Neighborly_Summer 2024 by oregoncancer

Neighborly

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

IN THIS ISSUE...

Spring Event Recap

Bras for Cause!

Summer-Fall Programs & Support Groups

Upcoming Events

Patient Spotlight

Seasonal Recipe

Sponsor Highlight: Dari Mart

Get to Know Us

WE’RE YOUR NEIGHBORS

Our Mission

To Empower, Strengthen, and Sustain those impacted by cancer in our community through education, support and financial assistance. When neighbors are helping neighbors, no one has to face cancer alone.

Who we are

The Oregon Cancer Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization located in Eugene. Our staff and a team of dedicated volunteers work together to provide support to local patients and their families during and after treatment.

How we help

Our programs include financial & transportation assistance, a wig boutique, resource library and navigation, support groups, educational classes & conferences and more!

How we’re different

We are the only local organization providing this level of support to cancer patients in our community. We receive no state or federal funding and all money that we raise stays here in Lane County.

SAVE THE DATE!

Bras for Cause 2024

Build-a-Bra 9-12-2024

Oakway Center, 4-7pm

This Eugene-based event promotes breast cancer awareness and fundraising through a decorated bra competition.

ENTRY DEADLINE

9-23-2024

VOTING BEGINS 10-01-2024

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

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

CoastBusters Walk for Breast Cancer

10-5-2024

Florence, OR BrasforCause.org

Breast Cancer Conference

10-19-2024

Eugene, OR Downtown Athletic Club

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

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.

In

Case you Missed It...

SPRING EVENT RECAP

On the first Sunday in June the Oregon Cancer Foundation hosted its annual celebration for National Cancer Survivors Day®.

More than 100 local survivors attended with their families to enjoy the activities, catered lunch, and community. Local celebrities The Duck & Sluggo joined the festivities.

Back for its 7th year, My Breast Friends 5K (#MBF5K) was held on June 9th at Alton Baker

Park. This perennial favorite, created and hosted by local survivor Kelly Barton, brings the community together each year to raise money for OCF’s financial assistance program.

This year’s event was the most successful in history raising over $30,000!

A HUGE Thank You to Kelly, the sponsors and all of the participants who made the event a resounding success!

Andrew king

damon Garner

AMY Johnston

THURSDAY, SEPT. 12 • OAKWAY

Oregon Cancer Foundation’s colorful annual fundraiser is back for the 13th year!

Decorate a bra for Bras for Cause in September to help the foundation raise money for patients undergoing cancer treatment in Lane County.

The bras, decorated by community members and local businesses, are displayed online at BrasforCause. org, throughout the month of October. We invite community members to get involved by decorating a bra and by voting for their favorites.

With a goal of raising $150,000, Bras for Cause is a major contributor to OCF’s annual fundraising.

“Every dollar raised lets us continue to provide the programs and support that our community depends on,” says Amy Johnston, OCF Executive Director. “This event is a critical component of the work that we do, which is to fulfill financial assistance requests for local patients and to help relieve some of the burden that comes with cancer treatment.”

Get crafty!

Bras for Cause 2024 kicks off with its Build-a-Bra event on Thursday, Sept. 12 in a new location, inside Oakway Mall. We encourage anyone interested, crafty or not, to stop by and get involved in the fun. Come solo or bring your family, friends or co-workers. We have plenty of art supplies, but feel free to bring your own!

Build-a-Bra Event

• When: Thursday, Sept. 12, 4-7 p.m.

• Where: Oakway Mall (Inside behind Sabai)

• Entry Fee: $25 per bra

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT BRAS

Turn in your bra creation to Oregon Cancer Foundation’s office by Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 5 p.m.

CAST YOUR VOTE!

View all the creative bra entries on display BrasForCause.org and VOTE for your favorites!

Voting is open Oct. 1–31, online at BrasforCause.org.

Vote for your favorites; $1 = 1 vote, and you can vote as many times as you’d like!

MALL

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.

JULY

Warrior Within: Makeup Application Class 7/11 @ 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM 7/16, 7/26*, 7/31 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Outdoor Gentle Yoga

AUGUST

Outdoor Gentle Yoga

*Note: July 26th, we will meet earlier at 10:15 am

Within: Makeup Application Class 8/7, 8/13, 8/21, 8/28 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

SEPTEMBER

Young Women’s Cancer Survivor Group 9/04 @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Bras for Cause | Build-a-Bra (Oakway Center, Eugene) 9/12 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Breast Cancer Support Group 9/17 @ 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Warrior Within: Makeup Application Class 9/17-10/29 @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Fall Survivorship Series (Tuesdays)

Build-a-Bra | Entry Deadline 9/23 @ 5:00 PM 9/19 @ 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Wigs, Scarves, Hats, and More!

Oregon Cancer Foundation’s Believe Boutique carries complimentary wigs, hats, scarves, and other accessories for cancer patients undergoing treatment. A trained volunteer is available to assist with selection and styling. Fittings by appointment only. Call (541) 632-3654 today to schedule your appointment!

