Why this one's personal
In 2024, our founder Dara Levy got a diagnosis she didn't see coming: stage 1 breast cancer. Her mammogram came back clear. It was a follow-up ultrasound, ordered because she has dense breast tissue, that found it.
Dara met it head on. Surgery, then a month of radiation, and then, in her words, she was “good to glow again.” Today she's proud to call herself a survivor. Along the way, she learned what real support looks like, and how small things can carry someone through a hard stretch. So this October, we asked her: if your friend just got the call, what actually helps? Here's what she told us.
How to show up for her
Make the offer specific
“Let me know if you need anything” is kind, but it hands the work back to her. Try “Can I drop off dinner Tuesday or Thursday?” or “I'm doing a grocery run Saturday. Text me your list.” A yes-or-no question is easy to answer on a hard day.
Take one chore off her plate, for good
Choose something recurring, like school pickup, walking the dog or laundry, and own it for the month. If a group of friends wants to help, set up a shared meal calendar so she isn't fielding ten texts about who's bringing lasagna.
Be her treatment companion
Offer to drive her to appointments or sit with her during sessions. Radiation can mean daily visits for weeks (Dara's lasted a month), so a rotating ride schedule is a real gift. Bring a notebook, too. It's hard to absorb everything a doctor says when it's your body they're talking about.
Listen more than you advise
Ask how she's feeling today, then let her answer, even if the answer is “I don't want to talk about it.” Follow her lead.
Remember that “normal feels good”
Send the meme. Recap the reality show finale. Keep inviting her to things and make it easy to say no. A little normalcy during a crazy time feels good.
Send texts that don't need a reply
“Thinking of you, no need to respond” gives her the love without adding to her to-do list.
Don't stop reaching out
Support pours in right after a diagnosis, but then it tends to fade. The weeks after surgery, the last day of radiation, the first follow-up scan: those are the moments to show up. Put reminders in your calendar so you don't miss them.
And if you want to send a little something, Dara has a few ideas.
Dara's gift picks
The best gifts make recovery a little more comfortable. These are the three Dara recommends.
Cozy PJs
Look for a soft, breathable set with a button-front top. After surgery, lifting your arms overhead can be tough, and gentle fabrics feel better on skin that's tender from treatment.
A comfort pillow
A small pillow made for after breast surgery tucks between the arm and chest to cushion the area and ease pressure. It's also a lifesaver against the seat belt on the ride home.
A healing meditation
Treatment is exhausting in ways that aren't only physical. A guided meditation gives her a few quiet minutes to breathe, rest and reset, whenever she needs them, and according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, mindfulness can help to reduce stress and boost immunity. The BCRF recommends this loving kindness meditation from UCLA.
How we’re giving back
This month, we're donating 25% of net sales from all Pop Pink devices sold on dermaflash.com to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, in support of their mission to prevent + cure breast cancer. Shop Pop Pink and Flash for the Cure!
