Toni Braxton's - The Rainbow Times

12 • May 6, 2010 - May 19, 2010 • The Rainbow Times • www.therainbowtimesnews.comKathys’ Group provides support for lesbians with cancer and other life-threatening diseasesBy Lisa A. Eramo/TRT ReporterBeing diagnosed with a serious illnesscan be overwhelming to say theleast. For lesbians and their partners,a diagnosis of this magnitude bringswith it a whole host of other challengesas well, particularly when trying tofind a support group.“When someone is reeling from acancer diagnosis, the last thing theyneed to deal with in a support groupis homophobia or lack of equal status/respect,”says Maureen A. EganWalsh, MA, MSW, LMHC.Walsh serves as the facilitator forKathys’ Group—a program of theRhode Island Breast Cancer Coalition(RIBCC) that provides support forlesbians with cancer or a life-threateningdisease and their partners.“Being a part of providing an opportunityfor lesbians to be themselvesand share their pain, love, strength,vulnerability, and experience is a giftfor all involved,” says Walsh, whoseprivate practice (Undividual, Inc.) islocated in Providence.Kathys’ Group was originallyfounded in 1995 when Narragansettresidents Dorrie McCaffrey and her latepartner Lorry Garvin realized there were nolesbian-specific support groups in Rhode Island.They founded the group in honor of theirclose friend Kathy who had been diagnosedwith breast cancer as well as her partner (alsonamed Kathy).“At that time, a lot of older lesbians were socloseted, they wouldn’t even give their nameRhode Island Newsto me on the phone. Now it’s so different, it’samazing,” says McCaffrey.To date, Kathys’ Group is the only supportgroup in Rhode Island that focuses solely onlesbians.The group meets twice a month in Providence,and meetings typically draw betweenthree and eight women, says Egan Walsh.“Members each take time sharing their experience.Oftentimes, it’s cancer/illness-related,and other times, it’s just life-related. The groupis very informal,” she adds.Egan Walsh, who has facilitated the groupfor the last 10 years, says participants value beingable to share insights and experiences.“For folks involved with cancer or lifethreatening illnesses or their partners, this canbe a time in life much like a roller coaster withmany ups and downs. To have other womenwho are going through it or who have beenthrough it is a tremendous source of support,”she adds.In addition to holding bimonthly meetings,Kathys’ Group also occasionally hosts events.In November 2009, Kathys’ Group and theRIBCC sponsored an event titled “Lesbians andthe Law,” which featured a panel of lawyers andphysicians to address lesbian-specific topics.Marlene McCarthy, cofounder and volunteerchair of the RIBCC, says the number and typeof events the group can sponsor depends on thedonations it receives.“We do not separate donations that cometo the RIBCC. They fit the needs of women.However, there are many women who targettheir donations specifically for Kathys’ Group,and when we receive those, they are held separately,and that’s how we’re able to supportthe program,” she says. “Our goal is to havePhoto:From left to right, Marlene McCarthy, Chair, RIBCC, Lorry Garvin and Dorrie McCaffrey,co-founders of Kathys’ Group, Dr. Susan Love. The photo was taken at the National BreastCancer Coalition (NBCC) Annual Advocacy Meeting in Washington, DC, in May, 1997, shortlyafter the group was organized.sufficient funding to be able to put on specificprograms for lesbians on an annual basis.We welcome small business and corporationsponsorships specifically for Kathys’ Group aswell.”To donate specifically to Kathys’ Group,make your donation payable to the RIBCC andwrite ‘Kathys’ Group’ in the memo line. Youmay also include a note specifying that you’dlike to target your funds directly to the group.Mail all donations to the RIBCC, Two ShoppersPark, Coventry, RI 02816.For more information about Kathys’ Group,including when and where meetings are held,call 888-5-KATHYS.the month’s best selling videoscourtesy: wolfevideo.comLesbian Best Sellers1. And Then Came Lola2. Hannah Free3. Bitch Slap9. The L Word Final Season5. I Can’t Think Straight6. Training Rules7. The Lovers & Friends ShowSeasons 1 & 28. The Baby Formula9. The World Unseen10. The Incredibly True Adventureof Two Girls in LoveGay Best Sellers1. Mr. Right2. BOYCRAZY3. Pornography: A Thriller4. The Big Gay Musical5. The Butch Factor6. A Single Man7. Half-Life8. Eating Out 3: All You Can Eat9. Homewrecker10. 8: The Mormon Proposition