The Breast Cancer Resource Center: A Beacon of Hope for Those in Need

Recently I came across a note that my mother wrote to me 29 years ago right before she died. My husband and I had just gotten married and for us, it was the beginning of everything. For my mother who had been battling breast cancer for two years, it was the end. The letter was a beautiful thank you note but in it she shared how scared she was and despite all the love and support my siblings and I were giving her; she was terrified and often felt utterly alone. Because as much as we loved and cared for her, this battle was singular, internal and very personal.

Oh, how I wish she had had the Breast Cancer Resource Center to turn to.

When I first share with people that I volunteer there as a health coach, the reaction is almost always the same. With furrowed brow they say, “Wow, that must be so hard,” when in fact it is the complete opposite. While breast cancer itself can shatter lives, the BCRC helps build them back up. The love and warmth of this mighty yet small staff buoys up everyone who walks through their door. Whether it is through the donated Organic Soup Kitchen offerings, bouquets of flowers from Trader Joe’s or just a hug to someone in need, humanity and kindness are their superpowers.

I spoke with Silvana Kelly, executive director of the BCRC and she shared more about the transformative services that they offer.

“For 29 years, the Breast Cancer Resource Center of Santa Barbara has been in existence because of the support we receive from our community, and for the simple yet significant reason that our services are needed. Breast cancer not only encompasses a diagnosis, surgery, and treatment, it also brings forth myriad thoughts, emotions, questions, and needs that reach far beyond the physical medical experience. 

“Our family of clients at the BCRC are in their 20s through their +80s: balancing life and breast cancer while raising young children, launching new businesses, or planning for retirement. No matter the life circumstances, breast cancer can derail plans and cause trauma in need of healing.”

According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. One. In. Eight. And the ACS goes on to share, “Breast cancer death rates have been decreasing steadily since 1989, for an overall decline of 44% through 2022.The decrease in death rates is believed to be the result of finding breast cancer earlier through screening and increased awareness, as well as better treatments.” 

However, breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death for women. And while the prognosis is significantly improving, the disease itself is no less impactful. 

While a diagnosis no longer necessarily is a death sentence, the way it takes over your life often includes a mourning period for who you once were. From navigating treatment and the side effects, to surgeries and medications, through healing and recovery to possible survivor guilt and rebuilding your life – it is a long journey. And a very personal one for everyone who experiences it.

Some of the services that the BCRC offer include peer counseling, mammograms, support groups, health coaching, beautiful wigs, Reiki, guided meditation, Reflexology, yoga, lymphatic drainage massage and mastectomy care packages that are delivered to the clients in the hospital so that when they wake up from their surgery, a basket of love is waiting for them. 

“We are here to support the human journey of breast cancer and ensure that each client is cared for, and held in a space of loving, compassionate support. The BCRC is with each client for the challenges of physical treatments and throughout the healing and survivorship process. Once medical treatment concludes, we are still here to offer a community of support for as long as needed,” Kelly shared. “Whether newly diagnosed, navigating treatment, or needing support through survivorship, BCRC is here to help clients access resources, be heard, and feel encouraged to move forward with hope. All BCRC services and programs are provided free of charge so there is never an added financial burden for our clients.”  

If you would like to know more about the BCRC or offer support in the form of a donation, please visit www.bcrcsb.org