Pink Deafies: Breast Cancer Support Group

The Pink Deafies is a breast cancer support group for Deaf women in Minnesota. United under the banner of a quilt, the women meet monthly to offer support to one another, to plan educational conferences, and to discuss how to reach out to more women who might benefit from the group’s work. In this way, the Pink Deafies are not like any support group in the hearing world.

Pink ribbon quilt square signed by Anita Buel

Because they are members of a close-knit community, their commitment spans years. If a member dies, the quilt is displayed at the funeral (with the family’s permission). If a member is diagnosed a second time, they find special ways to offer support.

When a new member joins the Pink Deafies, she is asked to sign her name to a quilt square. The signing of a person’s name is followed by food and socializing. It marks the beginning of that person’s journey to health and well-being.

Anita Buel, a founding member of the Pink Deafies, is a trained Community Health Worker (CHW) and a survivor of breast and ovarian cancer. She functions as a patient navigator for survivors of cancer and their families. View more information on Anita [PDF]

Signing On: The Film

Look for the premiere of the film Signing On, a story about ANITA BUEL, Deaf breast cancer survivors, and the founding of the Pink Deafies.

Signing On
Saturday, February 12, 2011
3:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Reception at 5:00 pm

St. Catherine University
Whitby Hall, Jeanne d’Arc Auditorium
2004 Randolph
St. Paul, MN 55114
View driving directions

Reserve your seat now!

The film Signing On comes from the very simple but important act of signing one’s name to the Pink Deafies quilt community. The dictionary defines the phrase “signing on” as: 1. to contract, to sign one’s name 2. to join 3. to go on, to endure, to remain

Deaf Culture and the Healthcare System