The Breast Cancer Resource Center of Santa Barbara (BCRC) is commemorating 25 years of providing personalized support, patient navigation, education and outreach for women facing breast cancer in the Santa Barbara community.
BCRC will celebrate its Silver Anniversary this year with the following events: Thrive Fashion Show, May 1; Pink Lounge Dinner, Oct. 1; Pink Week, Oct. 4-6.
In 1996, a group of visionary women understood the necessity for a resource center to address the needs of patients coping with breast cancer or breast health issues. This collaborative group of “founding mothers” worked to envision and open the Breast Cancer Resource Center of Santa Barbara.
Nancy Oster, Nancy Sweet, Evie Sullivan, Judy Blanco, Debbie Hobler, Sharon Kennedy, Dorothy Shea, Ellen Fogel, Susan Forkush, and Dr. Susan Love created the vision for the BCRC, along with the support of others, and opened the BCRC doors in 1997. Shea provided a cottage rent-free on Pueblo Street.
“It’s thanks to the shared vision of the ‘founding mothers’ that we are privileged to continue their good work today,” said Silvana Kelly, BCRC executive director. “These compassionate individuals pledged that all programs and services would always be provided free of charge.
“Twenty-five years have passed, and the BCRC continues to offer a caring human touch, listening ear, support services, and a community to uplift clients throughout their journey, and on toward well-being and thriving.”
“It takes the compassion, vision and generosity of many to pave the bright path forward,” Kelly said. “We appreciate the ongoing support and generosity of the community that allows us to continue to provide these important resources.”
Breast Cancer Resource Center is at 55 Hitchcock Way, Ste. 101, Santa Barbara; phone 805-569-9693. For more, visit bcrcsb.org.