Neighborly
IN THIS ISSUE...
What is Bras for Cause?
More than Pink Ribbons
Bras for Cause Voting Begins October 1st !
Upcoming Events & Classes
Patient Spotlight: Amelia B.
Topics in Breast Cancer Conference
Fall Seasonal Recipe CoastBusters Walk (Florence)
What is Bras for Cause?
The Oregon Cancer Foundation’s Bras for Cause campaign is back for year number thirteen, and throughout the month of October you can vote for your favorite bra design at brasforcause.org!
This annual fundraiser brings together creativity, community spirit and a healthy dose of fun to support cancer patients in Lane County. By voting, you’re not just choosing a fun and festive bra–you’re making a real difference in the lives of local cancer patients.
Each bra in the campaign is uniquely designed by local community members, businesses, and supporters - some as young as 6 - showcasing a blend of artistry and personal stories. The bras are more than just a symbol; they represent the resilience and strength of cancer patients and their support networks.
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Photo: MJ’S Photography
SAVE THE DATE!
Bras for Cause 2024
Build-a-Bra ENTRY DEADLINE
9-23-2024
ONLINE BRA VOTING
10-01 to 10-31
Meet Our Team
WE’RE SMALL BUT MIGHTY
Amy Johnston, Executive Director
Amy has been with the Foundation since its early days in 2014, when it was just a small bank account and a big dream. She believes deeply in the power of community and has played a key role in shaping OCF into the thriving organization it is today. In her free time, Amy loves to travel, read, and spend time with her husband and their two (almost) grown children.
Andrew King, Program Coordinator
CoastBusters Walk for Breast Cancer
10-5-2024
Florence, OR BrasforCause.org
Breast Cancer Conference
10-19-2024
Eugene, OR Downtown Athletic Club
Breast Cancer Support Group
10-09-2024
6:00 PM | Eugene, OR Oregon Cancer Foundation
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kelli Warner, PRESIDENT
Haidy Lee, MD, VICE-PRESIDENT
Joy Pendowski, SECRETARY
Mike Drennan TREASURER
Jack Cannon III
Peter Davidson
Alicia Heer
Michael McNally
Jasmine Reiber
Tobey Ritchie
Andrew has worked as OCF’s Program Coordinator since 2017. As the organization’s second ever employee, he is immensely proud of the work OCF continues to do to provide a wide range of support services for cancer patients in our community. When not at work, Andrew is an avid birdwatcher, and enjoys exploring all Eugene has to offer with his wife.
Damon Garner, Development Coordinator
Having joined the foundation just months before the pandemic, Damon brings decades of retail and event management experience to his work at OCF. His expertise in creating strong relationships and driving successful operations has been instrumental in enhancing our fundraising efforts and expanding our reach. When not overseeing OCF events, Damon can be found tending bar at UO events or cheering on the Ducks from the stands.
More than Pink Ribbons
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
The Oregon Cancer Foundation’s “pink” events are dedicated to supporting local cancer patients and their families, with all funds raised staying in the community to benefit ALL cancer patients through our financial assistance program, educational classes, support groups and other resources.
Our focus is on directly impacting the lives of those affected by cancer in our community, not on profit or marketing. We are committed to genuine, community-centered support.
Andrew king
damon Garner
AMY Johnston
Photo: Octavus Media
Photo: MJ Photography
Vote for Your Favorite Bra in our 13th Annual Bras for Cause Campaign!
Every vote is a way to honor these stories and contribute direction to the Oregon Cancer Foundation’s mission of providing critical financial assistance, education, and support services to cancer patients.
Voting is simple and impactful. Each vote costs just a dollar, and every dollar raised goes directly toward helping local cancer patients with basic household bills like rent, utilities, and gas.
This financial relief allows patients to focus on what matters most: their health and healing. By participating, you’re not only supporting the Foundation’s work, but also helping to foster a community of “Neighbor’s Helping Neighbors,” the very heart of the Foundation’s mission.
So, take a moment to explore the creative entries at brasforcause.org, cast your votes, and encourage friends and family to do the same. Your participation in Bras for Cause is a powerful way to show support, spread awareness, and directly impact those in need!
