BOBÌåÓý

GAINESVILLE, Fla. � The has formed an alliance with local nonprofit to support women with breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers by providing services ranging from financial assistance and beauty products to help navigating the health care system.

The alliance comes as Blossoming Butterfly opens a location northwest of the Millhopper Shopping Center, and the public is invited to a grand opening from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25. Called Blooming Retreat, it’s a place for women to receive care that meets their mental, physical, financial, and spiritual needs, both during and after treatment, including vouchers for rent or utility assistance, food, support groups, massage therapy, makeup, wigs, and more.

“We know the doctors and nurses at the hospital are busy, so we bridge that gap,â€� said Nicole Miller, founder of Blossoming Butterfly and a breast cancer survivor of nine years. “After women are diagnosed, it’s ‘Oh my God. I need help with getting food, transportation, childcare, caregiving.â€� To be able to work with the BOBÌåÓý Cancer Center and have the resources to assist more women is a plus and I am so excited.â€�

The Cancer Center will help staff the retreat with trained clinical outreach workers, helping women access care and resources, including opportunities to participate in UF research studies.

“We want to make sure our patients at BOBÌåÓý have support, but also that our ‘butterfliesâ€� â€� all women in the community with these cancers â€� have access to information, resources, and navigation services,â€� said , M.P.H., R.N., CCRP, director of the Cancer Center’s . “Nicole creates community for individuals who would otherwise feel so isolated by their diagnosis.â€�

A retail shop will offer things women going through cancer often need, like bras, lymphedema sleeves, wigs, and personal hygiene products. Items are free thanks to donations.

Miller, a mom of three who was diagnosed at 32, wants it to be a peaceful, welcoming place where women can heal.

“I didn’t have my hair, my nails turned black, I lost my eyebrows and to go into a business where regular people were was embarrassing to me, so I stayed home and sheltered,� she said. “This place is where women can come in and they don’t have to get looked at weird; it’s their space.�

The Cancer Center plans to work with Blossoming Butterfly on educational community events, including some with its new . The groups plan a program for high school students, called Breastology, to start the conversation about early cancer detection and the importance of knowing your family health history. They hope to launch it this spring in Alachua County Public Schools.

The alliance will help the Cancer Center lower barriers to high-quality, timely cancer care, Woodard said.

“We’re focused on providing services that address the entire cancer continuum, from prevention to survivorship, with programs that reach kids all the way through those at the end of life,� she said.

Blooming Retreat Grand Opening

When: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25

Where: 4509 NW 23^rd Ave., Suite 18, Gainesville, FL 32606

More information: [email protected]