Calendar

Becky Olson

David B. Page, MD

Beth Lyall-Wilson

Megan Deras Gardner

Laura Addonisio

Tanyis Brunscheon

Tricia Weaver

Sharon Henifin

Linda Adams

Geff Zamor

Gail LeVine

Dr. Henson

Recent Comments

Archives

Categories

Meta

COVID-19

Due to COVID-19, some events listed here may have been postponed or canceled.
Please check individual event websites for the latest details.

Dianna Bancke

Dianna was diagnosed with breast cancer in summer of 2003 and discovered Breast Friends that same year at the Portland Health Expo. She started volunteering with us in 2007 in the office and at events. She knew she found her tribe! Just a few short year later she joined our staff as the office manager and webmaster.

Breast Friends Co-Founder & Radio Show Producer and Host

Motivational Speaker & Author

5 time survivor – Diagnosed 1996, 2004, 2009, 2017 and 2018

Becky co-founded Breast Friends is 2000, and is the host and producer of Breast Friends Cancer Support Radio on Voice America. As a motivational speaker, Becky is a sought after national speaker and travels all over the country sharing her experience and inspiring her audiences. She is the published author of, “The Hat That Saved My Life,” which was published in 2004 with a second printing in 2007 (also available on Kindle and Audible). She is a contributing author of several other books. Wife of nearly 40 years to Bill Olson, she is the mother of five, and grandmother of four, with an amazing rescue dog, Swayze.

Allison Hancock

Allison Hancock has been a breast cancer survivor since 2004. Allison began volunteering at Breast Friends in 2013 and now serves as Executive Director since 2018. She has been married to her husband Mark and they have two sons. Josh is currently at Oregon State studying mechanical engineering and Jeremy will be attending Oregon State in the fall of 2020. Go Beavers! Allison has lived on the Gulf Coast, East Coast and West Coast but loves the West Coast best. “The PNW has so much to offer and the scenery is spectacular”. When she isn’t involved with the day to day of Breast Friends, she enjoys reading, cooking and crafting. She says, “It is a great honor to lead this organization. Seeing the impact that the programs has made on the women we serve as they are navigating the cancer journey. Breast cancer is not a club that anyone wants to join, but it is comforting to know that Breast Friends is here to give hope, inspiration and a community of sisterhood.”

Michelle Beck

2 Time Survivor – Diagnosed in 2012 and 2017

Michelle came to us at Breast Friends in 2017 to volunteer and found support that she did not know that she needed. In early 2019 she was hired as the Patient Programs Assistant. In her free time, she enjoys exploring with her husband Nate, their son Jackson and their golden retriever, Apollo, in their travel trailer. She loves reading books, watching movies and is obsessed with true crime and paranormal podcasts. She is the leader of her son’s Cub Scouts Den and volunteers at his school. Her second journey with breast cancer has led her to a new career path as a Breast Cancer Advocate, working on a book to tell her story and speaking to audiences about how to move forward in the face of life’s trials.

Board Member since January 2016

Medical Oncologist

Providence Medical Group

Providence Portland Medical Center

In addition to providing compassionate and individualized care for patients with cancer, Dr. Page’s mission is to improve the quality of that care by dedicating himself to clinical research and by reflecting upon the unique experiences of each of his patients. Dr. Page’s research investigates new cancer treatment approaches that harness the ability of an individual’s immune system to recognize, attack, and eliminate cancer. Dr. Page grew up in Niagara Falls, New York, and spent much of his childhood cooking at his family-owned restaurant. He did his fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, N.Y. He is excited to join the Portland community, where in addition to advancing breast cancer care, he continues to be an avid cook, camper and dog owner.

Breast cancer survivor – diagnosed 2016

Beth has her PhD in engineering psychology and has been doing aviation safety research for over 30 years. She currently works as a lead aviation safety scientist for The MITRE Corporation. Prior to that Beth ran her own research company for 23 years conducting projects for the FAA, NASA, Boeing, many US and international airlines, and other certification organizations across the world. Beth loves to teach and has done consulting for small businesses on enhancing their policies and processes, as well as adjunct teaching of graduate-level aviation safety, research, and psychology courses.

Beth has a wonderful 10-year-old daughter who is the light of her life. She loves reading in all genres and spending time with friends talking about books, drinking wine, or enjoying all that Oregon has to offer.

