Rockford Women Founded Breast Cancer Support Group
The local Facebook group Breasties connects nearly 250 area women navigating a breast cancer diagnosis.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Cancer
Founded in 2019, the Facebook group Breasties provides a social platform for women in the Rockford area to share experiences regarding treatment and daily life. The group currently supports nearly 250 members.
Why it matters
The founders created this group to provide specialized support for women facing breast cancer at an age younger than the typical demographic. This community helps ensure that diagnosed women do not feel alone while navigating their treatment journeys.
The Breasties group currently connects nearly 250 women in the Rockford area who were diagnosed with breast cancer. While the typical age threshold for many breast cancer statistics is 50, this group focuses on supporting women diagnosed at younger ages.
The players
Ashley Rogers
A co-founder of the Breasties support group who continues to manage the page for local women.
Brittany Long
A co-founder of the Breasties support group who helps facilitate community connections.
Melissa Stucky
A co-founder of the Breasties support group who passed away from breast cancer in 2024.
The details
The founders maintain the page to foster connection among women managing breast cancer. The group serves as a dedicated space for members to exchange personal insights regarding their medical treatment and daily experiences. By connecting those facing the disease younger than the common demographic, the group provides a specific peer-to-peer support network.
Timeline
The Facebook group Breasties was established in 2019.
Founder Melissa Stucky died from breast cancer in 2024.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month occurs in October 2026.
Health Landscape
Breast cancer is identified as the second-most common cancer among women in the United States. This group operates as a local social response to the clinical reality of breast cancer diagnoses occurring outside traditional age-based screening benchmarks.
Connecting with peer support groups can be a valuable part of a patient's care plan, offering a space to discuss daily life alongside formal medical treatment. If you are navigating a new diagnosis, consider discussing the benefits of local support communities with your oncology team.
The takeaway
Peer support networks provide critical emotional continuity for women managing cancer diagnoses at younger ages. Patients looking for community resources should consult their primary care provider or oncology social worker to find reputable support groups in their area.
Further reading
For more information on navigating diagnosis and care, visit Cancer.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rockfordnewsfirst.
