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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 to 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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Workshop: “Thriving Beyond Cancer”

Sharon Henifin conducts a four week workshop for women after breast cancer treatment has finished. Topics to be discussed will include: The New Normal, What’s Next, Who am I after breast cancer. This workshop is available through Breast Friends.

Here's what some are saying after attending the "Thriving Beyond" workshop: I appreciate Sharon’s enthusiasm and she is a wonderful motivator with lots of great ideas. It was a comfort to have this workshop to attend and to meet other women who know what breast cancer means and how it affects ones’ life and family. This workshop is a great start for someone who is recovering from a diagnosis & treatment and needs guidance and support to plan the rest of their lives. Kris Hunt

I really enjoyed the workshop. “Transitioning to Survivor” is a topic that no one talks about and yet it is so needed. Sharon’s positive attitude & energy was encouraging and helped me think about my dreams. The tools from the workshop were helpful as I continue on this journey. Lorraine Zumwalt

See more infomation on life coaching and how Sharon can help at Thriving Beyond

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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

Breast Friends takes message to international communities

October 2008 was a significant month for Breast Friends. Co-founders Sharon Henifin and Becky Olson had the opportunity to take the Breast Friends' message to the global breast cancer communities – in the Middle East and in the Cayman Islands.

Brighton Washington Square & Tanasbourne Will Donate Proceeds of 2008 Bracelet 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 receives $30,000 grant

Breast Friends recognizes the impact that breast cancer has not only survivors, but on their friends and family members as well. The organization works to provide support to both survivors and co-survivors, through programs that address the needs of the patient during treatment and afterward, while also educating the patient's family members and friends on what they can do to be of help to their loved one while going through the cancer journey.

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."

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What Others Are Saying

"As a grantee, Breast Friends is one of our greatest success stories."

     Christine McDonald-Executive Director
     Susan G. Komen for the Cure
     Oregon and SW Washington Affiliate

" When I first wore "the hat" I experienced a whole new, and unexpected, reaction; both from myself and others. I smiled, I didn't feel sick, I dressed a little nicer and a little bit of bounce returned to my step. Friends laughed with me when they read the inscription. Strangers would steal a glance to see what the hat said, then smile and make eye contact with me, a reaction that I love. My hat tells the world that I'm going to beat this disease and I will be a better person on the other side of this trip."

     Anne Koopman
     Breast Cancer Survivor Diagnosed 2006