VERO BEACH — On Dec. 10, Citrus Grillhouse in Vero Beach hosted the third annual holiday luncheon for Friends After Diagnosis, a support group and 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to breast cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers.
A total of 25 Friends and guests ranging in age from 16 months to more than 85 years attended the luncheon, which has been at Citrus Grillhouse every year.
Chef Scott Varricchio and staff treated the group to a sampling of his deliciously addictive truffle buttered French fries, a specially designed dessert, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Mark’s at the Pointe Salon and Boutique echoed the spirit of giving by providing each friend with a gift bag containing a certificate for a complimentary facial.
“Citrus Grillhouse and Mark’s at the Pointe have been such great supporters of Friends. They both go out of their way to make us feel like such honored guests,” said Friends After Diagnosis facilitator and cancer survivor Lin Reading.
The gathering of the group, which formed in 2010 and received non-profit status in 2012, was the largest holiday luncheon yet. In remarks at the event, Reading declared it “a decision-free day” in recognition of the string of often difficult decisions that survivors and caregivers face after the diagnosis of breast cancer.
“Today was an inspirational gathering of Friends After Diagnosis, but then again, most of our meetings turn out to be. We have survivors, some with multiple recurrences, reaching out and helping the newly diagnosed, and both are uplifted,” Reading explained.
Friends After Diagnosis meets the second and fourth Mondays of each month at the Indian River Medical Center (IRMC) Cancer Center from 2-3:30 p.m., as well as the third Saturdays from November through April, 10-11 a.m., in the IRMC executive dining room adjacent to the cafeteria.
Discussion meetings alternate with speaker meetings, at which invited guests give presentations on treatment and other coping resources available on the Treasure Coast and beyond.
New Friends are always welcome.
Friends After Diagnosis is open to all breast cancer patients past and present and any family, friends, or caregivers they care to bring. The group exists to ease the journey for those navigating everyday life after a diagnosis that exacts devastating physical and emotional tolls.
For more information about the group, please visit www.FriendsAfterDiagnosis.com.