Patient Programs

The devil whispered, “You cannot withstand the storm.” The Warrior replied, “I am the storm.” Come join us and become a warrior. Breast Friends is dedicated to providing education, community and support.  We strive to be relevant, accessible and inclusive of all who want to participate and aim to empower those to thrive beyond their cancer diagnosis through experiencing a variety of activities and informative topics in a nurturing environment.  Addressing all aspects of oneself is critical to the healing process .  Please read more information about each of our programs below or contact us to learn more! at 503.598.8048 or via email at mail@breastfriends.org

Warrior Women Workshop Program

Workshops take place both virtually via zoom as well as in person around the Portland metro area. Topics can include educational sessions on common issues facing those confronted with a breast cancer diagnosis, such as lymphedema, sex after cancer, mindfulness strategies, and new research. Other workshops such as kayaking, gardening, & forest bathing are designed to nurture the spirit and physical body.  To register for workshops, please visit our registration page. For more information, contact our Programs Coordinator, Aimee Berg at 503.598.8048 or via email at aimee.berg@breastfriends.org.


Support for Newly Diagnosed and/or Active Treatment

Program

Recently diagnosed with breast cancer?
Starting or currently in active treatment?
Preparing for surgery or starting a new treatment? 

This is an opportunity to “meet” others who understand where you are, find support, ask questions and build community!  Here is some information on self advocacy from a recent workshop that was held. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or you’re finishing up treatment – you are welcome to join us!  We meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm via Zoom.

Hosted by a Breast Friends Staff member and volunteer who are also survivors!
Please check our calendar for the next date and contact Allison Hancock allisonhancock@breastfriends.org.

No registration required 

 

Adventure Warrior Program

Carpe Diem! Adventure warrior activities empower women to thrive, believe in their own mental and physical strength, face their fears in a safe supportive environment and have lots of fun! Opportunities take place periodically throughout the year. Please check our calendar for upcoming adventures or contact our Programs Coordinator, Aimee Berg at aimee.berg@breastfriends.org.

Metastatic Warriors

Program

Breast Friends Metastatic Warriors group will provide a safe space to connect with others coping with metastatic breast cancer. The group welcomes any woman who has been diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer. This will be an opportunity for women to discuss their unique challenges and issues they face. There will be guest speakers who will join us from time to time.

Meetings are scheduled for the 2nd Wednesday of each month. For more information, contact Allison Hancock via email at allisonhancock@breastfriends.org or call 503-989-9904.

Girls Nite Out Support Groups

Breast Friends supports sisterhood, and we all need girlfriends! Girls Nite Out Support Groups are a time to share our cancer journeys, interests and make new friends. Click here for a list of locations and coordinators in the Oregon.

Walk and Talk Groups

The Walk & Talk Groups are a great way for women going through a diagnosis of cancer to get out and move! Our walks and outdoor activites are designed to help women find the joy of movement amidst the lush beauty of the Pacific Northwest while making new friends. For a listing of walks please check our calendar or contact Aimee Berg our Program coordinator at aimee.berg@breastfriends.org.


 Creative Connections

This art based program meets once a month to explore various topics related to the human experience through art. It’s a fun, reflective, judgment free, safe space where creativity leads us on a journey of self expression and connection. Find out why art can be a useful tool in healing after a breast cancer diagnosis.  Creative connections provides a time and space for self care, stress release and an opportunity to connect with ourselves and others in a meaningful way.  No prior art experience is necessary to participate. To register please visit our registration page. For more information, contact our Programs Coordinator, Aimee Berg at  aimee.berg@breastfriends.org.

Warrior Hugs

Breast Friends is able to help with small financial requests such as grocery or gas gift cards for women with a breast cancer diagnosis living in Oregon/SW Washington.

Application for this program is through your provider. Ask your Nurse Navigator or Social Worker for details. If you have any questions, contact Liz Brown at lizbrown@breastfriends.org.

 

Heart of A Warrior Mentor Program

A mentorship program designed to provide one-on-one support to women with breast cancer. Mentors are women who have been involved in our community and a part of our programs. They have volunteered to walk alongside those who are new to Breast Friends. Mentors will be trained and supervised by Breast Friends staff and mentees will be matched with their mentor based on several criteria. Heart of a Warrior Mentors play a crucial role in helping support the Breast Friends mission, “to ensure no woman goes through a diagnosis of breast cancer alone”.

If you’re interested in becoming a mentor or feeling you could use a little extra 1:1 support from someone who understands what you’re going through, please contact Allison – allisonhancock@breastfriends.org.

 

Know Your Lemons Breast Health Education Program

We are very excited to have partnered with the global leader in breast cancer education for early detection, the Know Your Lemons Foundation.  We want the women in our community to have the best chance of beating their cancer and the best way we can save lives from breast cancer today is through early detection. The path to early detection? Screening and symptom awareness.  The Breast Friends staff has now been trained in the Know Your Lemons curriculum so we can provide this life-saving education to companies, organizations, churches, etc.  We will be helping to change the picture of breast cancer in our community and beyond! To learn more about bringing this program to your place of business, church, community groups or civic groups, please contact Allison – allisonhancock@breastfriends.org.

 

“The fellowship that Breast Friends programs  provide is priceless.  Meeting with other women who have been through cancer makes my journey easier to walk. Breast Friends is so valuable.” 

Glenna – A Warrior Sister

 Brave & Beautiful

As partners in your breast cancer journey, we believe that patients and survivors are beautiful from the inside out. Brave & Beautiful is a monthly Portland Metro Area program that offers a free professional photography session. Our photographer will help provide a generous dose of happiness and sisterhood. Please contact our Programs Coordinator,Aimee Berg at 503.598.8048 or email her at aimee.berg@breastfriends.org.

Hope Closet

Breast Friends offers a Hope Closet stocked with accessories such as mastectomy bras, breast prosthesis, caps, scarves, wigs and post-surgical garments. All of these items are available to the LOCAL Portland Metro/SW Washington area free of charge for women with limited or no insurance coverage. Please contact our Executive Director, Allison Hancock via email at allisonhancock@breastfriends.org.

WE ARE NOT ACCCEPTING DONATIONS OF WIGS, BRAS OR OTHER ITEMS AT THIS TIME.

Health and Wellness  Retreats

Our weekend retreats, at the Oregon Coast, provide guidance for women who have finished their cancer treatment. The three-day, two-night retreats are offered for a fee that includes workshop materials, food and lodging. Our next retreat will be in 2024.  If you have any questions please contact Allison Hancock at 503.598.8048 or via email at allisonhancock@breastfriends.org.

Counseling Services

Dr. Sewing is a professional counselor and cancer survivor helping patients, survivors and their family members with marital and family issues, depression, anxiety, lack of energy. sexuality & intimacy and communication identity concerns. Free counseling services are available Fridays and Saturdays by appointment. To make an appointment contact our counselor Dr. Connie Sewing at 415.828.2312 or email her at constancesewing@gmail.com. We encourage a donation to Breast Friends to enable us to continue providing this valuable and free service to our community.

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