After being diagnosed with breast cancer in May of 2018, Mary Unobsky sat in the waiting room of her medical oncologist and stared into space. She felt she had been to an “alternate universe” after being tested, poked, and prodded. There had been two operations, travels to the cancer center five times, and two months of radiation.
Mary explains, “I was trying to figure out my next move on the disease chessboard when I was approached by the nurse navigator who started telling me about this unique support group at the Green Hills Family YMCA. Reluctantly, I called the number on the After Breast Cancer (ABC) program handbook.”
Making her next move, the Memphis native joined the ABC group, where she would begin a new journey with women experiencing similar circumstances.
Mary says, “The group of ladies I encountered had all been through a similar process, so no cancer explanation was needed. We all carried the same struggles, the same little victories, the same pain, and the physical graffiti that was left on our bodies. And, yet, the camaraderie was instantaneous and provided a ‘feelings forum’ for all of us. Working out together and learning nutritional intel made us stronger and more in control.
“Cancer in isolation is a terrible thing. I would encourage anyone reading this to consider a support system like the ABC program to help with healing and positive growth as you re-enter the mainstream of your life. I am very grateful to the Y and to ABC.”
The Grammy-nominated songwriter will receive “Brass Note on Beale Street” in the near future, a rare accomplishment for a woman as there are only twelve note recipients of the 156 notes.
She concludes by saying, “It’s a beautiful life!”
The Green Hills Y will be starting new ABC sessions (morning and evening) during the last week of August. This free sixteen-week program, which is designed for survivors by survivors, provides education and healing for body, mind, and spirit for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer like Mary.
For additional information, please contact Namaste at nanderson@ymcamidtn.org or call (615) 297-6529.