About Us
For 23 years Breast Friends has been providing emotional support to women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Our dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to support all women from the moment of diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.
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. Through their own experiences through cancer, they have found hope and want to share that with others. They come alongside each woman with understanding and compassion.
Allison Hancock
Executive Director
Aimee Berg
Patient Programs Coordinator
Liz Brown
Events & Social Media Coordinator
Katje Johnson Jacobs
Patient Programs Assistant
Brooks Fuentes
Patient Outreach Specialist
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.
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.
KEY VOLUNTEERS
Linda Milford
Walk and Talk Coordinator – Westside
Debbie Ploegman
Walk and Talk Coordinator – Eastside
Karen Beall
Walk and Talk Coordinator – Vancouver
Connie Sewing
Belinda Martin
GNO Leader – Tigard
Marianne McNally
GNO Leader – Salem
Andrea Jarvis
GNO Leader – SE Portland
Debbie Vuylsteke
GNO Leader – Hillsboro
Marilyn Buckhalter
Volunteer
Linnea Gerwitz
Volunteer
Helen Condon
Volunteer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Laura Willems
President
Michelle Waddell
Treasurer
Leslie DeFrancq
Vice President
Melissa Thomsen
Secretary
Cory Collins
Member At Large
Ron Merryman
Member At Large
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