– We were brought to tears when we were told that we received a donation of 5,000 kroner, says a very grateful Jette Gaarn, a member of the steering committee of the Breast Cancer Association North Jutland.

For Fonden Sol og Strand, represented by Margit and Kjeld, it is not the size of the amount that matters, but the difference it can make that is crucial. And for a volunteer-driven patient association like the Breast Cancer Association, 5,000 kroner can be felt deeply in the daily operations.

– That corresponds to an entire year's budget for our association. Therefore, the donation is of enormous significance to us, as we rely on foundation funds, membership fees, and support from private individuals, says Jette Gaarn.

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

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

– It was a very rewarding and moving visit. There is a warm, safe, and enveloping atmosphere, and you could clearly sense that as a relative, you have the opportunity to be with the sick person – rather than acting as nursing staff, says Jette Gaarn.

The Breast Cancer Association was established in 1999 and has since worked to ensure that breast cancer patients in Denmark can receive quick and accurate diagnostics, specialized treatment, and effective rehabilitation. The association's North Jutland branch has around 200 members and serves as an informal 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 the cancer diagnosis has given us a different outlook on life, and we can reflect on each other. For me, it means a lot to be part of the community – I am always in a good mood when we have been together, says Jette Gaarn, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 – she underwent breast-conserving surgery and subsequently received chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Today she is cancer-free but lives with late effects from the treatment.

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

– We have, among other things, held an evening with Tine Kalstrup from Kalstrup Livstilshus in Blokhus, who has also had breast cancer. Tine is a styling coach, and she gave us valuable advice on style and clothing, and it became a fantastic evening that we hope to repeat, says Jette Gaarn.

In addition to community-building activities, the association also works to increase focus on late effects after a cancer journey and future treatment options.

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

According to the Breast Cancer Association, nearly 76,000 people in Denmark have a breast cancer diagnosis. Each year, about 5,000 women (equivalent to 1 in 8 women) and 45 men receive the diagnosis. 1,200 breast cancer patients experience a relapse (metastatic breast cancer).