The Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care is helping patients build lasting friendships.

Its BOLD (Bronx Oncology Living Daily) Buddies program pairs cancer survivors with cancer patients.

Betsy Gonzales says that she was devastated to find out she had breast cancer. Her BOLD buddy, Denise Mack, was able to create a strong enough support system to see her all the way to being cancer free.

Today, Gonzales is on the road to becoming a mentor so she can help coach a newly diagnosed cancer patient through the treatment.

Anyone interested in finding out more information about the BOLD Buddies program can email cancersupport@einstein.yu.edu.

To watch an interview on the BOLD Buddies program, click on News 12 Extra on Optimum TV channel 612.