Breast Cancer Health Center

Circle of Friends

From Cyber to Live

Some family members, such as Haines' husband, John (notorious for the jokes he posts), join in support of their wives online and offline, as he helped her organize a get-together for the board survivors in Williamsburg, Va., in April 2000. Some 30 board participants and their families made the trek to finally meet each other in person. Over the years, small weekend get-togethers continue to be held around the country. "It was just about having a good time," Haines says. "John and I have made lifelong friends with these people."

There's even a cookbook of the ladies' favorite recipes, with proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. When the book first hit the shelves in 2001, the media took notice. Rosie O'Donnell's TV show was the rage that year, and Rosie invited the cookbook authors to make a guest appearance. "It was really cool," says Haines.

The televised appearance helped many put a name and a face to board members they had known online only by their screen names. Breast Cancer: Friend to Friend has remained the vibrant and supportive place created by its original members. Breast cancer in the United States has become the most common cancer in women (after skin cancer), yet the death rate has declined due to earlier detection and improved treatment. Women and their families continue to seek out each other and journey together on the powerful Pink Bus of hope and community.