Locally, they are known simply as “the sisters,” and the five women are supporting each other as one of them undergoes cancer treatment.

Louise Sasan was diagnosed with breast cancer in January. Since then she had a partial mastectomy and several chemotherapy treatments. She has five sessions left to go and will then start radiation.

“I was diagnosed a stage two,” Sasan said. “It’s not great, but it’s better than a stage four or five.”

She had to quit her job at Bilbo’s restaurant and Teezer’s, a coffee shop owned by her sister Carol Bledsoe and her husband Mark. Coupled with a lack of insurance, Sasan is currently $50,000 in debt.

Her family is organizing a waffle breakfast at Teezer’s to help pay for medical costs. For $10, diners can enjoy a waffle breakfast with toppings of their choice, bacon or sausage, and a drink, either milk, orange juice, latte, mocha, or coffee on May 2 and 9 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are available at Poppies, Smith and Speed Mercantile and Teezer’s or on the day of the event.

Sasan and her husband Gregg have lived on Orcas for nearly 28 years, raising their four children, Sada, Seth, Shea, and Saul, on the island. They are now grandparents to six kids. They have coached softball, volleyball, and basketball during their time here. They are also involved in the Community Church and its youth group.

Louise is close to her four sisters, Carol, Sandy Harper, Lisa Gage, and Mary Garcia, who all live on Orcas and have supported her through this process. She says the community has also extended its love to her.

“I have received a letter or a note almost every day from someone on Orcas or from a family member since this all started,” she said. “People have been making us food during the week I have treatment. I’ve been getting gifts and hugs from people I see in town. It’s overwhelming.”