Megan Deras Gardner, MS, CCN, CNS®, CKNS℠, CPT, FNS
Clinical Nutritionist
Megan is a graduate of the National University of Natural Medicine with a Master of Science in Nutrition and went on to earn the gold standard in nationally recognized certifications and credentialed with the Board of Certified Nutrition Specialists® (BCNS). One of only a few Certified Nutrition Specialists (CNS ®) practicing in Oregon, Megan employs several integrative care modalities to treat cancer, autoimmune conditions, diabetes and other chronic metabolic and inflammatory disorders. She is currently in the Level 1 certificate program to become a Diabetes Educator. As a certified clinical nutritionist, Megan works closely with her patient’s interdisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive, complementary care using a functional medicine approach. She also has experience in culinary arts and personal chef services.

Resume Highlights Include:
• Master of Science in Nutrition, National University of Natural Medicine
• Certified Personal Trainer, American Council on Exercise
• Board Certified Nutrition Specialist ®
• Certified Clinical Nutritionist, State of Washington
• Certified Ketogenic Nutrition Specialist℠
• Member of the American College of Nutrition
• Member of the American Association of Diabetes Educators
• Member of the Institute for Functional Medicine
• Secretary, Board of Directors, Breast Friends of Oregon™

Director of Supply Chain Management

Triple Negative breast cancer survivor – diagnosed 2017

Laura is an accomplished supply chain professional and leader with over 20 years experience. She has an MBA from the University of Oregon. Laura is a skilled negotiator known for finding common ground. Additionally, she is highly effective at building cross-functional individual and team relationships. Laura has benefited greatly from Breast Friends programs and the wonderful women that support their services. As a board member and volunteer she hopes to utilize her vast business network and vendor contacts to support Breast Friends growth now and into the future.

She is married to her beautiful wife Debra of 17 years and together they have a wonderful daughter, Sarah. Sports play a huge role in our family. Many hours are dedicated to cheering Sarah on at soccer and basketball games. Time is also spent supporting the Portland Thorns, Blazers and Winterhawks, not to mention football Sundays spent around the television. Two great rescue dogs, Amy and Bounce round out their happy family.

Tanyis is the mother of two and married to Mike. Tanyis works in human resources and has been for about 20 years. In 2013 she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer and BRCA 1 and found her strength connecting immediately with other young women going through this journey. Through her desire to learn everything about her gene mutation she found her passion in educating others on the importance of genetic testing, she travels around the country as a patient speaker educating doctors and nurses on genetic testing and sharing her story.

About Breast Friends

Tricia has been an passionate supporter of the Breast Friends Board since 2012. Tricia works in the cancer community as an Oncology Sales Specialist for Eisai Inc previously at Myriad Genetics Lab plus has wealth of experience in business. Originally, she joined Breast Friends through sponsorship/playing piano for the the annual Joy of Life Gala. Having lost both her mom and mother-in-law to cancer Tricia is especially touched when she meets friends who feel isolated in their disease and connects them to Breast Friends for support. She knows her Mothers’ would be thrilled to know their light is going forward to help other women.

Is a 26 year breast cancer survivor and uses her experience to demonstrate compassion, thoughtfulness to others. She Co-founded Breast Friends in 2000 and has created many innovative programs serving women including those in Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. She has facilitated workshops and retreats. She co-hosts a Voice America internet radio show that educates and inspires people around the world on the subject of cancer. Sharon is a
Certified Professional Life Coach with certifications is NLP, and CBT and helps women to live their best lives. She is the author of “Thriving Beyond Cancer, Hope, Understanding and Validation for the Cancer Survivor” available on Amazon. Her latest passion is Breast Advocates
International, a non profit to “educate women as advocates to encourage early detection of breast cancer to reduce mortality in underserved counties.” Sharon loves to travel, both here in the states and to other countries. Sharon’s positive outlook on life, boundless energy and
selfless spirit radiate throughout all that she does.

Board Member since January 2014

Board Secretary

Diagnosed 2010

Linda brings with her a real passion for Breast Friends and its mission to help cancer patients. She has been a valued volunteer since 2010 and has been a speaker at the Joy of Life Fundraiser and Survivor Luncheon. As a board member and volunteer she strives to always be available to help in any way necessary from taking women to medical appointments for Breast Friends, chairing our decorations committee, or speaking at community events. Linda is also a spokesperson for early detection, she is passionate about speaking on the importance of breast self-exam. She received the Breast Friends coveted “Angel Award” in October 2017.

Geff Zamor is a video producer, web commercial director, and Content Creator. His production company, GMS Media and Advertising, has produced original content for brands and artists since 2007.He made his directorial debut with On the Job Training (2007), and has since directed commercials for Cheetos, CheezIt, Orville Redenbacher, Tarot.com, and a great many more. At GMS Media and Advertising, Geff and his team craft and deploy ad campaigns and empower brands to succeed.

