Helping women survive
the trauma of cancer, one friend at a time.

Breast Friends’ mission is to ensure that no woman goes through a diagnosis of cancer alone. Regardless of where you are in your journey, we are here for you. Helping you navigate this new and challenging path in your life with support and understanding.

ABOUT US Because We Walk In Your Shoes.

Co-founders Becky Olson and Sharon Henifin, both breast cancer survivors, realized the need for an organization whose purpose was to reduce the sense of isolation and fear that often came with the diagnosis. Becky and Sharon understood, through their own experiences, that family and friends, though well-intentioned, were unsure of how to help. They set out to build a community of support that would fill the emotional needs of women from the time of diagnosis through thriving beyond. With great pride, in 2000, Breast Friends was established. Because of their passion, we now do what we do. When you connect with Breast Friends you are connecting with a history of empathy, compassionate support, interactive programs and a sense of community. A constant reminder that two women built a haven in the storm of cancer and named it Breast Friends.

Always remember that the women at Breast Friends will walk with you on your journey, because we too have walked in your shoes.

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ABOUT USSurvivors & Professionals
Helping You
Celebrate Life

Breast Friends is a unique resource for women, their families and friends; striving to minimize the fear and isolation of cancer. Our staff of dedicated women, through their personal journeys, understand the challenges that a diagnosis can bring. They get it!

Becky Olson

Co-Founder

Allison Hancock

Executive Director

Yvonne Nydigger

Director of Programs

Michelle Beck

Patient Programs Assistant

Alyssa Beyer

Patient Support Coordinator

Ginger DeBorde

Patient Outreach Coordinator

Aimee Berg

Programs Coordinator 

Liz Brown

Event Coordinator

KEY VOLUNTEERS

Sally McSweeney

Newsletter

Jeanette Eyer

Office Support

Laurie Svec

Hat Project

Joanne Rognlien

Patient Support

Connie Sewing

Counselor

Christine Poulin

Young Warrior Coordinator

Marianne McNally

GNO Leader

Andrea Jarvis

GNO Leader

Debbie Vuylsteke

GNO Leader

Lisa Peters

Walk and Talk Coordinator

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Becky Olson

Co-Founder

Tricia Weaver

President

Laura Addonisio

Vice President

Michelle Waddell

Treasurer

Laura Willems

Secretary

Tanyis Brunscheon

Member at Large

Dianna Henson, N.D., MScDUS

Member at Large

Jackie Henderson

Member at Large

Julie Mullin

Member at Large

BOARD OF ADVISORS

David Page, MD

Advisory Board

Geff Zamor

Advisory Board

“Breast Friends has saved me emotionally through this stressful time in my life while navigating cancer. Just when I thought no one understood what I was experiencing, I found this incredibly beautiful community of women that get me. We immediately bonded and now have such a special sisterhood.”

Jessica Spencer, 2019

OUR MISSION For 20 years our programs have empowered thousands with emotional support and hope.

Breast Friends is a unique resource for women, their families and friends. We have created a community within our programs that helps minimize the fear and isolation of cancer; all while helping them celebrate the joys of life.

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FACT No matter who you are or where you live, breast cancer may touch your life.

In 2021, about 330,840 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. alone. Progress in treatment and early detection has led to improved survival for people of all ages and races, and with all stages of breast cancer. In fact, there are more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. today (more than any other group of cancer survivors)

Source: American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2021

Patient Programs

Our programs help patients and survivors rediscover their balance through our workshops, support groups, activities and one-on-one counseling. In addition, Breast Friends offers free treatment related accessories.

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Resources

Breast Friends is pleased to offer resources for patients who have been recently diagnosed, those undergoing treatment and for those facing challenges beyond.

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Events

Breast Friends offers a variety of community based fundraising events and activities yearly: Spring Gala, Summer Golf Tournament, Annual Luncheon and Open House. We welcome donations and sponsorships for all events.

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Get Involved

Breast Friends needs you to be on the frontlines to ensure that no woman fights cancer alone. We could not do the important work we do without our community involvement. Opportunities are available to volunteer, make a donation, host an event or create an online fundraiser to support our sisterhood.

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Breast Cancer Support Network

Hosted by Michelle Beck, Breast Cancer Support Network provides fresh, informative and inspirational topics weekly. Bringing together specialists in the field of cancer, integrative medicine, life coaching, and much more. We welcome guest speakers and sponsors.

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Breast Friends has been a crucial part of my breast cancer healing journey. I've gotten to document myself and my family in the Bald is Beautiful program; I've received support from Ginger and Yvonne being apart of the breast cancer support groups and even received a beautiful wig for free when going through chemo! I can't thank them enough for their continued support!

~ Christine

This year's Survivors Retreat changed my life. To spend a weekend surrounded by such incredible Warrior Sisters when I was so fresh from treatment was the inspiration I had no idea I so desperately needed. It left me uplifted, strengthened and with a new group of women I am lucky to call sisters.

~ Pixie

"A voice reaching out to me... I was not alone.... the pathway isn’t so dark when a “Breast Friend “ holds the light! She had been that way herself!"

~ Sandra