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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Remembering Becky Olson, Co-founder Forever In Our Hearts

We remember the life and legacy of Becky Olson. There are no words to express the sadness that the Breast Friends community has experienced.  On April 24, 2021, Becky lost her battle to metastatic breast cancer. During her 25 years of battling breast cancer, she has impacted thousands of people. 

Becky co-founded Breast Friends along with her good friend Sharon Henifin in 2000. She dedicated her life to helping women survive the trauma of cancer…one friend at a time. It is through their dedication and commitment that they have inspired others to carry out the mission of Breast Friends. Breast Friends will continue to make a difference for years to come.

As host of the Breast Friends Cancer Support Radio, Becky had the opportunity to interview people from around the globe. The topics ranged from living with cancer, thriving beyond cancer, nutrition, side effects, exercise and more. You can hear these wonderful interviews on the Voice of America Health and Wellness Channel or your favorite podcast platform.

Becky will be truly missed for her infectious smile, sense of humor and perseverance. She will be forever in our hearts and her legacy will continue to make an impact.  Read more about her life and legacy here. KGW also honored Becky with a wonderful tribute.

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!

Allison Hancock

Executive Director

Michelle Beck

Patient Programs Assistant

Alyssa Beyer

Patient Support Coordinator

Aimee Berg

Programs Coordinator 

Liz Brown

Event Coordinator

KEY VOLUNTEERS

Connie Sewing

Counselor

Laurie Svec

Hat Project

Marilyn Buckhalter

Hat Project 

Marianne McNally

GNO Leader

Andrea Jarvis

GNO Leader

Debbie Vuylsteke

GNO Leader

Linda Milford

Walk and Talk Coordinator

Debbie Ploegman

Walk and Talk Coordinator & Heart of A Warrior Mentor

 

Melissa Thomsen

Heart of A Warrior Mentor

Sharon Clark

Heart of A Warrior Mentor

Dema Blood

Heart of A Warrior Mentor

Nathalie Huber

Heart of A Warrior Mentor

Vickie Drischell

Heart of A Warrior Mentor

Angela Woolley

Heart of A Warrior Mentor

Briana Russell

Heart of A Warrior Mentor

Yvonne Nydigger

Volunteer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Laura Addonisio

Interim President

Dianna Henson, N.D., MScDUS

Vice President

Laura Willems

Secretary

Michelle Waddell

Treasurer

Leslie DeFrancq

Member At Large

Cory Collins

Member At Large

Jayne Scheckla

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.

Explore

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.

Learn More

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