by Mary E. Knippel

Cheri Livingston at her desk at Breast Cancer Connections. Photo: Mary E. Knippel.

September 2011— 
Coming home to the calming atmosphere of the Coastside after a challenging day at the office is something Coastsider Cheri Livingston relishes. Livingston lives in Half Moon Bay and works at the Palo Alto offices of Breast Cancer Connections, where she has been director of programs and services since 2006. “I’ve worked for years in various positions where I deal with people who are suffering,” Livingston said. “One of the nice things about living on the coast is when I see the ocean, when I’m in that environment, I can let go of all that I’m carrying. … Where I live helps me process my emotions.”

“My father was in government,” Livingston said, “so we moved around a lot.” Originally from Southern California, Livingston attended 11 different schools growing up and credits her mother for her affinity with community involvement. “Every time I started a new school my mother would put me in Girl Scouts, Brownies, or Campfire Girls — whatever she could find so that I could make friends quickly. … And those organizations are all about helping the community. That was the beginning, and things just grew out of that.”

BCC began in 1993 when a breast cancer patient, Jill Freidenrich, and her dedicated surgeon, M. Ellen Mahoney, saw a need for a unique compassionate support system for those affected by breast cancer in the San Francisco Bay Area. From one part-time director, BCC has increased to a staff of 10, with volunteers numbering close to 400 — and over 6,000 client contacts in 2010 — by providing a wealth of free services. The current annual budget of $1.5 million comes from individuals and community organizations. BCC’s more than 35 programs and services for men and women include personalized research, practical help, workshops, counseling, special interest support groups, the buddy program, screening and diagnostics, and complementary therapies from guided imagery to writing and more.

The 2010 conference included a resource fair. Pictured here, a woman getting help from Heidi's Image Enhancement Clinic. Photo courtesy of Breast Cancer Connections.

“It’s all about the people who come in here and their needs,” Livingston said about her duties at BCC. “I look out in the community and when I see things that are helpful other places, I start a pilot program here.” Livingston notes that BCC offers a variety of services so that all of those dealing with breast cancer “will find something that will help them, whether during treatment or after treatment. We share information from many different sources and layer it because there is no one solution to fit everyone.”

“One of the changes I’ve seen in the last five years,” Livingston continued, “is that a lot of young women are coming in for support now.” The Young Woman’s Breast Cancer Networking Group is an example of BCC’s ability to adapt the programs to fit the needs of patrons. The group meets twice a month and members discuss body image, dating, keeping up with small children during treatment, and issues with their marriages after breast cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute, one woman out of eight is diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. From the age of 30 through 39, that number is one out of 233. From the age of 40 through 49, that number is one out of 69. The Gabriella Patser Program was established at BCC to ensure that low income, uninsured women under the age of 40 have access to critical diagnostic services for breast health problems, and can benefit from early detection of breast cancer. “Early detection makes a critical difference in women’s chances of survival,” said Dana Kaye, BCC executive director. In 2010, 740 at-risk women received free early detection services through the Gabriella Patser Program. BCC provides a safety net for the young women who present at risk for breast cancer but do not qualify for state assistance due to their age.

2010 conference at Oracle auditorium with speaker Kathy Allen from the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute. Photo courtesy of Breast Cancer Connections.

“I see very strong women here,” Livingston said, “very courageous women who give me strength, which makes BCC a really enjoyable and incredible place to work.” Some of these women are the Helpliners, volunteers who answer the phones six days a week. “They have been through breast cancer themselves and they relive it every time they talk to someone on the phone. I like the personal contact we have here,” Livingston said.

Weekly Q & A sessions, one of the flagship programs at BCC, are still the most popular and the most beneficial program at the center for the newly diagnosed, as well as those who have been cancer-free for years. Doctors and medical professionals address body, mind and spirit issues. The BCC Metastatic Breast Cancer Group was the second program established and is the only one of its kind on the peninsula.

A graduate of Notre Dame de Namur University, Livingston has been married for three decades, and is looking forward to becoming a grandma in the near future. She enjoys golf, travel and walks on the beach with her dog.

A personal note from Mary E. Knippel:

As a two-time breast cancer survivor, I wanted to get involved within our local community and discovered Breast Cancer Connections. I began volunteering last year and wish I had known about it the first time I was diagnosed. It is an oasis of compassion and information when you find yourself surrounded by fear and uncertainty. I would encourage anyone who has been touched by breast cancer to visit the center.

“Being a volunteer at BCC,” said Irene Liana, manager of volunteer resources at BCC, “gives you the opportunity to make a real difference in the life of someone who is facing breast cancer. Taking time to do something positive for someone else helps them and makes you feel good at the same time.”

Breast Cancer Connections 8th Annual Breast Cancer Conference

“Sharing Knowledge – Creating Hope”

A day full of breast cancer education that is open to the public, but designed for those touched by breast cancer.

Sat., Nov. 5, 2011 — 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Oracle Conference Center

350 Oracle Parkway

Redwood Shores, Calif.

$25. Scholarships are available; please contact BCC.

Registration begins Sept. 14.

Breast Cancer Connections is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization providing programs and services to all those facing breast cancer in the Bay Area. For more information, visit the BCC website or call the Helpline at 650-326-6686.