Roz Catena's positive diagnosis for breast cancer in late 1992 led to a mastectomy less than a month later. When she became depressed during chemotherapy treatments, her oncologist suggested she join a support group.

"At first, I was in denial and felt I could manage but then realized that I couldn't do it alone," Catena, a resident of Westbury, said. Shortly after, she contacted the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program and began attending support groups as well as meeting for individual therapy. Two years later, in 1995, Catena decided to give back to the program that helped her through such a difficult time in her life.

"I received so much help during my illness and felt truly blessed," she said. "I wanted to reach out to other women in different stages of breast cancer and offer them support, understanding, compassion and important resources." She continued, "I have found it very rewarding to reach out and offer support and hope to other women and it has in turn helped me with my own healing process."

Established in 1980 as the first program in New York State to exclusively address the psychosocial issues associated with breast cancer, the Adelphi Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program is currently the only comprehensive, university-based breast cancer counseling program in the state staffed by certified social workers. To date, it is the only statewide, toll-free breast cancer hotline, receiving almost 4,000 calls and over 350,000 website inquiries a year.

"When I was diagnosed with breast cancer nine years ago, one of the first things I did was call a local hotline in search of support. When the compassionate woman who answered told me she was a breast cancer survivor, I vowed that once I made it through my cancer I, too, would become a hotline volunteer," said Plainview resident Diane Greene, who was diagnosed in 1998. "After writing a book about my experience, Apron Strings, and volunteering at the Adelphi Breast Cancer Hotline for the past six years, I find fulfillment in being able to offer hope and optimism to others as they travel down their own cancer path."

The program is intended to "educate, support, empower and advocate for breast cancer patients, professionals and the community." By simply calling (1-800-877-8077) or going online (www.adelphi.edu/nysbreastcancer/) one can obtain free education materials and support group and individual and family counseling information. The website provides answers to many common questions and provides a glossary of terms and advice on what to expect and do for a loved one diagnosed with breast cancer.

"Talking with breast cancer patients and their families and helping them, whether it be providing a kind ear, information or matching them with the correct support group or social worker, is a positive step for both of us. If I can help alleviate some of the fear they are feeling, that's a very rewarding experience," said Garden City resident Deborah McCrann who was diagnosed in 1997 at the age of 44, just six months after the birth of her son. She soon underwent a mastectomy. She began volunteering in 2002. "Many women who call us cannot afford the proper care. We help them get the mammograms and other care they need. Because the volunteers are survivors, we stand as living proof that breast cancer is not a death sentence. Talking and taking charge of your recovery speeds the healing process. It is that same energy that has contributed to my own healing," McCrann said.

The program and hotline, said its director, Hillary Rutter, provide an outlet for breast cancer patients who may not want to burden family members or who feel that others cannot relate to what they are going through. "When diagnosed, many women experience a feeling of isolation and fear and other emotions that come into play. There are so many programs and services available to help someone cope with the diagnosis. You don't have to be alone," said Rutter.

Currently, many hotline volunteers are survivors themselves, a factor that is, in of itself, a tremendous asset for someone seeking support. "Speaking with someone who has been in the same situation and is a survivor can really help a woman cope better," Rutter said. "Just to know that someone else has been there - diagnosed, went through treatment, survived and is around to talk to - makes a difference."

According to Catena, when callers realize they are speaking to a survivor, the level of communication becomes much more open. "[Callers] find it easier to discuss their issues with me because I have gone through a similar experience," she said.

Hicksville resident Carole Panariello, whose first experience with the hotline came back in 1997 after being diagnosed with breast cancer, agrees. At the time she called the hotline, Panariello had a specific question and found it nice to speak to someone who understood. "Having someone to talk to who understands what you are going through is key, especially in the early stages of diagnosis," she said. "Sometimes it is difficult to talk to family members and it's good to know there is a place to go and someone who has been there. It is very important in the beginning because the diagnosis is like a bombshell. Your life is immediately turned upside down. There is so much to absorb and emotionally, you are frozen."

Marge Fritz, a 56-year-old resident of Levittown, started volunteering in 1999, a year after she was introduced to the program. "Initially, I was introduced to the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program shortly after my diagnosis of DCIS and subsequent lumpectomy in September 1998. I joined the Newly Diagnosed Support Group. It was such a positive experience that I felt I should give something back," said Fritz, adding that she underwent volunteer training in the spring of 1999 and started working on the hotline that summer.

"By working on the hotline, I feel that I can be there to help the callers by providing information and answering questions regarding breast cancer. Sometimes [all it takes is] just listening to their concerns and being a friendly voice during a scary time," said Fritz.

With such a broad range of services and support available, volunteers are always needed in the areas of community outreach_, advocacy, fundraising and clerical positions as well as the hotline. According to Rutter, potential volunteers undergo a 15-hour, five-week training program that includes meeting with a social worker before and after training to determine what area of the program they are best suited for. Those selected to work the hotline, she said, will do so first alongside an experienced volunteer.

"It's a sort of mentoring process. A social worker is always in earshot in the event a caller needs additional assistance," said Rutter.

January will mark Panariello's fifth anniversary with the hotline and, in addition to phone support, the 65-year-old also volunteers her time with the program's outreach and advocacy campaigns as well as lobbying for all health care at the state and national levels. A 10-year survivor herself, Panariello is now the one offering support and hope to others during a very difficult time. "When that person on the other lines tells you they are a 10-, 15-year survivor, it gives you hope at a time when things seem so dark," she said.

The Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program can be reached at 1-800-877-8077 or online at www.adelphi.edu/nysbreastcancer/aboutus.html.

Hotline volunteers can be reached 365 days from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Callers can reach out 24-hours-a-day and are assured that calls made after 9 p.m. will be returned the following morning, including holidays and weekends.

Anyone interested in volunteering with the Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Program & Hotline should contact Caroline Mulcahy at 877-4315 or mulcahy@adelphi.edu. For individual counseling or support group information call the hotline or contact Sandi Kafenbaum, LCSW, group coordinator, at kafenbau@adelphi.edu or 877-4314. To speak with a bilingual social worker, contact Angela Papalia at palma2@adelphi.edu. To arrange for community outreach contact Ann Carney at carney@adelphi.edu.