Community Partner: Turning Point Breast Cancer Rehavilitation

Only one metro Atlanta organization focuses exclusively on breast cancer survivorship. TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation is a game changer for female and male breast cancer patients on a shared, common journey to feel better faster, return to activities enjoyed before a breast cancer diagnosis, and ultimately, become cancer free. This nonprofit organization provides myriad critical services under one roof, including physical therapy, massage therapy, counseling, exercise classes, and education programs.

TurningPoint launched in 2003 when Jill Binkley, a trained physical therapist and two-time breast cancer survivor, saw firsthand the void in survivorship care that existed when one completes treatment, be it chemo, radiation, or surgery. With less than 10% of all breast cancer patients being advised of the importance of participating in exercise/rehabilitation in order to regain full range of motion and strength, Binkley had a vision to make a difference in this area.

For the past 15 years, over 4,300 patients of all ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds have visited TurningPoint. Roughly a quarter of all patients depend on financial assistance in the form of reduced fees or complimentary services.
I vividly remember first hearing about TurningPoint from the volunteer nurse at my chemotherapy treatment, said Ashley Franks, a former TurningPoint patient and mother of three. During that very first physical therapy session, I was able to lift my arms above my head. One memory I will never forget was when the therapist told me that I could start to slowly hold my son, Hudson. I sat in that office just crying tears of joy. I obviously hurried home and picked him up, spinning him around in that remarkable moment.

Five years ago, TurningPoint moved from a 1,000-square-foot office in Johns Creek to a clinic nearly three times larger on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs. The new location is more accessible to patients by car and public transportation. A loyal, compassionate, and talented staff of 15 full-time and part-time employees, all of whom have some personal connection to breast cancer, welcome visitors to TurningPoint with open arms and friendly faces. All are eager to help, assuage many concerns, and provide hopeful answers to lots of questions.

As I began my breast cancer experience feeling both scared and broken, I had heard from a few friends about TurningPoint and just filed it away until finally, in October 2015, I entered the glass doors that would change my life forever, said former patient Stephanie Scalise. Each person I came in contact with helped me from my physical therapist to all those fellow patients joining in weekly Pilates classes. TurningPoint, as my husband and daughters so proudly say, gave us back our mom.

The organization raises funds for its operations from individuals, corporate donors, and foundations. Also, be sure to save the date for TurningPoints annual signature fundraiser, the Pink Affair, which will be held March 28, 2020, and draws a diverse crowd of over 500 attendees.

TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation
8010 Roswell Road, Suite 120 Atlanta
770-360-9271
MyTurningPoint.org