For Immediate Release
October 30, 2007
Contact: Donna Sellmann
732-530-2282
dsellmann@meridianhealth.com

RIVERVIEW SUPPORT GROUPS AN IMPORTANT RESOURCE FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS, SURVIVORS.

Programs at Riverview benefit patients as well as family members.

Red Bank, NJ - At the Women's Center at Riverview Medical Center, breast health is a priority every day of the year. In addition to providing services such as mammograms to diagnose potential breast cancer and offering a variety of treatment options for women who have been diagnosed, support services are an equally important part of the treatment and recovery process.

Support groups at Riverview are designed to help women (and men) with breast cancer to openly discuss their feelings and provide emotional support to each other. Attendees are also encouraged to share information about their experiences with breast cancer. Many members express that the support groups have made them "not afraid of what might happen in the future because they know the group will get them through it."

Recognizing that breast cancer can strike at any age, the medical center has created two support groups that focus on the needs of different populations.

- The Breast Cancer Support Group is open to individuals of all ages and meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.

- The Young Women?s Support Group is a breast cancer support group for women approximately 20 to 45 years of age. This group is especially helpful for women who are planning to start a family or may have young children at home. The group meets the fourth Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

Riverview also offers a unique support program for children of individuals affected by breast cancer and other diseases. Kids have their own special way of processing difficult information and coping with tragic events. In turn, they benefit from special types of counseling and therapeutic techniques that are most in tune with their needs and age-appropriate responses. Riverview offers two multi-session Art Therapy programs exclusively for youngsters who have experienced a loss or are currently dealing with a chronically or terminally ill loved one.

All of the support groups meet at the Jane H. Booker Cancer Center at Riverview Medical Center, in the First Floor Cancer Center Conference Room. For more information on any of Riverview?s Breast Cancer Support Groups or to confirm times and dates of upcoming meetings, please call (732) 530-2305, or the Meridian Health Line at 1-800-560-9990 for additional events and support services.

Riverview Medical Center, a member of the Meridian Health Family, is a non-profit community hospital located in Red Bank, New Jersey, providing health care programs and services in all major medical disciplines, including maternity; oncology; orthopedics and rehabilitation; general, neuro, thoracic and vascular surgery; cardiology; renal dialysis; diabetes management; and emergency and critical care services. Riverview's Booker Cancer Center is an affiliate of the renowned Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, and Riverview is home to the only fully accredited acute comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation center in Monmouth County. In addition, its Women Center and Childbirth Center specialize in the full spectrum of needs for the body, mind and spirit.For more information about Riverview Medical Center and Meridian Health, please call the Meridian Health Line at 1-800-560-9990 or visit www.riverviewmedicalcenter.com.

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