Alyssa Beyer

Breast Friends

Breast Friends, founded in 2000 by two survivors, Becky Olson and Sharon Henifin, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for female cancer patients. Through our H.O.P.E. Program (Helping Others Provide Empathy) our organization teaches friends and family members specific ways to offer support, helps them understand what their loved one is going through, and suggests resources for the woman and for those who care about her. We also work with business owners and managers to provide webinars and training on how to properly support patients who are working through treatment or returning to the workforce after cancer treatment. Our other post-treatment program, "Thriving Beyond Cancer," is also available to hospitals and clinics throughout the U.S. This two-day workshop is for women who have completed treatment and are looking for a more fulfilled life after cancer. Breast Friends believes that no woman should go through the cancer experience alone; unfortunately, it happens. We find that even women with friends and family nearby often fail to receive the kind of emotional, spiritual or physical support they really need. Our programs are designed to aid in her recovery by making sure proper support is given and received.