Allison Hendricks-Smith experienced a profound shift in her life in March 2018 upon receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. This diagnosis came as a shock since she lacked any lifestyle factors or family history that typically contribute to such illnesses. Although she found local medical treatment readily accessible, there was a notable absence of support for the emotional challenges she faced. Allison told us, “What I found was that, while we had really strong medical options with the hospitals in Albuquerque, we were woefully underserved as a community in specific breast cancer support.”
While serving as an executive director for a non-profit at the time of her diagnosis, she made the decision to resign from her position. Instead, she began arranging support groups for breast cancer patients. In 2019, she established the Pink Warrior House Foundation, providing a space where patients could come together to offer each other support and camaraderie during their treatment journeys.
Allison explained, “I started compiling a list of local resources that I thought were important on a patient’s journey. We started with three programs: All Ages and Stages, a discussion support group; the Battle Buddy Network, a program that partners newly diagnosed patients with someone who has already gone through treatment and can provide mentorship; and our Warrior Bags, a gift bag of make-up and skin care products to promote self-esteem.”
Allison says, “There are 30 programs including individual counseling, support for caregivers, art therapy, education sessions with guest speakers, yoga, guided meditation, make-up & skincare, and wig styling for chemo patients. Our activities are offered at no cost to the participants. We’ve had patients from ages 23 to 97 and have given support to over 500 people.”
Due to New Mexico's vast size and the considerable distances between towns and cities, numerous sessions are conducted virtually, enabling patients from all corners of the state to participate online.
Pink Warrior House benefits from the support of dedicated volunteers and mentors who are deeply committed to the cause. Allison said, “It’s blossomed into a beautiful community. I can’t say enough about the value of anecdotal support from people who have been there and can answer your questions. They know and have walked that mile.”
The Pink Warrior House Foundation is located at 1106 Bellamah Avenue NW in Albuquerque. You can contact them by telephone at 505.577.5284 or by email at allison@pinkwarriorhouse.org.
There are 30 programs including individual counseling, support for caregivers, art therapy, education sessions with guest speakers, yoga, guided meditation, make-up & skincare, and wig styling for chemo patients. All of our activities are offered at no cost to the participants. We’ve had patients from ages 23 to 97 and have given support to over 500 people.
