About Breast Friends

Breast Friends - a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for breast cancer patients.

Welcome to our web-site. We hope you find inspiration and ideas within these pages.

Often, breast cancer patients, especially the newly diagnosed, are in the greatest emotional pain, but are the least able to ask for help. Breast Friends teaches the friends and family of cancer patients specific ways to offer support, helps them understand what the patient is going through, and suggests useful resources for the patient and her family.

Addressing a woman's cancer is a sensitive issue, but we all want to help. However, friends often worry about not doing it "right". As a result, time passes, and to avoid doing it "wrong," we often don't do anything at all. Then, more time passes, and by then we are too embarrassed to pick up the phone and make the call. The message of Breast Friends is that it's never too late to make contact and provide useful and appreciated support to those we love who are facing this terrible disease.

We accomplish this goal through two basic avenues:

1. Public Speaking
2. Survivor Support

Breast Friends has developed several different programs to help assist patients and their friends and family members. Breast Friends believes that no woman should go through the breast cancer experience alone but unfortunately, it happens. We find that even with women with friends and family in the area, don’t always receive the kind of emotional, spiritual or physical support they need. Our programs are designed to aid in making sure this doesn’t happen.

Breast Friends Projects and Programs

FIRST I CRY

The First I Cry packet is a pink envelope with a printed message of hope and "welcome to the sisterhood." Inside is a silk screened handkerchief with the Breast Friends logo, along with a list of contacts for area support groups and a feedback card. The most important piece inside the packet is a sealed envelope with the instructions to, "Give this to someone who cares." In the sealed envelope is a special message to the potential care-giver about the role they will play in the survival of their friend or family member along with some practical tips on how to help.

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VOLUNTEER MATCH PROGRAM

Breast Friends has also put in place a Volunteer Match program that is designed to provide additional support for women with or without friend and family support. Our volunteer can help the patient through this difficult time by providing her with emotional, physical, spiritual, and social support. Whether the patient needs a shoulder to cry on, help with household chores, someone who can listen, and understands the fear and loneliness that accompanies a cancer diagnosis, Breast Friends’ Volunteers are there when needed most.

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H.A.T.S. PROJECT

Breast Friends understands the importance of a healthy attitude as it relates to healing. Our H.A.T.S. Project (Healthy Attitude to Survive) is one way we help women who are experiencing the devastating affects of hair loss due to chemotherapy. Breast Friends gives these hats to help these women recapture their sense of humor.

"I totally loved my hat and of all the hats I've given away since my hair grew back I have kept this hat. It reminds me of my courage that I endured during my breast cancer. The hat was so comfortable. I had a few cheap department store hats but my Breast Friends hat was so comfortable and the quality of it is excellent. This hat is a great gift to give to anybody who is suffering breast cancer."

"Pami DeFraia

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Cancer Support Group Behind Bars

Breast Friend's volunteers meet with women in Coffee Creek Correctional Facility several times a month and discuss their cancer diagnosis, dispel myths and create bonds. It’s a great opportunity for the inmates to open up about their feelings, fears and concerns around cancer.

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Recent Community Event Photos

The health-related information and resources on this website are provided for general information purposes only. They are never intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and may not be applicable to any particular condition. Always consult a qualified medical professional for the diagnosis or treatment of any disease or other health concern or before beginning a fitness regimen. Some of the content and health resources found on this site are provided and maintained by other parties. Though we strive to obtain such materials from reliable sources, they may contain inaccuracies or outdated information. We do not endorse or guarantee any of these materials. Please use these materials only in conjunction with the advice of a qualified medical professional. Neither Breast Friends nor any of its volunteers or staff will be responsible or liable for any claim of loss or damage resulting from the use of this site or the information and resources contained in or accessible through this site.

In The News

Several thousand Oregonians to be added to Oregon Health Plan's Standard benefit package.

For the first time since mid-2004, the Oregon Health Plan is preparing to accept new enrollees for its Standard benefit package.

The Standard benefit package serves low-income Oregon adults ages 19 to 65 who do not qualify for traditional Medicaid but earn less than the federal poverty level ($20,650 annually for a family of four).

Beginning Jan. 28 and lasting through Feb. 29, Oregonians who believe they might qualify for OHP-Standard may put their names on a reservation list by calling a 60-line phone bank, sending an e-mail or using U.S.Mail. Shortly after Feb. 29 the Oregon Department of Human Services will begin drawing names from the reservation list, using recognized random-selection methods. DHS then will send individuals whose names are drawn applications for OHP-Standard. Those applications must be completed and returned to DHS within 30 days.

Brighton Washington Square Donates to Breast Friends

Brighton feels that it's time to put an end to breast cancer. In the spirit of this heartfelt idea, their Designers have created a bracelet, necklace and matching earrings for this year's October Power of Pink promotion.

BREAST FRIENDS' CO-FOUNDERS RECEIVE "LOCAL HERO" AWARD:

Breast Friends co-founders Sharon Henifin and Becky Olson were honored with this years' "Local Hero Award" in a ceremony at Kuni BMW in Beaverton on Wednesday 9/25. The award, sponsored by Susan G. Komen for the Cure and BMW of North America, was given to the two women because of their outstanding work in the field of breast cancer awareness. The award was presented to Sharon * Becky, both breast cancer survivors, by Chris McDonald, Executive Director of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, as "community residents who have made an outstanding personal effort in the fight against breast cancer."

Using Your Strengths

Summer is in full swing around the country, but as we know, breast cancer doesn't take a vacation. Women are being diagnosed every day with this very scary and personal disease. It attacks our very core of femininity and our life. It forces us to look at our mortality, and even if it isn't you being diagnosed, it affects us all at a very basic level.

What Others Are Saying

"You two were wonderful, as usual!....people were hanging on your every word"!

    Kyra Jones - May 18, 2003
    Breast Cancer Community Control Manager
    American Cancer Society

"I admire the passion and commitment you bring to your work."

    Liesl Wendt - Education Program Manager
    Oregon & SW Washington Affiliate
    Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

"Their focus on supporting the caregivers, and family and friends of patients going through the cancer experience, is meeting a great, and often overlooked, community need. Their message gives wonderful information, strength and inspiration to the cancer patient's personal support network, helping them to better help their loved ones." rest of the letter...

    Jennifer Schwartz
    Community Cancer Control Manager
    American Cancer Society