Sonia and Jeanette were neighbors and friends on the Oregon Coast in Lincoln County, OR, when their lives took an unexpected turn. Both were diagnosed with breast cancer just months apart in late 2019 and early 2020—a challenge that ultimately brought them together in a shared journey of healing, resilience, and strength

Jeanette was diagnosed in November 2019 following a routine mammogram. After several difficult biopsies confirmed three cancerous tumors, she underwent a unilateral mastectomy in February 2020. Amid the early days of the COVID pandemic, Jeanette had reconstructive surgery in May 2020, followed by more than a year of physical therapy to regain mobility from a frozen shoulder caused by her surgeries. She was prescribed a five-year course of medication to reduce recurrence, and on February 27, 2025, Jeanette celebrated five years cancer-free.

Sonia’s journey began in February 2020 when she discovered a lump in her left breast during a routine self-exam. By the end of March, it was confirmed to be cancerous, with two tumors and impacted lymph nodes. Due to the aggressiveness of her cancer, she underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy starting in April 2020, followed by a lumpectomy and complete lymph node dissection. Sonia completed 33 rounds of radiation by January 2021 and entered remission.

Sonia and Jeanette first met through community events and activities, but it was their cancer journeys that truly bonded them. In the midst of isolation, they became each other's lifeline, and that bond gave them strength. As they focused on recovery, they felt called to give back, and together decided to make a difference for others in their community facing breast cancer. They embraced the guiding principle of turning something so difficult into something very meaningful. Giving back to the community that supported them, and to the medical teams who cared for them, led to the creation of the CoastBusters Walk for Breast Cancer in 2021—a way to bring support, resources, and encouragement to local breast cancer patients.

Initially intended as a single event, the CoastBusters Walk quickly became a beloved tradition. After two years in Newport, the walk expanded to Florence. In just four short years and counting, nearly $150,000 has been raised. All proceeds remain local, benefiting breast cancer patients and their families by assisting with everyday expenses in Lincoln and coastal Lane Counties, allowing patients to focus on healing.

Sadly, Sonia passed away in October 2024 following a recurrence of her breast cancer. Her courage, compassion, and commitment to helping others continue to inspire the community and guide CoastBusters’ work every day. In 2025, the organization paused to grieve and honor her memory while strengthening its foundation and securing official 501(c)(3) nonprofit status—a milestone that stands as a lasting tribute to Sonia’s vision and impact.

The 2026 walk will be fondly called the “Comeback Walk in Memory of Sonia Graham,” honoring her courage, her spirit, and the legacy she helped build. CoastBusters is about lifting one another up, creating a circle of hope, and walking side by side. The walks are a place where survivors, warriors, and supporters come together to honor, remember, and inspire.