13th Annual Breast Cancer Survivors Luncheon with The Elliot Unites Patients and Providers 

On October 20th, The Elliot Breast Health Center hosted its 13th annual Breast Cancer Survivors Luncheon at the Puritan Backroom in Manchester, NH. The event welcomed nearly 150 breast cancer survivors who had received treatment at The Elliot, providing a space for them to connect, share their experiences, and celebrate their journeys together. 

Elliot Health System Ambulatory Clinical Nurse Manager Sue Nicholls said of the gathering, “Breast cancer affects countless lives, and this event provides a special space to honor survivors and their journeys. It was a privilege to be involved. The strength, compassion, and solidarity shared among everyone present was truly moving. The personal stories of these brave women were powerful and left a lasting impact on all who were there.”   

Attendees heard presentations from Denise Jeffery, APRN, CGRA of Elliot Oncology Genetics and High-Risk Management, who spoke about managing menopause symptoms, and Beth Violette, CSO, CDCES, CNSC of the Solinsky Center for Cancer Care at the Elliot, who discussed nutrition and breast cancer survivorship. Survivors also shared personal stories, offered encouragement to those still in treatment, and found moments of celebration through a candle-lighting ceremony and raffles. 

For some, the luncheon was a time to reflect on their journeys and the connections they’ve built. Carol, a six-time attendee, shared her appreciation for the event: “I enjoy seeing old friends, getting great informational updates, and the camaraderie and support from my fellow survivors who have been through the same thing.” 

Ginny L., a breast cancer survivor, expressed her gratitude, “I am grateful to be here. Dr. Lana Shikhman is my doctor, and she was thoughtful, compassionate, loving, and highly skilled throughout the entire experience. My husband could not be with me, and she literally held my hand and wiped my tears. In a fight like ours, you have to have hope, put one foot in front of the other, and hang on while it feels like your world is crumbling. I know I’m not alone.” 

This annual luncheon continues to be a joyous event of hope and solidarity for survivors, offering them the opportunity to share, support, and celebrate each other’s strength in the face of breast cancer. 

Learn more about Breast Health services at the Elliot at ElliotHospital.org/breasthealth.