TAMPA, Fla. — Getting diagnosed with breast cancer is difficult, and navigating the medical treatment process can be even more stressful.

It is why a Tampa Bay woman has created "Believe," a cancer foundation to help support patients on their journey towards recovery.

What You Need To Know

  • "Believe" is a cancer foundation providing support and education to cancer patients.
  • Nelcy Baltz is a cancer survivor and wanted to help other patients just like her.

  • The foundation asks the community to help donate to purchase items patients need through their journey.

Something as simple as doing her hair makes Nelcy Baltz happy.

“I can’t believe it’s been a year and a half. I lost most of my hair,” she says.

Baltz is a breast cancer survivor, and she says the journey hasn’t been easy. “This is the hair that survived the chemotherapy, but this one is brand new hair that is growing.”

The experience is leading her to a lot of new things. One of the most significant is launching “‘Believe.”

“I remember when I was sitting there getting my treatment, and I look around and see all these people in the same situation," she said. "I was like, 'What can I do to help them? How can I give something?'”

Through her foundation, she will be offering support groups for cancer patients.

She says having someone who understands what you’re going through first-hand is critical. She is also hoping to educate people about things that can make the process easier.

Baltz says these are items that can help, such as a comfort box, implants and a mastectomy pillow.

She wants other breast cancer patients to know they’re not alone. 

“Anybody who is going through this journey can come over and they can get guidance, help and support," she said.

She is grateful to have a community who supported her, and she wants to expand that now to support others.

Baltz said future plans for the foundation include buying a home where cancer patients can participate in group sessions there and create a space where they can feel supported.