Bound by a disease, united by a support group

The breast cancer support group in Abu Dhabi fills voids that hospitals and families can’t

Once a month on a Sunday evening, a group of women meet in a popular Abu Dhabi cafe. Gossiping over coffees and snacks, they look like any other group of women taking time out from their busy lives to catch up.
But one thing unites the women in this particular circle: all of them have breast cancer and are at different stages of their treatment.
"The aim is to support anyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer," says Melanie Gobert, who co-hosts the Bosom Buddies network.
That comfort can take the form of emotional support or talks from experts to raise awareness about the implications of a diagnosis.
Up to 12 women meet monthly at Cafe Arabia in Abu Dhabi to seek help and solidarity from others who are going through the same experience.
"We have many different nationalities," says Gobert. "When you are going through an extreme experience, even if you have support from your family and friends, they are not going through the same experience as you. If the doctor misses your vein when they are putting in a drip or you are losing your hair, who do you compare those aspects of your treatment with?"
The group was founded in 2003 by breast-cancer sufferers Noreen Kemp and Gehan Wheeler, two friends who felt a support network was missing in the capital. Gobert says Bosom Buddies steps in where hospitals leave off. While there are medical centres treating breast-cancer patients, finding an emotional outlet can be tougher.
The women within the group also help each other out with donations, despite it not being a charity. A Filipino cleaner living on Yas Island who was struggling to pay her taxi fares to the hospital for her daily treatment was helped by fellow members.
"We do not have lots of money, but the treatment is expensive for those who do not have much," says Gobert.
While the group aims to encourage women to have regular check-ups, it is sometimes hit by tragedy, particularly when women are diagnosed too late.
"We have lost some very dear members," says Gobert. "A lot of women are dying and often it is because they are diagnosed late. With modern technology and good care available, there is no excuse."
• Bosom Buddies meets at Cafe Arabia on the first Sunday of every month at 7pm. Visit bosombuddiesad.org
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