Joy and Billy Bivona: Volunteer Profile
“Mamma Jamma is near and dear to our hearts because we have directly benefited from the money provided to the Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC), the Sustainable Food Center (SFC) and Team Survivor and the vital services these organizations provide. And because Mamma Jamma is an absolute blast!
Like so many, cancer has touched our lives many times over. We have lost parents, aunts, uncles and friends to this dreaded disease. We are thankful to have survivors in our lives, too. For over 20 years, we have supported cancer organizations and had a good understanding of the services that were available. The funny thing is that when Joy was diagnosed in 2014 her first inclination was that she did not need them. She felt like these resources should be saved for those without the support of a loving husband, family and friends. Plus, it is so hard to ask for help. Thankfully, her surgeon’s office manager connected her with BCRC. BCRC has introduced Joy to a wealth of resources she would never have known about.
After meeting with a BCRC navigator, we were prepared for the discussions with Joy’s oncologist and were able to make informed decisions. Since the navigator had lived through cancer herself, she was able to counsel Joy on what to expect during and after treatment. One of the greatest facets of the BCRC services is the support provided to caregivers. After the first meeting with the navigator, Joy’s hands were full of books for both of us. These books became our “bibles” for the first few months and are still great resources for us today. When we decided that chemotherapy and radiation were in Joy’s future, the navigator comforted Joy while she gently shared the realities of what was to come. BCRC Patient Navigators provide a holistic approach to education, counseling and comfort. Six years later, BCRC continues to be a source of comfort and support in our lives. What BCRC provides is unique in the medical industry and is something we wish for every person that has to fight this disease to have.
Joy was able to participate in the Sustainable Food Center’s “Cooking After Cancer” class and has cherished the opportunities afforded to her through the SFC. They play a significant role in many cancer patients’ lives by bringing education and nourishment to those in need. Team Survivor is a big part of Joy’s life now. The fitness opportunities they provide are amazing! Joy has been able to experience activities she has always wanted to try like rowing and boxing. There are many different types of classes available for every level of fitness. Team Survivor has created a group of members that feels like a family.
We found out about Mamma Jamma through BCRC. We had so much fun the first year we volunteered that we have made it a priority ever since. It is the most fun bike ride in existence! The first year we were fortunate to be assigned the first rest stop. We were finished supporting and cheering the riders on early in the day. After we packed up, we headed back to the main event area and started helping with the finish line. What an honor it is to be able to thank every rider with a medal and cold towel as they cross the finish line! The riders are so appreciative. It is one of the things that makes this ride so unique. Volunteering for Mamma Jamma is a highlight of our year. It is very rewarding and makes us so happy to be a part of such a wonderful organization.
It is mind-boggling the number of resources and connections that are made with the dollars raised by Mamma Jamma. They are a true gift to the breast cancer community and really do make a difference in so many ways!” -Joy and Billy Bivona
Ezra Rodriguez, Communications Intern