March 28, 2024

A look back: Pink Ribbon Support Group celebrates 20th anniversary

In the fall of 1994, five women came together at the home of Linda Hotger to discuss the possibility of starting a support group for women with breast cancer. This original group included Hotger, Carol Hopkey, Jan Matson, Opal Snyder and Mary Lou Kaloupek, all of whom were survivors of breast cancer. The group agreed the meetings should include an educational offering along with time for interaction between those who came together.

On Oct. 13, 1994, the Jasper County Breast Cancer Support Group held its first official meeting in the cafeteria conference room at Skiff Medical Center. Sixteen women attended. The speaker for the evening’s program was Dr. Gary Richardson, who spoke on breast cancer treatment options. Skiff Medical Center has sponsored the group from its beginning, offering a meeting place and refreshments for the monthly gatherings. Many of the speakers have been professionals from Skiff and the local medical staff community.

Since that first meeting, the group has met every month, except for the months of July and August. In the first few months, it was decided to name the group the Pink Ribbon Support Group. The group also developed the goal of education as the primary focus. Dues were discussed but through the generosity of individual donations, an account was set up to help purchase educational supplies. Within the first three years, a local sorority had fundraising activities and donated proceeds to the support group.

Along with educational publications and special programs, the group has also assisted in decorating and supplying items for the chemotherapy area at Skiff, which is now located in the Ross Medical Arts Building and serving patients as the Skiff Cancer Clinic. This has included chemo-lounge chairs, various decorative items and necessary supplies as directed by the chemotherapy staff. A newsletter was initiated in 2001 (Skiff supplies the materials and postage for the letters) to be sent to women with breast cancer throughout the county.

When possible, a gift pack is given to women who undergo breast cancer surgery at Skiff. These are also available to women in the county who might have had surgery elsewhere. The packet includes educational materials as well as “fun” items donated by the group.

The support group has been involved with activities such as the Jasper County Relay for Life and the Des Moines Race for the Cure.

Women are encouraged to join a support group of some kind to help them cope with the diagnosis of breast cancer and also to help them through the different phases of treatment. Several of the members have continued to come to meetings throughout the years and have been a source of encouragement and hope to those just newly diagnosed. The group has become a “sisterhood” of women dedicated to sharing and caring.