"We were moved to tears when we learned that we had received a donation of 5,000 kroner," says a very grateful Jette Gaarn, member of the steering committee of the Breast Cancer Association, North Jutland Branch.

For Margit and Sol og Strand Foundation, it is not the size of the amount that matters, but the difference it can make. And for a volunteer-run patient association such as the Breast Cancer Association, DKK 5,000 can make a real difference to its day-to-day operations.

"That's equivalent to our association's entire annual budget. That's why the donation is so important to us, because we depend on funding, membership fees, and support from private individuals," says Jette Gaarn.

Nina Sperling and Jette Gaarn are delighted with the donation, which will enable two visits to Hospice Vangen.

The donation from Margit and Sol og Strand Fund is earmarked for two visits to Hospice Vangen in Nørresundby – a place that many of the association's members have long wanted to visit. The first visit has already taken place, while the next is planned for the spring.

"It was a very rewarding and moving visit. There is a warm, safe, and welcoming atmosphere, and you could clearly sense that, as a relative, you have the opportunity to be with the patient—rather than acting as a caregiver," says Jette Gaarn.

The Breast Cancer Association was established in 1999 and has since worked to ensure that breast cancer patients in Denmark receive rapid and accurate diagnosis, specialized treatment, and effective rehabilitation. The association's North Jutland branch has around 200 members and serves as a non-binding meeting place for people who have or have had breast cancer.

Here, we can discuss both serious and lighter topics. What we have in common is that our cancer diagnosis has given us a different outlook on life, and we can see ourselves reflected in each other. Being part of the community means a lot to me—I'm always in a good mood after we've been together, says Jette Gaarn, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. She underwent breast-conserving surgery and subsequently received chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Today, she is cancer-free but lives with the late effects of the treatment.

The association regularly holds events based on members' wishes – from professional presentations to wellness evenings and visits to sensory gardens.

"Among other things, we held an evening with Tine Kalstrup from Kalstrup Livstilshus in Blokhus, who herself has had breast cancer. Tine is a styling coach, and she gave us valuable advice on style and clothing. It was a fantastic evening, which we hope to repeat," says Jette Gaarn.

In addition to community-building activities, the association also works to raise awareness of issues such as the long-term effects of cancer and future treatment options.

"One in seven women gets breast cancer, so this is an extremely important area. Being part of the association's work means a lot to me—it makes me feel good to be able to make a difference, both for current and future patients," says Jette Gaarn.

According to the Breast Cancer Association, almost 76,000 people in Denmark have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Every year, approximately 5,000 women (equivalent to 1 in 8 women) and 45 men are diagnosed with the disease. 1,200 breast cancer patients suffer a relapse (metastatic breast cancer).