How BCC Got Started

In October 1993, a patient and her surgeon began to dream of a community center where breast cancer patients could go for up-to-date medical information and support from fellow breast cancer survivors.

In January 1994, the dream and the number of people sharing it began to grow as more than 200 people participated in brainstorming sessions on how best to meet the needs of breast cancer survivors and their families. Brainstorming participants agreed that an organization was needed to do three things:

• offer patient and family support in a safe, welcoming environment
• inform and educate
• improve coordination of medical care and community resources

Most important, the brainstormers felt, is that the organization be built from the inside out and always maintain a focus on the patient.

In April 1994, Breast Cancer Connections (BCC) began to transform the shared dream into reality. Buttressed by office space and a part-time director provided by Stanford University Hospital, as well as an outstanding volunteer force, BCC began to establish a presence in the community.

In 2005, BCC has grown and continues to grow to meet the needs of our community. From a part-time director, we have become a staff of five full-time employees and three part-time employees. Our growth has ensured that we continue to provide free, high-quality services and support for our clients even as the demand for our services continues to increase.