CARE Project expands breast cancer support with end-of-life doula care

The CARE Project, Inc. in Riverside is adding end-of-life doula services for breast cancer patients facing terminal diagnoses or limited life expectancy. The nonprofit says the new offering extends its emotional support mission beyond treatment help and peer mentoring.

Why it matters: - The CARE Project is broadening breast cancer support beyond financial aid and peer mentoring to include non-medical help for patients and families at the end of life. - The new service is designed to reduce isolation, ease difficult conversations and support grieving loved ones. - The doula care is offered at no cost to patients who access the nonprofit's services.

What happened: - The CARE Project, Inc., a Riverside-based nonprofit, announced an expansion of its emotional support services on June 8, 2026. - The organization is now offering End-of-Life Doula care for people nearing the end of life or living with a terminal diagnosis. - Founder and President Carrie Madrid leads the new service. - Madrid is a Stage III breast cancer survivor. - Madrid said she found purpose in walking alongside people with limited time left and values the trust families place in her during that period.

The details: - Madrid earned a Certified CareDoula® designation from the School for Accompanying the Dying. - The End-of-Life Doula role provides holistic, non-medical support that complements hospice care. - Legacy projects help patients record life stories or create farewell messages for loved ones. - Vigil support means sitting with patients near the end of life and giving family members respite. - Advocacy and coordination help patients communicate final wishes, arrange a more comfortable environment and handle difficult conversations. - Bereavement support provides a compassionate presence for families during grief. - The CARE Project says its emotional support services are focused on the Inland Empire of Southern California. - The nonprofit also serves men and women nationwide through its "Men 2" program. - Since incorporating in 2013, The CARE Project says it has provided thousands of dollars in help for rent, utilities and treatment co-pays. - The nonprofit also offers peer mentoring, a Survivor Social Club and lymphedema care through a partnership with LymphaDivas. - The lymphedema partnership provides compression sleeves, gauntlets and gloves at no cost to survivors. - The CARE Project gives financial support for treatment co-pays, rent, utilities, groceries and transportation.

Between the lines: - The expansion signals a shift toward more whole-person care for breast cancer patients, especially as treatment, caregiving and end-of-life needs overlap. - The nonprofit is pairing practical help with emotional and advocacy services, which can matter most when families are navigating a terminal diagnosis. - The announcement frames end-of-life support as part of the same care continuum as cancer treatment assistance, not a separate service.

What's next: - Patients or families seeking support can contact Carrie Madrid at CMadrid@TheCareProjectInc.org, TheCareProjectInc.org or (951) 742-7405. - The CARE Project says it will continue offering direct grants, mentorship programs and end-of-life advocacy under its "Never Stop Caring" motto. - The nonprofit's broader mission remains focused on easing the financial and emotional burdens of breast cancer.

The bottom line: - The CARE Project is adding end-of-life doula care to fill a gap many breast cancer patients and families face when medical treatment is no longer the only concern.