Testimonials

"There are several "support groups" in my area, but none that seem to hit the mark the way Breast Friends has. Thanks again for your generosity of spirit and reaching out to me."

—Wanda E. Zygmuntowicz
President, CUSTOMERicity, LLC

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“Super idea and a great website too. People the world over could benefit from your ‘22 ideas.’ Thanks for the site and all that you are doing.”

—Carol Owens

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“I like the friendship, the openness… you ladies were great. You put tears in my eyes. I truly enjoyed listening to you.”

—Kelly Warren

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“It was beautiful, warm, witty and from the heart. I really enjoyed you! Your attitude is exuberant and contagious!"

—Marcia Smith

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“One of the best presentations we’ve ever had!”

—Ruth Melvin
Director of Community Relations
St. John’s Hospital Survivor Celebration and Education, Longview, WA

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"I want to commend Breast Friends for the services they provide to the community. I sell Cancer Insurance and as a result, become one of the first people to learn about cancer diagnosis from my clients. It's a relief to have been exposed to Becky and Sharon's expertise about how to help someone at this point. They give hands on examples of what someone who had been diagnosed with cancer is going through and help those of us around them to actually say and do things that make a positive difference in the lives of newly diagnosed cancer patients. I have personally used Breast Friends advice on how to best help someone handle a new diagnosis of cancer."

—Susan Stohl
Aflac Agent

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"It was wonderful to have you as our speaker (at our annual survivor luncheon). You were inspiring, thought provoking, entertaining and funny! I have reviewed the evaluations and they were very, very positive. (Including, on a scale of 1 to 5, Becky Olson was a 5+++, Becky showed remarkable courage, Becky was GREAT, Becky Olson was inspiring, Becky was sweet and gracious and she had great points). For me, you embodied our luncheon theme, ‘Thriving after Breast Cancer.’ Thank you!!!"

—Heather K. Hill D.D.S.
Susan G. Komen Board Member and Luncheon Co-Chair
Oregon & S.W.Washington Affiliate.

Hello Ladies,
I just wanted to thank each and every one of you for the love and kindness you’ve showed me since I first wandered in (nearly 2 years ago!). You have helped me take the ugliness that is BRCA and turn it into a thing of beautiful relationships. You’ve helped me conquer my fear, hugged me on bad days, visited the doctor with me, and done so many other little things. I will never forget what you’ve done or the inspiration you’ve been. People ask how I’m coping so well with my BRCA and all I have to say are two words: “Breast Friends.”  I love you all.

—Liz
BRCA Survivor

Dear BREAST FRIENDS,

I’m a firm believer in acknowledging the good things people have done to positively impact those around them and try as I may, I cannot create a single word, phrase or sentence that adequately expresses how Breast Friends has touched me that would express my complete love & appreciation.  Everything that comes to mind has left the lips over the centuries to & from everyone from Kings, Presidents, Moms, Dads, Clergies, Teachers, Doctors, Family, Friends and Community Volunteers, but none of those thoughts, sentiments or words have been able to adequately describe the care, the friendship or the comfort Breast Friends has filled my heart with.

Because of you, I feel validated in my feelings.  Because of you, I have a better understanding of not only what I’m going through, but that I’m not going through it alone.  There is nothing worse than being alone.  There is nothing worse than not knowing what’s happening or being understood, accepted or validated, all of which you have done for me, by listening, giving and sharing. You have in so many ways, shown me love and kindness.  You give me hope and a purpose to make the best of my gift from God; my gift of life.

You don’t just talk the talk, you have walked the walk.

So, in its absolute purest form and meaning…THANK YOU BREAST FRIENDS from the bottom of my heart for everything you do for those of us whose lives are challenged and changed by this disease!  You make it okay.

—Gae Kelleher
Breast Cancer Survivor


“Losing my hair was difficult at first, I thought I was somehow losing my identity as a woman. I felt like scarves signaled “I’m Sick” to the whole world and sort of put up a barrier, a feeling I did not like.When I first wore “the hat” I experienced a whole new, and unexpected, reaction; both from myself and others. I smiled, I didn’t feel sick, I dressed a little nicer and a little bit of bounce returned to my step. Friends laughed with me when they read the inscription. Strangers would steal a glance to see what the hat said, then smile and make eye contact with me, a reaction that I love. My hat tells the world that I’m going to beat this disease and I will be a better person on the other side of this trip. Thank you Breast Friends for helping me laugh in the face of cancer.”

—Anne Koopman
Breast Cancer Survivor

 

“When I was in treatment, support from friends, relatives and colleagues was as powerful as any medicine, and Breast Friends helped several of them figure out just what I needed. With all that support, I felt I could conquer the cancer. Thank you, Breast Friends, for being there.”

—Nancy Varekamp
Breast Cancer Survivor

 

“I so enjoyed listening to you and appreciated the way you validated my feelings…You are a great inspiration to me and so many.”

—Sandy Juhola
Cancer Survivor