Hope and Healing for Breast-Cancer Patients

Swedish Medical Center Forum, 2005

Women who are treated for breast cancer at Swedish Medical Center receive more than first-rate medical care. They also receive the benefit of care from a remarkable organization called Northwest Hope and Healing.

Funded through the Swedish Medical Center Foundations, the nonprofit organization was started in 2000 by Christine Smith, a young woman who under breast-cancer treatment at Swedish.

In the wake of her own illness, Christine committed herself to helping other breast-cancer patients and their families. “The goal of Northwest Hope and Healing isn’t to try to cure cancer, but rather to assist people in their journey through it, and to give them hope for the future,” Smith said.

Providing for non-medical needs—such as childcare, counseling, transportation, emergency rent and meals—is the primary focus. The group’s signature program is the creation of “Healing Baskets” filled with items that comfort and soothe, including a pink teddy bear, herbal tea, body lotions and hand-made soaps.

Smith, who is married and the mother of two young sons and a daughter, said she was fortunate to have the help of family and friends during her illness.

“Having a strong support system made coping with cancer so much easier,” says Smith. “I’d like to offer that caring and support to others who may be alone in their battle.”

Northwest Hope and Healing has three fundraising events each year, including a fashion show, half marathon walk, and a formal dinner.