Michele Forsten, Center Member

I have been involved with the Center almost since it began. One of the professional organizations for communications professionals held meetings there, which I attended, and I also went to hear some speakers, see a movie, go to a dance, etc. over the years.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, I needed to be in a newly-diagnosed support group. I ended up being the only lesbian in the group of nine women. I felt uncomfortable and looked for a lesbian survivors group. None existed at the time.

I became involved with trying to get health care professionals together to provide services for LBT women cancer survivors and their caretakers. When Center CARE began offering its cancer support groups, I was a participant for a year. It was such a relief to be able to say whatever I needed to say and be fully comfortable disclosing who I am!

For the past four years, I have been co-facilitating the survivors group. I feel honored to do this work and have learned so much from the cancer survivors who participate. It’s important to give back, and I get so much in return.

When my friends ask me what they can give me as a gift, I suggest that they donate to the Lesbian Cancer Initiative. Now, more than ever, the Center needs everyone’s help to continue offering programs such as LCI. No LBT person should have to feel, as I did in 2002, that I was the only lesbian in New York City living with cancer!