Gail has been a strong supporter of Breast Friends since 2012. Gail is a Community Ambassador and promotes the valuable psycho-social support that Breast Friends provides within Oregon’s cancer clinics. She works for Incyte educating the oncologists in Oregon. She has been recognized by Eisai Inc. for her work with Breast Friends and won the 2014 Human Health Care Activity Award for the Americas and the Global HHC Encouragement
Award. She received the Breast Friends coveted “Angel Award” in October 2014

Dianna Henson, N.D. has been working in naturopathic medicine for the past 29 years, 18 of which have been focused on Intravenous Nutrient Therapy and women’s health. Dr. Henson graduated from the National University of Natural Medicine (formerly NCNM) in Portland, Oregon with her doctorate in naturopathic medicine. She is licensed as a primary care physician, board certified in naturopathic medicine with a specialty in intravenous nutrient therapy. She, along with her team members, enjoy working as part of the patient’s healthcare team to provide comprehensive, effective, integrative care for patients with cancer and chronic conditions.

Download for Android

Download for Mac

1

Breast Friends Annual Golf Tournament 6:00 am

Breast Friends Annual Golf Tournament @ Stone Creek Golf Club
May 26 @ 6:00 am – Jul 31 @ 7:00 pm

Tickets

Breast Friends 12th Annual Joy of Life Golf Tournament – Covid-19 Edition Our team has creatively planned a way to maintain a healthy and safe environment for all while still allowing you to enjoy a[...]

7

Life ABC Session # 3 11:00 am

Life ABC Session # 3 @ Life ABC # 3
Jul 7 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Tickets

Life ABC . . . After Breast Cancer – Session # 3 with Yvonne This is a closed three part workshop which will repeat. Please contact Michelle Beck to put your name down for a[...]

8

Metastatic Group 2:00 pm

Metastatic Group @ Metastatic Group
Jul 8 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Tickets

Metastatic Warriors Group. For further information or questions,please contact Allison Hancock: allisonhancock@breastfriends.org

10

Afternoon “On the Road” 2:00 pm

Afternoon “On the Road” @ Crumbl Cookies
Jul 10 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Tickets

Afternoon “On the Road!” The Way the Cookie Crumbles . . . After Cancer Join Yvonne Nydigger, Director of Programs, and your “sisters” for an IN PERSON meet-up with cookies and conversation, social distancing style.[...]

11

Warrior Zoom – Dr. Alex Speers – Sleep 11:00 am

Warrior Zoom – Dr. Alex Speers – Sleep @ Warrior Arrow
Jul 11 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Tickets

Warrior Arrow – Dr. Alex Speers will tell us about “Putting Breast Cancer to Sleep” Getting a good night’s sleep is an important part of any healthy lifestyle, and this is especially true in the[...]

14

Support Arrow – Yvonne 2:00 pm

Support Arrow – Yvonne @ Support Arrow with Yvonne
Jul 14 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Tickets

Support Arrow via Zoom with Yvonne Specifically for women in Active Treatment Please contact Michelle Beck for login information. michellebeck@breastfriends.org

18

Warrior Zoom Workshop – Myofascial 12:00 pm

Warrior Zoom Workshop – Myofascial @ Warrior Arrow
Jul 18 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Tickets

Warrior Zoom Arrow – Myofascial Release Please join us as Rachel Wachter and Corrie Black-Rofinot from Portland Myofascial Release will be here to tell us about how myofascial release can help with body aches and[...]

23

YW Support Group 6:30 pm

YW Support Group @ YW Support Group
Jul 23 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Tickets

Young Warrior Support with Yvonne For Zoom login information please contact Michelle Beck michellebeck@breastfriends.org

24

Happy Hour 4:30 pm

Happy Hour @ Happy Hour
Jul 24 @ 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Tickets

Happy Hour via Zoom! Join us for a Disney trivia night! For Zoom login information, please contact Michelle Beck michellebeck@breastfriends.org

25

Warrior Zoom – Bonnie Bonwell, Skin Care After Cancer 11:00 am

Warrior Zoom – Bonnie Bonwell, Skin Care After Cancer @ Warrior Arrow
Jul 25 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Tickets

Warrior Zoom – Bonnie Bonwell, B Bella Aesthetics, will host Skin Care After Cancer and Q&A. For further information, please contact Michelle Beck michellebeck@breastfriends.org