Our Mission
Breast Buds, Inc. - A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization - founded 2004
Breast Buds, Inc. extends a supportive hand and heart to those diagnosed with breast cancer
and their families, by offering immediate one-to-one emotional support, education and wellness guidance, completely free of charge, from diagnosis through treatment into recovery.
Why Breast Buds?
Studies indicate that addressing the psycho-emotional-somatic needs of people facing serious illness (along a continuum of care), is paramount to full recovery. Breast Buds was founded to meet these needs comprehensively and compassionately.
A Note from the President - Nancy Phleger
Breast Buds was founded in October, 2004. It was started because we, as survivors, felt the need to provide a very positive, upbeat and encouraging atmosphere for ladies seeking help and support while dealing with breast cancer.
As breast cancer survivors, we all understand what a difference a positive attitude can make. Every survivor has been faced with the challenge of her lifetime and made it through. We are all in different stages of the battle.... diagnosis, making decisions, going through the different treatments, recovery, and finally, prevention.
Each lady is unique and special. Each lady is a shining example to others that we will do whatever it takes to be a survivor.
The ladies who attend our support groups can find comfort in a sister's experience that may help. We are there for each other, to offer personal tips, to ask questions, and to know that you aren't alone. We can even laugh at some of our experiences.
I wish you all health. There is life after breast cancer.
- Nancy
Breast Buds Officers and Board of Directors
Nancy Phleger, President/Co-Founder, Board Member (2004-present) - Independent Insurance Agent/Broker, specializing in Health, Life and Legal Services, Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist, Group Security Specialist with Pre-Paid Legal Services and Identity Theft Shield. In addition to her leadership of the Breast Buds organiztion, Nancy directs and facilitates the West Valley Glendale Support Group.
MaryPat Healey, Treasurer - MaryPat is a breast cancer survivor who gives generously of herself to all who know her.
Margaret Faulkner, Secretary - Margaret works for Cox Media and inspired a donation from Cox to Breast Buds on her behalf. She is a dynamic woman with a special caring quality that contributes so much warmth to the Breast Buds team.
Kathy Gilb, Board Member
Molly O'Neill, ACPC, ACC Board Member - Professional Coach, Executive and Team Coach with Change Agents, Inc., Leadership Team Member of ICF Greater Phoenix Coaches Alliance, Associate and Faculty member of Adler Learning-USA (coaching skills training).
Christine Faraci-Tivnan, Board Member/Co-Founder - Visual Artist, Reiki Master. Christine began Breast Buds to meet the increasing need for individualized survivorship support services.
___________________________________________________________________________
More about us...
Nancy Phleger:
In June 2003, after a routine workout at the gym and doing an aerobics class, Nancy felt an unusual pain under her arm. Although her mammograms had always been clear, an ultrasound showed a suspicious mass. After biopsies, at age 55, she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. Because of the location on the side of the breast and lymph node involvement, and a very long meeting with her surgeon, Nancy chose to have a mastectomy of the left breast. While working with several doctors, she was put in touch with Christine Faraci -founder of Breast Busds, and a very special team of doctors. The decision for treatment was confusing and frustrating. One very long talk with Christine, Nancy feels, saved her life. Nancy always said she would ‘do whatever it takes’….. so she did. Dedicated to health and wellness, Nancy opted to complement her traditional treatments of chemo and radiation with alternative modalities, and continued her routine of regualar exercise and healthy nutrition. She went through it all with flying colors - even the doctors were surprised! She says that going through the all the treatment was ‘really easy’. The worst part was losing her hair! She has had reconstructive surgery and is looking forward to many health-filled years.
"I feel that I went through all this for a reason~~~~ and that reason is to help others in whatever way I can to live through this experience that we did not choose. But it has definitely changed my life and I am grateful for the experience and what I have learned about myself. I didn’t know what a strong and positive person I was until I was given this challenge. A positive attitude is everything and makes all the difference."
Mary Pat Healey:
Margaret Faulkner:
Molly O'Neill:
"It’s cancer... were words I never expected to hear and the beginning of so many changes in my life.
Beyond the initial shock and rush of emotions came a subtle awareness that grew to become a constant companion and my own inner coach - the power of conscious choice. I decided to look for the gift within what seemed to me like very unattractive packaging. This shift is what made the difference for me.
Simple yet profound, the power of choice created a new and vibrant engagement with life, supporting me through my crisis and still serving me today. Choosing to trust rather than fear, I found a wellspring of deep peace and courage within the very core of my being. Fully embracing the love of family and friends that grew stronger and richer every day,more joy, more laughter, more meaning came pouring into my heart. I found a quiet delight and strength in choosing to focus on gratitude and offering silent blessings to others.
Cancer has changed my life - in ways I never expected - and in ways that I’ll always treasure. I incorporate what I’ve learned into my life and my coaching. My sincere wish is to support others in their journeys through this amazing gift we call life.
Christine Faraci-Tivnan:
