Support and Services
Sara’s Project is a breast health education and outreach program established by the St. Charles Regional Cancer Care Program serving women. It was founded to promote early detection of breast cancer, build awareness, and provide support to women facing breast cancer. The project honors Sara Fisher, a cherished teacher, counselor and active community volunteer who died in 1992 after a seven-year battle with breast cancer.
More that 200 women in our communities are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Sara’s Project funds a number of support services and programs promoting breast health for women in Central and Eastern Oregon:
Breast Health Nurse Navigators
Every woman referred with a diagnosis is contacted by our Breast 
Health Nurse Navigators who ensure that each patient has the information and assistance they need to move through the diagnostic, treatment and recovery phases of breast cancer. The Nurse Navigators are available at no cost to the patient and can answer questions, schedule appointments, interface with the medical specialists, clinics and hospitals, or guide women to support services. For more information, contact Peggy Lukens, RN, FNP at (541) 410-2006.
Well Women’s Exams
Sara’s Project partners with the State of Oregon’s Breast & Cervical Cancer (OBCC) program to provide critical screenings to uninsured and underinsured women in Central and Eastern Oregon. Peggy Lukens, RN, FNP spearheads this program and provides the examinations.
The Support Sisters Program
This volunteer program exists to provide peer support to women diagnosed with breast cancer. The trained support volunteers, all breast cancer survivors, work one-on-one with women to provide emotional support so that no one has to go through the cancer experience alone. For more information, contact our Cancer Services Social Worker at (541) 706-5864.
Breast Health Education
A free breast health education class, taught by a breast cancer survivor, is available to community groups, schools, clubs and businesses throughout Central Oregon. The presentation runs approximately 30 minutes, plus time for questions, and can be adapted to meet scheduling needs. The program includes:
- How to identify your personal risk factors for breast cancer
- Healthy lifestyle strategies to lower your risk of breast cancer
- How to plan your best early detection program
- The latest recommendations for how to do an effective breast self exam
- When to have clinical breast examination
- When to schedule your mammograms
To schedule a presentation, contact our Community Education Coordinator at (541) 706-7743.
Breast Cancer Treatment Transportation Assistance
Women who come to the St. Charles-Bend Cancer Treatment Center for breast cancer treatment may be eligible for assistance with gasoline, food or lodging expenses through our partnership with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. Contact our Cancer Services Social Worker at (541) 706-5864.
Women Surviving with Breast Cancer Support Group
This support group provides peer-to-peer support and encouragement for women with breast cancer and meets the 1st Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7:00pm in the St. Charles-Bend Cancer Treatment Center Library. Contact Peggy Lukens, RN, FNP at (541) 410-2006.
Breast Cancer Kits
Sara’s Project provides emotional comfort kits for newly-diagnosed breast cancer patients. The kits are assembled by a group of breast cancer survivors and distributed to local providers to be given to patients at time of diagnosis. Each kit contains an informational DVD, Sara’s Project contact information and comfort items – tea, flower seeds, lavender sachet and chocolate. Contact our Survivorship Office at (541) 706-7743.
Research
The St. Charles Regional Cancer Treatment Center serves as the primary cancer research facility for Central and Eastern Oregon. Our patients have access to some of the most promising new cancer treatments through clinical trials in cancer surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and supportive care. 