Empowering group for women in all stages of breast cancer from diagnosis to treatment and recovery. Meets the first and third Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Evergreen (call for location).

For more information, please contact Cancer Support Services by phone at 425.899.2265 or by fax at 425.899.1859.

The following story was submitted by a member of the Bosom Buddies group:

There was a sweet aroma in the air.  Someone raised their head and said it must be coming from the cascading deep purple petunias which were nestled in pots  separating two long tables. Soon the flowers fragrance was overwhelmed by the rich mixture of homemade meatballs, crab cakes and different sauces making the mouth water for what was to come. The other table was overflowing with freshly baked brownies, pies, cakes and looked more like a culinary convention that what the gathering really was.  

The manicured courtyard with its iron chairs and small tables were slowing filling with women who had come together, some with their husbands and children, to have their once a year potluck dinner at Evergreen Hospital.

This wasn’t a fundraiser, nor a staff meeting but a group of women who’s happy faces belayed the sheer fact they were alive.  They were all breast cancer survivors.

‘Bosom Buddies’  have been meeting for over 14 years at Evergreen Hospital to share, cry, laugh and console each other through one of life’s hardest ordeals, beating back the beast they all have in common.

One woman dressed in pink with beautiful soft white hair moved through the growing group of ladies, some with their husbands and children, smiling and hugging, as if each were her child. Some laughingly call her the Mother Theresa of Evergreen.

Evelyn  is a 15 year breast cancer survivor and the original organizer of the group. Looking out over the large courtyard as the women continued filing in Evelyn said with a twinkle in her eyes, “I feel they ARE all my children.  Over 3000 have come through here over the years, some of them are gone now, to their reward,” she said wistfully. “Even after all this time I feel I need to be here twice a week just to check on everyone.”

The unmistakable energy could be felt in the group, not just a feeling of camaraderie but of the strength they gain from each other. They are a family of fighters, not just because they wear pink ribbons or walk for a cure but because they have found a courageousness being with others who all share a common bond.

Buoyed  up by the Social Workers and the elders of the group, newcomers are greeted as if long lost family and the feeling they have finally found a soft place to land in the harshness of what they have or are going through.

Nancy, a seven year Inflammatory Breast Cancer survivor, is one of the walking miracles not only of medicine, but of her safety net she finds through this group.  She drives down from Camano Island twice a month to be re-invigorated by her ‘buddies’. 

“Many in this group are locals to the area,” says Nancy, “but many come long distances.  Sometimes we cry together, but a lot of the time there is much laughter which keeps our minds and spirits healthy.”

As the evening drew to a close, there was a show of hands for the years of true fighting these women have gone through.  Fifteen years, thirteen, eleven, the hands raised as if in a coordinated fist, down to the newest members who are just starting their hard journey. 

But, their journey will be softened and tenderly cared for by the older fighters, the ones who can guide them, hold them up when it’s needed and be there when they falter.

These are the “Bosom Buddies” of Evergreen Hospital.