‘United in Pink’ Offers Support To Families Of Breast Cancer Survivors

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The nonprofit organization, “United in Pink” is known for serving families in middle Georgia of breast cancer survivors. The group started after the Executive Director Laura Paxton’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. They wanted to do something to offer support not just to survivors but their families.

“We believe this journey affects the entire family and if that survivor can be supported through someone taking care of their husband…or their children…and just give them an opportunity to discuss what’s going on in their family, it also increases the quality of life for those survivors,” said Paxton.

Three year breast cancer survivor Laura Patterson has found a way to help others through the organization.

“I had a bilateral mastectomy, I had 6 months of chemo and 36 radiation treatments and a year of reconstruction surgeries,” said Patterson.

Her personal battle with breast cancer is what influenced her to become a volunteer with the group.

Kayla and Kahlil Lavender’s mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2013. They’ve both found emotional support through the organization’s summer camp, “Kids in Pink.”

“I didn’t really think something like that would happen to my mom,” said Kayla.

The summer camp is for kids ages 4 to 18 whose family members have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Kayla added, “You have kids your age that can relate to you and they’ve been through the same thing.”

“This is a group of kids that is dealing with some stresses not everyone deals with in their lives so any kind of opportunity we can create to help them manage it, deal with it, cope with it, then all the better for them,” said the camp’s Clinical Director Bowden Templeton.

The organization also provides monthly workshops for families and it’s services are offered at no charge.

For more information visit www.unitedinpink.org.