HERS Breast Cancer Foundation
news & updates
December 2020 | Vol. 1
Health & Safety Updates
HERS Team Member Michele M. with her mask and shield. Photo credit: HERS Breast Cancer Foundation
Dear Friends,

Welcome to our first newsletter of December. It's chock-full of great info, including event announcements, holiday shopping, a boxART! update, and a farewell.

I'll start with a few words about Covid and our services since we've entered another critical pandemic period.

Our team has been vigilant since March about Covid, including taking proactive steps to keep our patients and one another safe. Our efforts include multi-point patient health screenings, use of PPE (masks, face shields, and gloves), physical distancing and store capacity restrictions, frequent sanitizing, and investments in protective plexi barriers and air purifiers.

To safeguard the health of our organization, we've taken a very conservative approach with expenses and continue to pursue grants and other funding opportunities (more on this below).

As of this writing, it appears Alameda County may adopt Governor Newsom's stay-at-home order early. HERS services are essential and we will remain open for patients by appointment only so they may continue to access the post-surgical products and fitting services they need.

We'll continue to provide updates by email, phone, and social media. I welcome your questions or simply the opportunity to connect. Please call (510) 790-1911 or email tinaf@hersbreastcancerfoundation.org.

And a final thought: please join us in thanking our medical and mental health providers, and first responder professionals. They are heroes in the Covid fight and we're grateful for their dedication and sacrifice.

Please stay safe and well.

With caring thoughts,

Tina

Tina Fernandez Steckler
Executive Director
Our final fundraising effort of 2020 is under way and you may have already received our year-end letter. We're grateful to friends who have already donated in support of our $40,000 fundraising goal (a lofty goal, we know!).

As of today we've raised $13,000 and we still have a few weeks to go!

If you haven't yet donated, please keep our patients in your heart and remember that every dollar counts; donations in all amounts are welcome. Together let's provide the products and services under-served patients need in the months ahead.

Please make your gift easily and securely online via PayPal or mail your donation to:

HERS Breast Cancer Foundation
2500 Mowry Avenue, Suite 130
Fremont, CA 94538
Farewell, Shanli!
HERS Breast Care Specialist Shanli T. (left) with her mother and family. Photo Credit: Shanli T.
Our team is made up of compassionate, strong individuals who care deeply about their work and patients. A few staff members have gone on to pursue careers in other service areas, including health care, and their time at HERS has helped prepare them for their next steps.

Shanli is no exception. If you're a HERS patient, you may recognize her in our photos. During her time as a HERS Breast Care Specialist she earned her BSN in Nursing with a Minor in Human Development from CSUEB. Last year she passed the NCLEX Nursing Board exam and will soon leave HERS to begin her career as a registered nurse.

When asked about her HERS experience, Shanli shared that she's enjoyed providing a safe environment for patients and she's also valued working alongside "empowering, inspirational, strong women." Her favorite HERS event is our annual Walk/Run fundraiser.

One of Shanli's most touching thoughts is about her mother, Maritess, whom Shanli cites as her biggest inspiration. Maritess, a long-time nurse, inspired Shanli's career choice and she states that her mom is "caring, selfless, and genuine."

Shanli, we're proud of you, we'll miss you, and we wish you all the best!
boxART! featuring breast cancer awareness images. Photo credit: Susan Longini
Talented local artist Suzanne Gayle put the finishing touches on one of Fremont's newest boxART! projects last week and it's a beautiful statement about breast cancer awareness and survivor support.

Suzanne painted her designs on the two signal control boxes at the corner of Walnut Avenue and Civic Center Drive -- an apt location given the proximity to medical offices and facilities. We hope this public art will inspire breast cancer awareness and action, and strengthen and empower individuals impacted by the disease.

We're very grateful to Suzanne as well as boxART! Project Manager Susan Longini and the City of Fremont for making this project possible.

Stay tuned for a virtual "unveiling" announcement in the coming weeks.
Open for Business: Pleasanton Location Highlight
Thank you, Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce!

Chamber staff recently visited our Pleasanton location and interviewed HERS Program Director Annette Lewellyn to highlight HERS in their December 2020 E-Business Connection issue.

We're grateful to be OPEN FOR BUSINESS to serve Tri-Valley breast cancer survivors and are grateful for our beautiful space thanks to our partnership with Stanford Health Care ValleyCare.

Our Pleasanton location is open Wednesdays and Thursdays and is located in the Resource Center at 5752 W. Las Positas Boulevard, Suite 270.

Call (510) 790-1911 to book your appointment today!
People with Purpose UPDATE
The return of our fabulous fundraising gala, People with Purpose, on Saturday, May 8, 2021, will be festive for several reasons, including pivoting to pajamas. Our 2021 theme will be a Pink Pajama Party!

The festivities will also include honoring our HERS Award recipients who have been waiting patiently for their time to shine:


Don't miss this chance to celebrate with us! Save the date: Saturday, May 8th!

Our Pink Pajama Party will include entertainment, awards presentations, and registered guests will receive a party box filled with delightful treats to help everyone feel pampered!

Gala-specific updates will be sent soon via email. Questions about event details, sponsorships or in-kind contributions? Call (510) 790-1911.
Crippsmas Place 2020
Crippsmas Place will brighten our nights and raise our spirits this year December 12th-25th from 6-10 pm.

As a Covid precaution, visitors should remain in their cars and drive through the neighborhood to enjoy the displays.

To get the full "Crippsmas Place" experience, tune in to Crippsmas Radio at FM 103.1 when you visit!

Please remember that this fundraiser supports numerous local nonprofits, including HERS. Due to Covid, the Crippsmas Place team can't accept donations in person. However, you may contribute online via Crippsmas Club's PayPal or mail your gift to:

Crippsmas Club
36094 Asquith Place
Fremont CA 94536

Questions? Email Kate A.

A final thought: We extend our heartfelt thanks to this annual tradition's residents, sponsors, and volunteers. Crippsmas Place is a labor of love that helps sustain organizations that heal, protect, and empower some of our most vulnerable residents.
Photo credit: Crippsmas Club
Holiday Shopportunities
Shop Kendra Scott jewelry and home décor, and give back to HERS December 4th-5th. 20% of purchases will be donated to support HERS Assistance Programs and, of course, Kendra Scott jewelry makes lovely holiday gifts!

The details:


  • Use promo code GIVEBACK-015Z when checking out or at the register

  • New items this season include stunning holiday tree ornaments

  • In-store shopping is proceeding with Covid protocols

Happy Shopping!
A portion of each sale of Fremont Flowers' beautiful preserved rose arrangement benefits our Assistance Programs, thanks to owner Dirk Lorenz!

Preserved roses are all over Instagram for good reason; a gorgeously luxe home accent, they remain vibrant for two to three years and are so very chic.

The HERS ribbon will show your support for breast cancer survivors or request a ribbon with a meaningful message of your own.

Call (510) 797-1136 to order yours today!
Photo credit: Dirk Lorenz/Fremont Flowers
HERS Holiday Hours
So that the HERS Team can rest, relax, and enjoy this special time of year, our locations will be closed on the following dates:

  • December 24, 25, & 31
  • January 1

Please book your appointment or pick up your products before these dates.

Call (510) 790-1911 for assistance.

We'll reopen Monday, January 4, 2021, and look forward to serving you!

Stay safe and Happy Holidays!