Jill Binkley was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. After two years of treatments, she was declared cancer-free, but the physical therapist was left with a number of survivorship issues. “I started to have a lot of physical issues with my shoulder and arms, experienced fatigue and went through emotional ups and downs,” recalled Binkley. “And, I realized that there was no rehabilitation or support during or after the surgeries, chemotherapies and radiation treatments.”
To fill the void, in 2003, Binkley launched Turning Point—a nonprofit organization that provides physical and massage therapy, counseling, education and support programs for women with breast cancer in the community.
Turning Point, based in Alpharetta, has become a place of comfort and strength for many women. Diane Jones is a part of the metastatic, or Stage 4, breast cancer group and has been coming to Turning Point for five years. “ The time we spend at Turning Point is filled with laughter and fun with some of your closest friends. Through the therapies, the counseling and luncheons, it really helps you maintain a positive attitude throughout this journey,” said Jones. “At the same, we hope one day that we won’t have to add new members to this group.”
The organization’s metastatic breast cancer group is provided free-of-charge and frequently hosts luncheons as a way to provide conversation and up-to-date research on the disease. Turning Point’s programs help women deal with physical issues as well as emotional issues such as body image, coping and stress, dealing with family and friends, nutrition and more.
The organization does not turn away women who seek it’s help because to Binkley, the message and mission remain simple. “We want to make Turning Point accessible to everyone because awareness of survivorship and dealing with these issues should be the norm,” added Binkley. “Women need to know that this therapy and support is out there and they don’t have to live with these issues alone.”
For more information on Turning Point, visit www.myturningpoint.org
In Other News: On Sun., Oct. 9, Perimeter-based restaurant Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar raised $6,000 for the Chattahoochee Nature Center based in Roswell. The money raised will go towards the nonprofit facility and its dedication to environmental education.
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