A breast cancer diagnosis is a scary thing, but having someone there who has been through the same experience can be a tremendous support, Jennifer Lay, media coordinator for the American Cancer Society, said.

The American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery program provides that support to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. The program will grow and offer additional support with a training for new Reach to Recovery volunteers.

The American Cancer Society will train interested volunteers at the Reynolds Cancer Support House at 3324 South M. Street in Fort Smith, Ark., from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 29, Lay said.

The Reach to Recovery program matches volunteers who are breast cancer survivors with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, or anyone with a concern about breast cancer, to help them meet the emotional, physical and cosmetic needs related to the disease and its treatment.

Reach to Recovery volunteers are carefully chosen and trained by the American Cancer Society. Volunteers must be at least one year post-treatment for breast cancer and meet the following criteria:

Be well-adjusted and emotionally stable.

Have knowledge of personal ethics.

Maintain confidentiality.

Participate in ongoing training updates.

Those who are breast cancer survivors and are interested in becoming a Reach to Recovery volunteer, call the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House at (800) 262-9917 or (479) 782-6302, or visit www.cancer.org, Lay said.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.