Newport Declares October Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Newport Mayor Jan Kaplan (L) and Coast Busters Vice Chair Jamie Michele

The Newport City Council has proclaimed October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the work of local nonprofit CoastBusters and honoring the legacy of its late co-founder and longtime community volunteer Sonia Graham.

Reading the proclamation at a recent council meeting, Mayor Jan Kaplan noted that breast cancer remains “one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women” and emphasized that early detection, treatment and strong support networks “continue to improve outcomes” for patients and families.

The proclamation recognized CoastBusters, founded in Newport in 2021 by breast cancer survivors Jeanette Campagna and Sonia Graham, for raising awareness and providing direct assistance to local breast cancer patients.

Unlike many cancer fundraisers that focus primarily on research, CoastBusters raises money to provide direct financial relief to breast cancer patients. Funds are distributed through partner foundations and can help with expenses such as rent, groceries, utilities, gas, lodging and travel to and from treatment.

There are no socioeconomic restrictions to qualify for assistance, helping ensure that support is available to patients based on need rather than income level. Through that work, CoastBusters brings together residents, businesses, healthcare partners and community organizations to help keep resources and support close to home on the Central Oregon Coast.

This year’s proclamation specifically honors the memory of co-founder Sonia Graham, whose “compassion and vision” helped shape CoastBusters’ mission and expand its impact in the region. The city also highlighted the upcoming Newport CoastBusters Walk for Breast Cancer, scheduled for Saturday, September 26, at Newport High School.

The event raises awareness, celebrates survivors, honors those lost to breast cancer and raises funds to support patients and families facing the disease. Speaking after the proclamation, CoastBusters Board Vice President Jamie Michel thanked the city for its continued support and for helping bring greater visibility to CoastBusters and its mission.

“We are very grateful to the City of Newport for your ongoing support,” Michel said. “We absolutely love seeing that pink police car going up and down the highway. It is such a visible show of support for breast cancer awareness and for the people in our community who are affected by this disease.”

Michel also encouraged community members to register for the CoastBusters Walk and join survivors, families and supporters at the event. The proclamation closes by urging Newport residents to help “raise awareness, support breast cancer patients and survivors, recognize the importance of early detection, and participate in efforts that strengthen hope, compassion, and care throughout our community” during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

Online registration for the Newport walk is now closed, but it is not too late to participate. Walk-up registration will be available beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, September 26, at Newport High School. Participants must register to take part in the event. CoastBusters will also hold its Florence walk on Saturday, October 3, at Siuslaw Middle School.

Donations are still being accepted, and additional event information is available at www.coastbusterswalk.org.