Newly diagnosed breast cancer patient Heather Brewer found answers and support in the Pink Ribbon Ministry faith-based support group:

"I had so many questions on what to expect," Brewer said.

She began attending Pink Ribbon Ministry meetings and met women in various stages of their lives, from a woman in her 70s who was a 30-year breast cancer survivor, to younger women like herself.

"It's just been so nice to sit in a group of people and ask, 'how was it like for you,' " Brewer said.

The faith-based support group began about four years ago when the parish health nurse, Elaine Hausen , decided to bring together some of the women she was helping individually. She thought it might be better for them to discuss their experiences with each other. Hausen had not had breast cancer, and did not think she could truly relate to them.

After about a year, the women she introduced decided to begin an outreach ministry to help other women within the church and in the rest of the community learn about and manage their cancer. There are at least 15 women who attend meetings on a regular basis.

They hand out packets of informational materials on cancer awareness, prevention and treatment; offer meals to women undergoing treatments; drive women to their doctor visits; meet with husbands and other family members; and even go wig shopping with women who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy.

"They just do so much," Hausen said. "I am so proud of these women. They have faced cancer and not let it beat them."