Beverly woman’s breast cancer journey shows the healing power of girlfriends

National Girlfriend Day, observed on Aug. 1, means a little more this year for Beverly resident Elizabeth Hurley.

After a breast cancer diagnosis, chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and radiation, Hurley says her girlfriends Katie Avila and Heidi Mesa helped her feel less alone by doing something profoundly simple: They kept showing up.

Subscribe

"They were just there for me, no matter what," Hurley said. "They never let anything stop me. During treatments, we still went out. We still did things."

Dr. Barbara Krueger, medical director of the Breast Cancer Program at Advocate Christ Medical Center, says friendship can help cancer patients feel supported through treatment and recovery.

"Cancer care is never only about surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. It is also about helping patients feel seen, supported and strong enough to keep moving forward," Krueger said. "Elizabeth's story is a beautiful reminder that friendship can be part of healing."

Hurley, 43, was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2025. She completed chemotherapy in December and underwent a double mastectomy in January. Today, after completing radiation therapy in April, Hurley is cancer free. Through it all, Avila and Mesa helped her hold on to normal life during an uncertain time.

Hurley, who works as a laboratory supervisor in La Grange, first met Avila years ago in a health care leadership class. The two did not immediately click. Hurley arrived dressed up and wearing the sparkles she loves, and Avila wondered whether her new classmate could be serious. A group project changed everything, and by the end of the semester, they were inseparable.

Years later, Mesa, Avila's childhood friend and Hurley's co-worker when she worked at Advocate Christ Medical Center, joined the group.

"Your girlfriends are the people you pick," Hurley said. "They're the ones you show up for, and they show up for you without obligation. You can get through a lot of things by yourself, but when you have good girlfriends, you don't have to."

That support also comforted Hurley's husband, Frankie.

"Good girlfriends make family feel OK to experience some of their emotions," Hurley said. "Frankie knows how important they are. He liked the fact that they were there for me."

Dr. Krueger says friends often want to help after a cancer diagnosis but may worry about saying the wrong thing or not knowing what to do. She advises ignoring the urge to wait for the perfect words or instructions. Instead, be present, offer specific help and keep showing up.

5 ways to support a friend through cancer or serious illness

1.Show up without waiting for the perfect words: A quiet visit, a text before treatment or a ride to an appointment can speak louder than advice.

2.Help life feel normal: Invite your friend to dinner, a walk, a game or a favorite activity when she feels up to it. Illness does not erase the need for joy.

3.Take something off the list: Offer specific help, such as dropping off groceries, coordinating meals, walking the dog or sitting with your friend during treatment.

4.Support the whole circle: Check in on spouses, children and parents, too. Serious illness affects everyone who loves the patient.

5.Keep showing up after treatment ends: Recovery can be emotional and unpredictable. Continue calling, visiting and making plans after the last appointment.