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Who We Are

Survivors & Professionals Helping You Celebrate Life

Breast Friends is a unique resource for patients, 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 person with understanding and compassion.

About Us

Meet Our Team

Allison Hancock

Executive Director

More about Allison

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.”

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Erin McNally

Events Assistant

More about Erin

Erin started volunteering and attending luncheons with Breast Friends in 2018 with her mom who was diagnosed in 2009 and joined Breast Friends in 2024 as the Events Assistant. Erin has always had a heart for making a difference in people’s lives and bringing joy to those she comes in contact with. She plans to do just that and more working with Breast Friends. In her free time, she likes to do anything outside, which often includes hiking and paddle boarding. Most summer weekends you can find her drag racing at the Woodburn dragstrip.

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Liz Brown

Events and Social Media Coordinator

More about Liz

Liz joined Breast Friends after being a key volunteer for two years.  She has focused on bringing the social media streams up to date and assisting with events and she will continue to do so. In addition, she will assist in launching new programs.  She is very passionate about helping women with cancer, as she lost her mother to breast cancer in 2008 and spent time working in medical community. In the past, she has also volunteered for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Girls on the Run and spent years in other school activities. Liz is married with two grown daughters and her house is rounded out with a dog and two cats.  In her free time, she enjoys travel, working out and enjoying the outdoors.

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.”

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Katje Johnson-Jacobs

Patient Programs Coordinator

More about Katje

After being diagnosed with Breast Cancer in January 2022, Katje called Breast Friends and immediately felt at home amongst other women in the support groups and activities she went to. After finishing treatment, Katje was ready to help ensure other people had the same support and love she felt. In June of 2023 she started working part time with Breast Friends.

In her spare time, she loves quilting, crafting, hiking and spending time with her grown children, her husband and their menagerie of pets.

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Jackie Branch

Jackie Branch

Community Outreach Coordinator - Latinx Programs

More about Jackie

As a Latina breast cancer survivor since 2022, Jackie brings a personal and professional perspective to her role as Community Outreach Coordinator - Latinx Programs at Breast Friends. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she understands the importance of culturally sensitive support and holistic wellbeing. With training in conflict resolution, health coaching, meditation, trauma-informed yoga, and holistic nutrition, Jackie is passionate about empowering others in the Latinx community. Her diverse background, which includes a bachelor’s degree in business management and experience in human resources, marketing, and occupational safety and health, brings a multifaceted approach to cancer support. Jackie has extensive experience conducting outreach activities, workshops, and trainings for Spanish speakers on topics such as workplace safety, health, and workers' rights. At home, Jackie lives with her loving husband Chris, son Sebastian, and their petite goldendoodle Max. She is committed to making a positive impact on her community and supporting individuals navigating their cancer journey.

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Our Board of Directors

Melissa Thomsen

President

Melissa Thomsen

Melissa is a breast cancer survivor, diagnosed in 2020 at the age of 48.  Melissa became involved with Breast Friends in the middle of her year long active treatment and has been involved ever since.  Prior to joining the board, she has served as a mentor and as a HUGS volunteer. She enjoys traveling with her husband, Rick and three children, Connor, Brooke and Ryker. Melissa spends a lot of time at the Oregon coast, hiking, and kayaking. In her prior professional career she has been a Development Director for The Dougy Center and Parrott Creek Child & Family Services among others.

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Michelle Waddell

Michelle Waddell

Treasurer

Michelle Waddell

Accounting and Finance Professional.  Diagnosed in 2001 at age 33. Michelle is a finance and accounting professional that has worked in multiple industries providing leadership as well as process and procedure redesign to companies looking to improve their financial and accounting proficiency. She has been married to her husband Mike for 29 years and loves to spend time with friends as well as travel.  She has been a Chemo Pal with the Children’s Cancer Society and spent 10 years supporting the National MS Society.

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Michelle Harrell

Michelle Harrell

Secretary

Michelle Harrell

Michelle is committed to helping others connect with their own self-healing capabilities, creating deeper connection to self and source. Prior to training as a Psilocybin Facilitator, Michelle enjoyed a successful international corporate career working primarily in Human Resources and Information Technology, supporting change programs. She soon realized how difficult change is for most people and enjoyed supporting others through their own life transitions, big and small.

