The Breast Cancer Resource Center of Santa Barbara (BCRC) will present its inaugural Healing through Compassion Award to Dr. Fred Kass at the Pink Lounge Gala, Friday, Sept. 27.
The award, named in Dr. Kass’ honor, has been established to recognize individuals whose commitment transcends medical expertise to work in collaboration with and encompass the holistic needs of patients.
Dr. Kass, an esteemed oncologist and advocate, graduated from medical school in 1984. He completed his internal medicine residency at Yale (1984-87) and an oncology fellowship at Harvard (1987-90).
Before pursuing medicine, Dr. Kass practiced law in New York City and Washington, D.C., from 1974-76.
Dr. Kass was recruited from Harvard’s Dana Farber Cancer Institute to work at the Santa Barbara Cancer Center in 1990.
He was part of an independent medical oncology practice affiliated with the Cancer Foundation. Later, the medical group joined Sansum Clinic and helped raise money to build the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center (RTCC).
Dr. Kass was integral to the establishment of RTCC and served as director of Medical Oncology before most recently joining the faculty at UCLA Health, Oncology in Santa Barbara.
In 1996, Dr. Susan Love invited Dr. Kass to join a group that was convened to create, among other things, a community resource center to support women with breast cancer in Santa Barbara.
In 1997 the Breast Cancer Resource Center of Santa Barbara was officially established.
“Dr. Kass’ collaborative spirit, coupled with his profound compassion, underscores the transformative power of unity in healing journeys,” the BCRC said. “His exemplary medical proficiency not only elevates standards of care, it also inspires a profound sense of hope and resilience within the breast cancer care ecosystem.”
The Dr. Fred Kass Healing through Compassion Award will be awarded in recognition for exceptional dedication to interagency collaboration, compassionate healing, volunteerism, advocacy, and medical excellence in the treatment of breast cancer.
It celebrates individuals like Dr. Kass, whose dedication not only elevates care standards but also fosters hope and unity within the breast cancer care community.
“I am extraordinarily honored to accept the inaugural Healing through Compassion Award,” Dr. Kass said. “There is no therapy more restorative than compassionate human connection.
“From its very beginning 27 years ago, the Breast Cancer Resource Center has embraced and empowered patients and their families, recognizing that medical treatments are most effective when they are combined with emotional support and community.
“I accept this award on behalf of so many colleagues and partners whose mission is to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care to those in our midst who have been struck by breast disease,” he said.
“My hope is that this award will both inspire and affirm, recognizing that we all have the power to make a difference in each other’s lives when we recognize the incredible healing power of compassionate care,” he said.
The award presentation will take place at the BCRC’s Pink Lounge Gala that kicks off Pink Week, Sept. 27, at Rosewood Miramar Beach.
Pink Week and the Pink Lounge Gala will help raise funds to continue providing essential free services at the BCRC.
“Dr. Kass has significantly affected many individuals and families in our community,” said Silvana Kelly, BCRC executive director. “His exceptional medical expertise is complemented by his kind, bedside manner and as a patient you feel that he is there for you to get through the long yards.
“Dr. Kass has always believed in the mission of the BCRC, and we are thrilled to honor and recognize the example he sets by showing us how the transformative power of compassionate care can inspire hope not only in patients but for all those caring for the community.”
The BCRC, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1997 provides support to individuals facing breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. BCRC provides resources and information, peer counseling, support groups, wellness programs and integrative therapies.
All services remain free of charge to clients.
The BCRC is at 55 Hitchcock Way, Santa Barbara and is funded solely through its fundraising events and devoted donor base.
For more, call BCRC, 805-569-9693 or visit https://www.bcrcsb.org/pinkweek/.