When we serve, we look outside of ourselves, beyond our own problems, and seek to bring value to others.
In 1997, the Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC), started with a group of dedicated volunteers, focused on creating a unique space to offer support and resources for individuals facing breast cancer in our community. Volunteers are the beating heart of the BCRC. The BCRC would not exist without the contributions of some truly exceptional volunteers, giving of their time, heart, personal experience, and talents for the benefit of others.
Each year the BCRC honors the special contributions of volunteers who have gone above and beyond to support our clients in truly significant ways and have shown unparalleled dedication to the BCRC. The Judy Blanco Volunteer of Year award was created in honor of the BCRC’s very first volunteer. As a peer-support counselor she showed up every day to be of support and help clients navigate a breast cancer diagnosis. As a volunteer, she wore many hats at the BCRC: administrative duties, librarian, volunteer coordinator and more, all with a ‘can-do’ attitude.
In 2023, BCRC is pleased to announce its Judy Blanco Volunteer of the Year Award to:
Christiane Brems, PhD. in the category of Programs and Integrative Care, Audrey Nolan for Fundraising, and Melinda Rogers for Peer-support services and Administration.
We celebrate each of you and appreciate the significant impact you make in the lives of those around you every day, especially those who are a part of our BCRC community facing breast cancer.
Judy Blanco Volunteer of the Year Award to Christiane Brems, PhD. for Programs and Integrative Care
Christiane (Chris) Brems, PhD joined the BCRC as a new Board Member at the end of 2022. Dr. Brems is a clinical psychologist, yoga therapist, and breast cancer survivor, bringing a wealth of professional and personal expertise to the BCRC. In the past year, Chris worked to develop and hosted a weekly yoga class designed for BCRC clients “Yoga with Intention” with a different focus each month intended to support the unique needs of those facing breast cancer or recovering from treatment and finding a renewed sense of mindful wellness. When our monthly support group needed a facilitator, she generously offered to step in and mediate the group.
We are grateful for her time and special talents. Chris is awarded the 2023 Volunteer of The Year in the category of Programs and Integrative Care.
Judy Blanco Volunteer of the Year Award to Audrey Nolan for Fundraising
Audrey Nolan has been a dedicated member of the BCRC board since 2019 and a BCRC Reiki practitioner for thirteen years. With many years of professional experience in high level corporate project management, Audrey has helped the BCRC in several significant ways over the years. Most recently she consulted and helped to develop the BCRC strategic plan which guided the organization during the pandemic years. Additionally, she organized and designed the BCRC’s fundraising silent auctions, and recruited volunteers for both the 2023 Thrive Fashion Show and the Pink Lounge Gala. Audrey went above and beyond the ensure that everything was perfectly organized – including schematics so volunteers could be efficient and create beautifully displayed treasures.
We are grateful for her time and unique talents. Audrey is awarded the 2023 Volunteer of The Year in the category of Fundraising
Judy Blanco Volunteer of the Year Award to Melinda Rogers for Peer-support services and Administration
Very often our inspiring clients become our greatest volunteers, supporting new clients with understanding, empathy, and generosity. These individuals know exactly what it’s like to be vulnerable and frightened—they provide the space to share and listen with a loving heart, to assure each client that they are not alone as they take the next step forward. Melinda is one of these clients – now thriving and focused on giving back. She shows up every Wednesday to the BCRC to offer peer to peer counseling, help clients going through chemotherapy select the perfect wig, and distribute free organic soup. When BCRC needed extra help with writing thank-you letters and stuffing envelopes she stepped in without hesitation. Her joy is meeting one-on-one with clients. Melinda is that bright light that is needed as clients navigate an unfamiliar path, helping to support and uplift them. She also cares for and inspires the staff with an always positive attitude and generous spirit.
We are grateful for her time and distinct talents. Melinda is awarded the 2023 Volunteer of the Year in the category of Peer-support services and Administration.