Support groups, particularly those created for cancer survivors, typically don't remain active more than a few years.
By marking its 30th anniversary Thursday, Encouragement Through Caring - the breast cancer survivor support group at Capital Region Medical Center's Goldschmidt Cancer Center - will be bucking the trend, according to survivor and founding member Rosie Verslues.
Verslues had been a breast cancer survivor for three years before the group started.
Despite Verslues being the only founding member still participating in the group, it remains an active resource for survivors.
The group meets at 6 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month.
Right now, 10-15 participants show for the meetings.
"A lot of times (how many attend) has to do with how a person is feeling that day," Verslues said.
A radiology nurse attends every meeting as a mentor - and is available to answer breast cancer patients' questions.
The meetings (which are two hours long) also include speakers on subjects like exercise, nutrition, skin care, new treatments and other topics.
"We try to get a speaker that's informative to our needs," Verslues said. "We've all been through the same thing. Sometimes, it's good to have support other than your family, because it can be difficult for families to understand what you're going through - such as anxiety."
Members of the group become lifelong friends, she said.
ETC teams have participated in Relay for Life of Cole County since 1997, when the first relay was held in the Jefferson City. The relay is the largest fundraiser aimed at ending cancer in the world. Every summer, events unite communities across the globe to celebrate people having battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and take action to finish the fight. By walking around a track, individuals and teams raise money and awareness that helps save lives. Money raised supports cancer research, education and prevention. And, it provides free information and critical services for people with cancer.
ETC has raised $234,450 for the relay.
The group has sold 7,400 relay T-shirts and 4,650 breast cancer teddy bears to raise money for cancer research and awareness.
The organization helps host Boost-BBQ every summer. Proceeds from the event go to providing wigs and Boost nutritional supplements for cancer patients, Verslues said.
ETC will celebrate its 30th year during its annual Breast Cancer FUN-raiser on Thursday at Oscar's Classic Diner, 2118 Schotthill Woods Road.
Twenty percent of sales that day go to the support group. ETC has a banquet from 6-8 p.m. that evening at Oscar's to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month.