In early 2001, The Breast Cancer Fund approached Shanti with the idea of creating a breast cancer program that mirrored our programs for people with HIV/AIDS. Because of Shanti's worldwide reputation, TBCF considered us the best choice for providing desperately needed services in San Francisco. The goal was to provide practical and emotional support to economically disadvantaged, uninsured or underinsured women living with breast cancer.
 
The Shanti LifeLines Program was officially begun in early 2002 as a collaboration, with The Breast Cancer Fund providing breast cancer experience and Shanti providing the actual services.
 
As our expertise in dealing with breast cancer issues grew, The Breast Cancer Fund turned the operation over to Shanti, confident that women in San Francisco were receiving much improved services.
 
Now in its third year, the Shanti LifeLines Program has expanded its services to train other breast cancer organizations nationwide in Shanti's peer support model of care. With the support of US Representative Nancy Pelosi, Shanti has provided capacity building to the Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance as well as Johns Hopkins Breast Clinic in case management and volunteer services.
 
With the success of LifeLines came the realization that our L.I.F.E. Program could—and should—be adapted to help boost the immune systems of people with breast cancer. The program was currently piloted and we are in the planning stages of rolling out a program within the year.