Being diagnosed with breast cancer can feel overwhelming for anyone, no matter what their age, but for two working mothers whose diagnosis came in their midtwenties, it was not the end of the world, just a change in their worlds. Thanks to an online breast cancer support group, they found the perfect match to help them through a trying time, and now they call themselves BFFs—“breast” friends forever.

Bridget DeSimone of Bethpage had just started her new job as a day program manager at an Alzheimer’s disease and dementia center when doctors diagnosed her with breast cancer at the age of 26. After she had a double mastectomy at Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Long Island Breast Surgery Associates—Garden City, and facing months of chemotherapy and radiation, her biggest concern was not herself, but her husband and their 18-month-old daughter. “I wasn’t asking why me, but why them?” she says.

At the same time, Nicole Seaman, a New York City police officer and mother from Ronkonkoma, faced a similar scenario. After searching a breast cancer support app that has a matching feature based on patients’ treatments, stage of cancer, and personal interests, Bridget found Nicole.
Bridget was able to help Nicole with childcare advice, while Nicole, who started chemotherapy three months earlier, helped Bridget get through six months of treatment. After her successful cancer treatment, Nicole gave birth to a baby. Her husband and children have become good friends with Bridget’s family, in what has turned out to be a match that endures.

“To hear a story like this is an inspiration, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In addition to the world-class surgery and treatments we provide, it shows that there are support groups to help our patients maintain their everyday lives,” says Zhanna Logman, MD, Bridget’s breast cancer surgeon at Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island. “Bridget, a model patient for us, spoke at a breast cancer summit to help others after undergoing breast reconstruction.”

The two friends say that while having cancer is never something they would wish for a friend or others, they believe the best thing that came from their mutual diagnoses was a blessing. “There’s always a silver lining, and I thank God for bringing us together,” says Nicole.

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Rosemary Gomez
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