"An Outreach volunteer met me right after my diagnosis of breast cancer. Her kindness and assurances sustained me through that first shock. During the next few days, my whole family shared the materials she gave me. It helped so much to talk with someone my age who had gone through the same procedures I would face."
-- Sandra
Reaching Out to Help
Shock, fear, confusion, vulnerablity -- these are some of the feelings that a diagnosis of breast cancer can bring. No woman is ever really prepared for such news. But women don't have to experience breast cancer alone. Besides the support of family and friends, they can turn to the Breast Cancer Outreach Program.
Offered free-of-charge through Providence Health & Services, the Breast Cancer Outreach Program provides women and their families with support and information about breast health, breast cancer and breast reconstruction.
"The literature I received was a godsend. I appreciated the volunteer's compassion and her willingness to be available when I needed her on an ongoing basis."
-- Barbara
How Breast Cancer Outreach Works
Volunteers who have experienced breast cancer themselves are responsible for much of the program's efforts. Along with offering emotional support, these volunteers have much to offer:
They visit with breast cancer patients through telephone calls or personal visits before, during and after treatment, paying personal attention to each patient and her family.
They share up-to-date information and photos of breast disease, treatments and reconstruction.
They can identify other resources useful breast cancer patients and family members.
Volunteers also meet with husbands, partners, fathers, brothers and sons who need information and support as they work through the emotions that come with having a loved one diagnosed with breast cancer.
The information and support provided by the volunteers is given in a compassionate, yet confidential and professional manner. All information complements that given by physicians and other health care providers.
The Breast Cancer Outreach Program also maintains a lending library of cancer-related books and tapes.
"When cancer strikes, the whole family is affected."
-- William
The Outreach Team
Breast Cancer Outreach volunteers have all experienced breast cancer:
Some have undergone treatment for breast cancer;
Some have also had breast reconstruction
Each volunteer has been recommended by a physician as a program volunteer, and each has been trained to help others who have breast cancer.
Others on the outreach team include physicians who serve as medical advisors, nurse clinicians, oncology social workers, a program coordinator and educators.
You may contact the Breast Cancer Outreach Program via email or by calling any one of these numbers:
Providence St. Vincent campus: 503-216-4673
Providence Portland Medical Center: 503-215-3206
"I felt pretty helpless at first, but these caring people helped me find strength and courage." -- Evelyn
Continuing the Care
The Breast Cancer Outreach Program receives financial support from a special fund set up in its name at Providence Health & Services. Tax-deductible contributions are used to purchase materials that help with education and support for breast cancer patients and their families.
To contribute to this fund, you may send a check to the Breast Cancer Outreach Program at any of these locations:
Providence St. Vincent Medical Foundation
9205 SW Barnes Road
Portland, OR 97225
503-216-2227 map and directions
Providence Portland Medical Foundation
4805 NE Glisan St.
Portland, OR 97213
503-215-6220 map and directions
Providence Milwaukie Medical Foundation
10150 SE 32nd Ave.
Milwaukie, OR 97222
503-513-8325 map and directions
Reaching Out to Help