Bras for Cause at a glance
Bras for Cause is an annual fundraising event for the Oregon Cancer Foundation. Individuals and businesses decorate bras and then the community votes on their favorites during the month of October.
It’s not the prettiest bra that wins - it’s the one that raises the most money!
The funds raised help ALL cancer patients in our community through our financial assistance program.
Photo: MJ Photography
Events & Programs Calendar
All event dates are accurate at the time of this publication. All events are hosted at the Oregon Cancer Foundation office unless otherwise listed. For all events, visit www.oregoncancerfoundation.org/events to learn more or to register.
SEPTEMBER
Young Women’s Cancer Survivor Group 9/04 @ 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Breast Cancer Support Group 9/11 @ 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Bras for Cause | Build-a-Bra (Oakway Center, Eugene) 9/12 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Fall Survivorship Series (Tuesdays)
Warrior Within: Makeup Application Class 9/17-10/29 @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Build-a-Bra | Entry Deadline 9/23 @ 5:00 PM 9/19 @ 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Springfield Stroll by Eat. Drink. Oregon (PublicHouse, Springfield) 9/28 @ 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Join us for Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
During the Month of October, OCF will be hosting booths at support events, conferences, and other fundraising opportunities for patients in Lane County!
PINK NIGHT FUNDRAISERS
Sheldon HS Volleyball 10/1 @ 5:00 pm
Silenus Run Club (Drop Bear Brewery) 10/10 @ 6:00 pm
Sheldon HS Football 10/11 @ 6:00 pm
Thurston HS Volleyball 10/17 @ 5:00 pm
Lane CC Volleyball 10/25 @ 5:00 pm
Gameday Volleyball Clinic 11/1 @ 7:00 pm
OCTOBER
Young Women’s Cancer Survivor Group 10/02 @ 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
CoastBusters Walk for Breast Cancer (Florence) 10/5 @ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Golf Tournament “Kick Cancer to the Mud” (Shadow Hills Golf Club) 10/5 @ 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
F* Cancer Comedy Night (Gryff’s Pub, Eugene) 10/5 @ 7:00 PM
Breast Cancer Support Group 10/09 @ 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Warrior Within: Makeup Application Class
Bras for Cause | Voting Begins 10/1 ONLINE 10/17 @ 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Breast Cancer Conference (Downtown Athletic Club, Eugene) 10/19 @ 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
NOVEMBER
Willamette Valley Handmade Market (Lane Events Center, Eugene) 11/2-3 @ 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Young Women’s Cancer Survivor Group 11/06 @ 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Breast Cancer Support Group 11/13 @ 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Saturday, October 19th, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
THE DOWNTOWN ATHLETIC CLUB • EUGENE, OREGON
Breast cancer survivors, fighters, and co-survivors, please join us for a day of empowerment and knowledge at the one-day Topics in Breast Cancer Conference hosted by the Oregon Cancer Foundation. This event offers a unique opportunity to connect with subject matter experts who will share their insights and expertise.
Together, we’ll explore the latest advancements in breast cancer care, discuss survivorship, and provide invaluable support for those on their journey toward healing. Don’t miss this chance to be part of an inspiring community, gain valuable information, and make uplifting connections.
All registration fees directly benefit local cancer patients.
“This was an amazing conference!”
“I have had so much input and advice from friends, not having cancer, so it was really good to get answers and information from “The Source!” This conference was very well done, the people putting it on were so very positive and upbeat! OCF has so much to offer us!”
Programs & Support
For all events, visit www.oregoncancerfoundation.org/events to learn more or to register.
NEWCOMER ORIENTATION
Oregon Cancer Foundation offers an introduction to resources and services available to cancer patients in Lane County. OCF staff will provide an overview of our organization’s services, including support groups, educational classes, assistance programs, and other community resources. Meetings can be scheduled either in person or remotely via Zoom. Caregivers and family members are welcome and encouraged to attend.
