought she would cry, but found the tape very positive and up. She said the package was beautiful and read everything that came with it. She was amazed that there are people who take the time to care this much, and the timing couldn't have been better." Marcia Fedora

"I wish it had been available when I was diagnosed nine months ago. I think your theory of the first 48 hours being the worst is right on the money. Keep up the good work." C. Venice

"I just wanted to say thank you and that I think what you are doing is wonderful. I agree also that the waiting time is the hardest. It's a very
lonely, scary time for me." Tina Leistner

"Thank you so much for sending my first-aid kit. What a wonderful idea you came up with. Just your generous gift has been a comfort to me. I'm sure it will help me, as well as the many others that have received Between Us." J.I. Akron, Ohio

"How can I say thank you for such a beautiful and meaningful gift - Between Us! In January I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and had the mixed blessing of receiving your first-aid kit from my doctor. It was so good to come home from the doctors that day with such a comfort kit - for both my husband and I. The scent alone told us of the goodness within. We saw the video that night, and feel you have a marvelous mix of women and gentle coverage of a truly terrifying subject. It seems all women everywhere can identify with at least one of the survivors. They all were hopeful, and encouragement for both of us. Some of the kit went with me to the hospital for my mastectomy, and the rest was used when returning home. The phone card was so handy to use at the hospital. God bless you all and your work. L & M B, Ketchikan, AK

"Between Us is like a great big hug, right when you really need one."
Patient in Anchorage, AK

"I've seen hundreds of videos on this subject in my lifetime career as an oncology nurse, and this is by far and away the best."
Nurse in Miami, Florida

"Thank you so much for making such a moving, healing, beautiful tape available." Lynn R. Colorado

"I laughed, I cried. I'm sure countless others will benefit from this wonderful film." Lila W. Colorado

"Thank you so much for the video and other goodies. It's nice to know that others have gone through this before and have survived. I will also survive." Linda S. Ketchikan, AK

"I watched Between Us before my mastectomy three times-first with my husband, second with my best friend, then once on my own. Those women were my first "support" group and I loved the video. Thank you for all you do and I am willing to help in any way I can." 
B.M. Charlotte, N.C.