St. Francis opens Buddy House for breast cancer patients

St. Francis has opened the Buddy House at Franciscus Vlietland, a meeting place for breast cancer patients and their loved ones. Here, in a homely environment, they can find support from each other and participate in activities and workshops. Patients can also be paired with a fellow sufferer (buddy), someone who has had breast cancer and offers a listening ear and support. In this way, patients feel less alone during treatment. This project was realized thanks to the Franciscus Foundation, the charity of Franciscus. 

Breast cancer affects not only the body, but also the patient's feelings and daily life. In addition to medical help, the breast cancer patient often needs contact with a buddy: a fellow sufferer who is going through or has gone through the same thing. Buddies offer a listening ear, encourage perseverance in difficult times and share experiences. This can be about medical issues, but also practical tips for everyday life.

'The Buddy House is a homely place where we can welcome breast cancer patients after an emotional conversation, for a cup of coffee or because they would like to get in touch with a fellow sufferer,' says Barbara Hoskam, nursing specialist at the Franciscus Breast Clinic. 'Many patients enjoy talking to someone who understands what they are going through. The Buddy House offers this opportunity in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. We want our patients to feel that they are not alone. No one understands a breast cancer patient better than someone who has been through the same thing.'

The Buddy House will also host various activities and workshops, such as yoga, mosaics, painting and hiking. These activities are organized by former breast cancer patients and can contribute to recovery, distraction and relaxation. They also provide an opportunity to connect in a relaxed way with others who have been through the same thing. 'By doing something together, patients get to know each other in an approachable way. Together they are stronger in their process,' says Hoskam. 'Any breast cancer patient is welcome to drop in, no matter where they are in their treatment or recovery. You can find us in the Central Hall of Franciscus Vlietland, behind the Registration Desk.'

The Buddy House came about thanks to the support of the Franciscus Foundation, Franciscus' charity. The Foundation makes it possible to realize initiatives such as the Buddy House, which would otherwise fall outside the healthcare budget. Thanks to the generous gifts of donors, including former mayor of Schiedam Cor Lamers, former chairman of the Franciscus Board of Directors Marjolein Tasche and the Roparun Foundation, we can offer breast cancer patients and their loved ones a place where they can find support, connection and relaxation. This project underscores the important role the Franciscus Foundation plays in improving the care experience.

Franciscus has been awarded top clinical recognition for the Franciscus Breast Clinic by the association of Collaborating Top Clinical Teaching Hospitals (STZ). This means that the Breast Clinic is a center of excellence in breast cancer and there is a focus on research and education. For more information, please visit www.franciscus.nl/borstkliniek or www.franciscus.nl/buddyhuis.