QUARTERLY SERIES
MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUPS
YOUNG WOMEN’S CANCER SURVIVOR GROUP
1st Wednesday of every month 6:30-8:00 pm
This group is an informal, peer-facilitated group for women ages 18-50 who are going through or have completed treatment.
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (VIRTUAL)
2nd Wednesday of every month 6:00-7:30 pm
This group is for anyone diagnosed with breast cancer, at any stage of their journey.
I FINISHED TREATMENT. NOW WHAT?
7-Week series on surviving cancer | Tuesdays @ 6:00 pm Now registering for Winter 2025!
When cancer treatment ends, a new chapter of life begins. Our seven-week Survivorship Series will provide the information and support you need to manage the challenges that arise after cancer treatment. Presenters will be experts on the topics presented and may include local physicians, other medical staff, and other professionals from the community.
WARRIOR WITHIN: MAKEUP APPLICATION
CLASS
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm | Dates vary: Sept. 19th & Oct. 17th
Join us for a free one-hour makeup application class that teaches you how to look and feel beautiful & confident. Local makeup artist and cancer survivor, Corina Tsuda, will share tips and tricks to help you find your new look, focusing on eyebrows and enhancing facial features. Please bring your favorite makeup products to class.
EDUCATIONAL CLASSES
Each season, we highlight someone in our community who is an inspiration to those affected by cancer.
AmeliaB.
“Love is strength”
During treatment, what gave/gives you strength & hope?
The incredible outpouring of love from my support circle of family, friends and community.
If you’ve finished treatment, has what gives you strength and hope changed, or has your perspective changed?
The love beams from my family and friends are still so important to keep my home and courage strong.
What wisdom would you share with someone newly diagnosed?
Find your courage and determination to bear the unbearable. Trust in your intuition in knowing your body. You are your own strongest advocate. Our bodies are incredibly resilient even under horrendous conditions. Love is strength.
What message would you like to share with others who have been touched by cancer in our community?
You are not alone. Our cancer journeys are our own unique experiences. Every body is different in how cancer behaves and what we go through. We are in a unique situation where we are in not only a very personal, often life changing experience while simultaneously are a part of a greater shared experience with those in our cancer community. It is incredibly powerful to be part of the cancer community and support each other during one of life’s biggest tidal waves.
If the Oregon Cancer Foundation has been a part of your journey, what role has it played?
OCF has been a guiding light of hope in some of my darkest days. They have supported me directly in so many ways with support groups, financial assistance, shared so much information on programs and options for services available and provided the survivorship class series that has helped guide me through the transition of what to expect and what do I need to do after treatment ends, and so much more. OCF has been there for me through laughter and tears. OCF is an incredible gift for our community, they are always there to support you no matter how difficult or hard cancer can be. Is there anything else you would like to add?
A cancer diagnosis feels like the impossible. By surrounding yourself with love and hope from family, friends and your own mindset one is able to navigate through the waters of impossibility.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
Moss squishing
Stitching stories into being Swelling in possibility
FAVORITE THING
Floating weightless
CANCER DIAGNOSIS
Triple Negative Breast Cancer and BRAC2
DIAGNOSED 9/3/21
Florence
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Siuslaw Middle School
Kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month and participate in a 3-mile FUNdraising walk in Newport and/or Florence.
Proceeds raised from the Florence event will stay local within coastal cities in Lane County and will benefit local breast cancer patients.
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AT www.coastbusterswalk.org
SEASONAL RECIPE
Cranberry Pumpkin Bread
INGREDIENTS
• Canola oil spray
• 1/2 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
• 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup 100 percent apple juice
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1 cup dried cranberries
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a 8 x 4-inch loaf pan with canola oil spray and set aside.
2. In large bowl, combine whole-wheat pastry flour, allpurpose flour, flaxseed, sugar, baking soda and salt and set aside. In a medium bowl, lightly beat eggs. Whisk in pumpkin, canola oil, applesauce, apple juice, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Stir in dried cranberries. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until all dry ingredients are incorporated into batter. Do not beat or overmix. Pour batter into prepared pan.
3. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until wooden toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove bread from pan and continue cooling on rack.