WHAT

A seven-week series for cancer survivors exploring issues arising after treatment.

WHEN

Fall 2024 | Tuesdays 6 pm-8 pm (September 17th – October 29th)

LOCATION

OCF Office, 2296 Oakmont Way, Eugene, OR 97401

COST

Free, but registration is required. Call 541-632-3654 to register by phone

QUESTIONS

Call 541-632-3654 or email classes@oregoncancerfoundation.org

“I finished treatment...Now what?”

SURVIVORSHIP SERIES

When cancer treatment ends, a new chapter of life begins.

Our FREE seven-week survivorship series will provide the information and support you need to manage the challenges that arise after cancer treatment.

Over the course of 7 evening sessions, we will feature a variety of topics including:

• Understanding how relationships are impacted while on the cancer journey

• Learning how to eat and exercise to help stay healthy and reduce the risk of recurrence

• Managing anxiety about cancer returning, sadness, depression and other emotions

• Exploring mindfulness, meditation, spirituality and other forms of self-care and healing

• Discussing cognitive and behavioral strategies to increase well-being and resiliency

• Learning about integrative care and alternative healing methods. These methods may include naturopathy, acupuncture, massage and other complementary approaches and how they can improve your cancer journey.

SERIES PRESENTERS

Presenters will be experts on the topics presented and may include local physicians, other medical staff, and other professionals from the community.

STILL IN TREATMENT?

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?

EDUCATIONAL CLASSES

7-Week series on surviving cancer | Tuesdays @ 6:00 pm Starting on September 17th

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: July 8, August 12

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.

OUTDOOR GENTLE YOGA

11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Dates vary: July 16, July 26*, July 31, August 7, August 13, August 21, August 28

Join us for this outdoor gentle yoga series! Attend 1 or all 7 - once per week Jul 16th - Aug 28th. No experience necessary. Meet outside the Oregon Cancer Foundation main office located at 2296 Oakmont Way Eugene, OR 97401. *Note: On Friday, July 26th, we will meet earlier at 10:15 am.

PATIENT SPOTLIGHT

Each season, we highlight someone in our community who is an inspiration to those affected by cancer.

Linda G.

“Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of your strength and determination to move forward.”

During Treatment, what gave/gives you strength & hope?

The support and love of my family and friends and a cat who took on the responsibility of curling up next to me whenever I have to rest or take a nap!

What wisdom would you share with someone newly diagnosed?

As hard as it is, don’t dive down the rabbit hole of way too much on-line information right away, especially definitions from a pathology report. Every definition will make you panic even more but not every one of the terms is equally important in YOUR individual diagnosis. Go over the pathology report with your oncologist and learn which terms are important in your diagnosis and then do your online research.

In a little notebook, each day write down important health information, like weight, blood pressure, any changes that might be side effects and times they happen, things like nausea, diarrhea, weakness, exhaustion dizziness. Bring the notebook with you for each appointment or use the information to send to your doctor between appointments.

What message would you like to share with others who have been touched by cancer in our community?

Don’t try to tough-out cancer by yourself. You can’t do it. Talk (or cry!) to your friends and family. Voice your fears and concerns. Naming the fear can give you some control of the chaos your life has suddenly become. Make a list of small tasks so when people say “What can I do to help?”, you can say “Could you pick up these things at the store?” Or “Could you return my books to the library?”

HOBBIES & INTERESTS

Reading Scrapbooking

Walking along the river

Spending time with friends

FAVORITE TECHNOLOGY

SKYPE for my weekly talk with my daughter and her family in England. Every time we use it, I bless the people who invented the technology.

CANCER DIAGNOSIS

Uterine/Endometrial Carcinosarcoma

DIAGNOSED 4/2022

Or “Could you walk my dog on Tuesday afternoon when I have my treatment?” People really want to help you. Make it easy for them to help you. Most important, allow yourself to ask for help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of your strength and determination to move forward.

If the Oregon Cancer Foundation has been a part of your journey, what role has it played?

The Survivorship support groups I have participated in have been really amazing. Being in a safe space and talking with others who really “get” what having cancer means can help reduce your unremitting stress and anxiety. Along with sympathy, sharing of ideas and resources, there is also, sometimes, laughter.

Talk to the staff and guest speakers as much as you can at any of the OCF events or support groups you attend. They are a wonderful resource. They can open doors and make connections to an ever-expanding list of other community resources.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Our sponsors help Oregon Cancer Foundation’s mission to empower strengthen and support our community.

By Pat Straube, Owner

Working to cure cancer is very important to me and my business. Cancer has deeply affected my life, my family, friends, and business associates. As a cancer survivor who has also lost family members to this disease, I understand the importance of support during such a challenging time.

That’s why we support the Oregon Cancer Foundation. They are a truly hands-on organization, offering group meetings for survivors, financial assistance, and a wig and scarves program for those in need. During this scary time, it’s comforting to have a local, accessible organization that provides both information and assistance.