About BCRC
BCRC
Our History
In May of 1993, Sherry Smith and Ann Lawler met in a breast cancer support group. As their group meetings were ending, Sherry and Ann realized that the experience and benefits were too valuable not to be shared and, in that moment, the Breast Cancer Resource Center was born! Despite humble beginnings in a small office in donated space, BCRC provided invaluable resources to its community including a lending library, network of peer support volunteers and telephone helpline. For the past 25 years BCRC has helped women overcome obstacles preventing them from accessing breast health services. The mission of BCRC is to empower those affected by breast cancer with personalized support and compassion. BCRC’s vision is a future where no one faces breast cancer alone. Until then, BCRC will continue to offer Hope, Help, Here!
“27 years ago, we started small, but dreamt very big. Through the years BCRC has grown and added services and programs beyond our wildest dreams.”
Sherry Smith, BCRC Founder
With guidance and support from the medical community, they teamed up with several others and, in 1995, they founded the Breast Cancer Resource Center, a 501(c)(3) health and human service organization serving women facing breast cancer. Despite humble beginnings in a small office in donated space, BCRC provided invaluable resources to its community including a lending library, network of peer support volunteers and telephone helpline. Passionate volunteers offered compassion and hope to the women who reached out for support.
“The founders had two unbreakable rules: No woman would ever be charged for any of BCRC’s programs or services, and the BCRC would never recommend any particular physician, practice, or hospital.”
Alice Wilson
Since that time, BCRC’s goal has remained the same – to help women with breast cancer chart a course and find their way forward – in the way that is right for them. Being nimble and responsive to the needs of the community, listening to clients and seeking solutions to the complex problems associated with a breast cancer diagnosis, BCRC pioneered non-clinical navigation and support.
1995
Breast Cancer Resources Center was founded as non-profit organization serving women facing breast cancer.
2002-2006
Support Groups created: IV League: women with metastatic disease; Entre Mujeres: Spanish-speaking women; Pink Ribbon Cowgirls: women under 45.
2008
Started Patient Navigation program. All client services staff were trained at the Harold P. Freeman Patient Navigation Institute.
2011-2013
BCRC created a support group for those diagnosed with metastatic disease at 45 ang younger; Lotus Link Online Support Forum was created for women of all ages and stages.
2019
BCRC was awarded a 5-year grant from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. The Karing for Every Young Survivor (KEYS) Program began due to this grant.
2021
BCRC redefined its community of support and launched 12 specialized support groups, including Pink Table Talk, a group for Black women, to better address clients' unique needs.
Today, Breast Cancer Resource Center offers a comprehensive community of support including support groups, online communities, classes, resource videos, and blogs that help address the different stages of cancer, phases of treatment and survivorship.
Our Impact
Through guidance and education, BCRC’s Patient Navigation program improves health outcomes by helping those impacted by breast cancer overcome barriers that affect their ability to successfully complete treatment. We’re grateful for unwavering support and resources that directly impact our clients throughout their journey. We couldn’t have achieved these significant milestones without our community partners. Together, we fostered a community of support where our clients know that they can count on us for Hope. Help. Here!
Financials
In 2022, for every dollar received, BCRC spent 75.1% on direct mission support, 11.9% on administrative and general costs, and 13% on fundraising.
