23 News Reporter Natalie Kaplan has details on a new program at OSF St.Anthony's that's helping women cope with the illness both physically and emotionally.

"They say something you never forget, I have bad news you have breast cancer."

That's when Lisa Bruno comes in. Just 24 hours after Maureen Palka's diagnosis she got a call from Bruno. She's a breast cancer navigator at OSF St. Anthony's. Bruno's part of a new program called Bridges, that helps women cope with the illness.

More than 100 women have gone through the program, Lisa helps schedule their doctor's appointments, she explains medical terminology but most importantly she's a friend.

But there's also something special about Bruno. She's not just a health care professional she's also a breast cancer survivor and uses her experience to advice her patients.

Now these two friends, Bruno and Palka are celebrating Palka's last week of treatment and as Palka gets ready to move on, Bruno's preparing to make her next phone call.

Bridges is offered for free to all women diagnosed with breast cancer at OSF. So far, about 75% of those diagnosed have used Bruno to help them navigate through their treatments.