Michelle’s own experiences with psilocybin created a paradigm shift in how she saw herself, how she saw the world and how she related with others, resulting in positive changes to her life overall. She felt called to pivot and make one of the biggest changes in her career, becoming a licensed psilocybin facilitator. She is excited and humbled to serve others as they embark on their own healing journeys to improved mental health, wellness, and relationships.

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Jennifer Mohan

Member at Large

Jennifer Mohan

Jennifer is a breast cancer survivor, diagnosed at the age of 36, and has been an active advocate for the cause since her own treatment journey. She became involved with Breast Friends during this time, initially contributing as a peer mentor. Her deep commitment to the cause eventually led her to join the board.

In her professional career, Jennifer specializes in business and retail operations, leveraging her expertise to help teams and brands scale and achieve sustainable growth. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys traveling with her husband, spending quality time with her family, and playing tennis.

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Tralice Lewis

Tralice Lewis

Member At Large

Tralice Lewis

Tralice Lewis, co-owner of Callie’s Custom Hat Wigs, draws inspiration from her mother, Callie Lewis, a dedicated hospice nurse whose compassion brought confidence to patients in their most vulnerable moments. Witnessing this impact fueled Tralice’s passion for helping others, leading her to create a space where individuals facing hair loss can regain their self-assurance.
With the unwavering support of her husband, Rayfield, and their sons, Royelle and Savion, Tralice launched Callie’s Custom Hat Wigs in Portland, Oregon, in 2020 with the help of MESO. As the only Black-owned wig store in the Pacific Northwest, it stands as a symbol of representation, empowerment, and inclusivity—welcoming all, including the LGBTQ2IA+ community.
With over 15 years in healthcare, Tralice deeply understands the emotional impact of hair loss. She partners with Kaiser Permanente Northwest and Providence Transition Medical to provide education and free wigs for those in need. Her advocacy extends to mentoring small businesses through MESO, inspiring future entrepreneurs.
Recognized for her contributions, Tralice received the 2024 Unsung Shero Queen Community Award and the Business Excellence MESO Award. Her influence also reaches the entertainment industry, collaborating with celebrities like Queen Lunelle and Tabitha Brown.
At Callie’s Custom Hat Wigs, Tralice creates more than wigs—she fosters confidence, love, and self-expression. Grounded in faith, she ensures every customer feels valued and uplifted. Because at Callie’s Custom Hat Wigs, “Wigs See No Color.”
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Kaisa Holt

Member At Large

Kaisa Holt

Kaisa became involved with Breast Friends in 2019, shortly after her breast cancer diagnosis. Since then, she has found strength, support, and community through Breast Friends, which has been a huge bonus to her journey as a cancer survivor. Kaisa is committed to making a difference in the lives of others facing similar challenges.
Currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at OHSU with a concentration in Health Promotion, Kaisa has a background in biology education research.
Outside of her academic pursuits, Kaisa is the proud mother of a wonderful 10-year-old boy. She enjoys weekend trips to the coast, hiking around Portland, yoga, and spending time with friends and family.
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Rebecca Durham

Member At Large

Rebecca Durham

Rebecca Durham is a passionate advocate for the breast cancer community. She brings extensive experience in corporate partnerships and fundraising, skills honed through a successful career in nonprofit development and sports. As the owner of Honeybee Blooms, a floral company based in Portland, Rebecca proudly supports Breast Friends through seasonal fundraising initiatives and awareness campaigns, using flowers to uplift, honor, and connect. Her commitment to community and healing continues to drive her work both personally and professionally.

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Alyssa Beyer

Alyssa Beyer

Member At Large

Alyssa Beyer

Alyssa was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at age 37 in 2017. After completing treatment, she found Breast Friends—connecting with a community of other young women facing cancer and forming lifelong friendships that continue to be an integral part of her life. With a strong belief that a person should feel empowered, understood and supported - Alyssa is driven by her firsthand understanding of how vital support and connection are during a cancer diagnosis. She is committed to the continuation and growth of Breast Friends and to ensuring no one goes through breast cancer alone.

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