Breast Cancer Connections provides personalized information and support to people touched by breast cancer, in an atmosphere of warmth, sensitivity, and understanding.

Guiding principles

• We place the needs of our clients first.

• We personalize our services for each individual.

• We empower clients by providing information that helps them make decisions.

• We seek to reduce the barriers to services.

• We value the experience, knowledge, and involvement of breast cancer survivors.

• We provide meaningful opportunities for volunteers and value them as integral to our mission.

• We seek partnerships and collaborations to better fulfill our mission.

• We are committed to providing our services free of charge.

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 250 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 (formerly known as Community Breast Health Project) 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.

Today, BCC continues to grow to meet the needs of our community. From one part-time director of the past, we have increased to a large staff working with hundreds of volunteers. 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.