DayOne Matters of Greater Cincinnati is a non-profit breast and gynecological cancer organization led by survivors and volunteers.
Wherever you are in this journey, your DayOne starts now.
Our Mission: No woman dealing with breast or gynecological cancer should walk alone, regardless of where she is in diagnosis, treatment or recovery.
Our Vision: All women are mentally and emotionally supported starting day one of a cancer diagnosis.
The creation of DayOne Matters was the culmination of several things. While in chemo treatment for breast cancer, Founder Amy Tuten-Darrah decided to do something to give back.
It was the impact of the people who surrounded her at the time, and the disappearance of others, that would spark the conversation of the need for one-on-one support with Founder and uterine cancer survivor Brenda Walton. Together, they determined that no woman dealing with breast or gynecological cancer, whether Fighter, Survivor or Caregiver, should walk alone and that no matter where they were in their journey, support would start now. This would be their DayOne.
Realizing that there are many organizations that help cancer patients who seek support through outside programming, DayOne Matters identified the critical need for support to come to the patient, thereby eliminating the isolation that many people experience. By matching Sol Sisters with Fighters, Survivors and Caregivers who share the same diagnosis, we are able to create personal, one-on-one support for women, by women, who “get it”. This relationship, along with the support from family and friends, creates the best possible support system.
DayOne begins partnerships with Fighters through a texting, email and/or phone relationship that provides positive support and requires nothing of the partner. It is simply offering the comfort of empathy and the voice of someone cheering you on. Although texting may seem impersonal, oftentimes women undergoing chemo and radiation do not have the interest, ability or strength to attend a support group, meet with friends or entertain visitors. DayOne understands that and we also know that Fighters thrive on the positivity that this method delivers. As the friendship between Fighter and Sol Sister develops and grows, the pair may decide to meet face to face and pursue a relationship other than a texting one. It is all up to them. The length of the relationship is also determined by the pair; however, all Sol Sisters agree to be available to their partner from diagnosis through the end of treatment. Survivors and Caregivers have very different needs, although no less important. Sol Sisters who are surviving or have experience as a Caregiver are matched with these people to support each in a unique way. Survivors and Caregivers may begin their relationship face to face. Again, it is up to the discretion of the pair.
Women who have graduated from the mentoring partnership are offered an opportunity to give back by becoming a mentor themselves. Additionally, Survivors and Caregivers may choose to start off as mentors so long as they are in remission or not currently caring for someone. Many women find mentoring extremely rewarding and the perfect way to give back and/or get closure on various parts of their cancer journey. Our mentors are trained by DayOne Matters and DayOne Matters is always available to them for support.
Additionally, DayOne Matters has created extensive lists, available on this site, to serve as a one-stop shop for positive cancer-related information. From service providers, products, and programs to resources and articles, these continually updated lists contain a wealth of help that saves hours of Internet searching.
DayOne Matters believes that positivity and healthy attitudes help Fighters, Survivors, and Caregivers recover and heal.
Through our positivity, we aim to take away the power and fear that surrounds the word ”cancer’. We do acknowledge the serious nature of the disease but we choose to focus on the commitment of great doctors, nurses, new drug developments, positive outcomes and good statistics that often get overshadowed by this word.
Our aim is that no woman will walk alone. To that end, we dedicate ourselves and this site to positivity, good news, happiness, and the indefatigable spirit and strength of women.
Amy Tuten-Darrah
513.644.5550
[email protected]
Brenda Walton
513.273.7400
[email protected]
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