Friends Who’ve Been There, Ready to Help

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Most of us have known someone who has — or have ourselves — experienced breast cancer. One in eight women are diagnosed each year in the US.

Anyone touched by the disease, through their own or a loved one’s diagnoses, knows this: support is immeasurably important. From diagnosis to treatment and recovery, the experience typically involves fear, pain, confusion, and feeling alone.

Enter Breast Friends, an organization created in 2000 by friends and cancer survivors Becky Olson and Sharon Henifin. Becky and Sharon realized the need for a resource to help reduce the sense of isolation and fear that often came with the diagnosis. Through their own experiences, they knew family and friends were often unsure how to help.

In addition to supporting those personally experiencing breast cancer, the organization provides resources for family, friends, and co-workers.

Breast Friends is unique in that nearly all staff and volunteers are breast cancer survivors themselves. “People who contact us are really thankful to reach someone who understands what they’re going through,” says executive director Allison Hancock. “Those shared experiences and stories can really help.” While other breast cancer support groups exist, few are facilitated by breast cancer survivors.

“Ours is a community of women who understand,” Allison says. “Often, people will find us, go through the program, and in time, return to give back.”

Ways to give include supporting those going through breast cancer — with a compassionate listening ear, and supportive words. “For our Peer to Peer program, more mentors are always needed,” Allison says.

Businesses, clubs, and organizations are invited to host breast health presentations by Breast Friends, and donations to help sustain all of its programs are welcome.

Serving the Willamette Valley and Greater Portland, Breast Friends offers the following programs:
• Support groups and individual counseling
• Adventure Programs
• Latinx Community Outreach
• Brave & Beautiful (photography sessions)
• Hope Closet (bras, prosthetics, caps, scarves, wigs, post-surgery garments)
• Retreats
• Education Outreach
• HUGS (modest financial assistance)

To learn more (including upcoming events), or to get involved, visit breastfriends.org. Reach them at 503 598 8048 or mail@breastfriends.org.