PORTLAND, Ore. – The Shango cannabis dispensary in Portland has honored Marianne McNally with its second annual Becky Olson Courage Award as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Marianne McNally is a two-time breast cancer “thriver” who won her first bout with this dreaded disease in 2009. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer in 2015 and continues to fight back. She draws strength from the Jake Remington quote, “Fate whispers to the warrior, ‘you cannot withstand the storm,’ and the warrior whispers back, ‘I am the storm.’”
“Marianne exemplifies the meaning of this quote in her volunteer work with Breast Friends,” said Allison Hancock, executive director of Breast Friends said. “Over the years, she has helped in the ‘pit crew’ at previous Breast Friends Galas, but her true calling is as the leader of Breast Friends’ Salem Girls Night Out group. She has been the volunteer leader of this support group for 8 years.”
What keeps her doing this work despite her condition? McNally says, “I love the connection with the other women. I love helping them through their storms, and I need them to help me through my storms. I am truly thankful for this award from Shango and for the blessing of this awesome group of women, whom I would never have met if it wasn’t for breast cancer and Breast Friends.”
In addition to being the heart and face of Breast Friends for the Salem GNO, McNally often can be found enjoying her newfound hobbies. Now that her kids are grown, she is finding more time for herself and exploring a new love of caring for both indoor and outdoor succulents as well as quilting. As a new quilter, she jumped in with both feet and created an elaborate T-shirt quilt complete with breast cancer shirts that were featured at the Oregon State Fair.
“Thank you, Marianne, for your dedication and heart to serve,” Hancock said.
McNally received a check on Oct. 3 for $1,000 and a $250 gift card from Shango. The award is part of Shango’s participation in Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is the sixth year of Shango’s ongoing support for Breast Friends. The funds raised by Shango during October include matching funds from the company and its employees that more than double the total customer donations.
“Breast Friends is grateful for the support that Shango has given to us over the years,” said Hancock. “Partnering with Shango has been a reminder to us of the great community support that we receive. This year’s generous donation will help us continue to provide resources, information and support to women who are navigating their cancer diagnosis. Thank you for supporting the work that we do in ensuring that no woman goes through cancer alone.”
Last year, Shango initiated the Becky Olson Courage Award that honors a breast cancer survivor who best exemplifies its meaning. The first recipient, Pamela George and McNally have their names inscribed on plaques that are on permanent display at Shango Portland and Breast Friends headquarters in Tigard. Pamela George passed away last year due to her struggles with breast cancer.
The inscription on each plaque reads, “In honor of their Profound Valor and Steadfast Perseverance, Breast Friends and Shango of Oregon present Marianne McNally with the 2022 Becky Olson Courage Award.”
“Breast Friends is so appreciative of the generosity and support of Shango,” said Hancock. “The Becky Olson Courage Award is beautiful and Marianne, whom we chose to receive the award, was overwhelmed and very thankful for the check that was given to her. The money will be very helpful to cover unexpected expenses. It will also help to ease the stress and exhaustion of her struggle, as well as the financial burdens that come along, too.”
Shango’s budtenders and staff actively educate their customers about Breast Friends and encourage them to donate. Those who contribute receive special Shango pink ribbon stickers to show their support.
“We just love this organization, its mission, its staff and the women they serve,” said Shango Portland Controller Julie Dubocq. “Shango is proud to partner with Breast Friends and support its mission to serve breast cancer thrivers.”
Statistics show that every woman in America will be touched by breast cancer or other women’s cancers. One in eight women will be diagnosed, and the other seven will know someone who has been diagnosed. The Breast Friends goal is to reach the seven in order to help the one.
“This is a highly gratifying opportunity for Shango to be able to help out a charity that recognizes and promotes the potential benefits of medical cannabis to patients before and after surgery.” Shango Founder and CEO Brandon Rexroad said. “This is the one of the most effective ways we can help breast cancer warriors and we admire their courage.”
Breast Friends Co-Founder Becky Olson, who passed away recently from breast cancer, initiated the relationship with Shango six years ago and said at the time, “Shango has given us a whole new perspective on cannabis. We are glad they found us. Our position has always been that breast cancer doesn’t discriminate, and neither do we.”
“If someone fighting cancer needs special attention, we will give it to them,” Dubocq said. “And we’ll help them understand how cannabis can be a powerful ally in their fight.”
Shango in Portland is located at 8056 SE Harold St. Call 503 788-7005 for information or email [email protected].
About Breast Friends
Breast Friends is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for female cancer patients and survivors. Its mission is to help women overcome the trauma of cancer one friend at a time.
Breast Friends helps family and friends understand what their loved ones are going through and learn how to encourage and promote their recovery. It also suggests resources that further support patients, survivors and caregivers. Many programs developed by Breast Friends have proven valuable in assisting and reassuring the patient, her friends and family. Breast Friends programs are designed to ensure proper support is discreetly given and received.
