Lidia Schapira MD, FASCO, Professor of Medicine (Oncology)-Stanford University School of Medicine, Director Cancer Survivorship Program-Stanford Comprehensive Cancer Center. Director CME Program Development-Department of Medicine

June is Cancer Survivorship Month, so let us take a moment to celebrate every survivor and co-survivor’s story and learn from their experiences. The term ‘survivor’ refers to any person diagnosed with cancer from the moment of diagnosis and for the rest of their life.

As of January 2022, there were an estimated 18 million cancer survivors in the US, which is about 5.4% of the population. The number is expected to increase to 26 million by 2040. Many of them are long-term survivors, meaning that they have lived five or more years since their diagnosis. In fact, today we include people living with advanced cancer in the definition, and some have coined the term meta-survivor for people living with metastatic cancer. The fact that many people are living with advanced cancer as a chronic illness reflects the great advances in cancer treatment.

Improved methods of detection, combined with more effective and tolerable treatments, have contributed to the increase in survivors overall. Each person faces a unique set of challenges, but one in four survivors reports a poor physical quality of life and one in 10 reports poor mental health-related quality of life. We need to do better. And, with an aging population, we expect the number of people diagnosed and living with cancer will only increase, and so too will the complexities of delivering care.

Cancer survivors may struggle with symptoms from treatment that persist for many years after the end of treatment. The most common such symptoms include fatigue, nerve damage from chemotherapy drugs, emotional distress, and anxiety. In addition, cancer survivors speak of loss of relationships, loss of paid employment and financial hardship. These experiences tell us volumes about the effort, cost, and time they invested in undergoing treatment for cancer. Read full article here.

For resources focused on cancer survivorship, organizations like the American Cancer Society, the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) offer a wealth of information and support. These resources include survivorship care plans, support groups, educational materials, and advocacy programs. 

When it Comes to Cancer,

Every Second Opinion Counts.

Make Yours Count Twice.

Create a Legacy That Changes Lives

Your legacy can ensure that every person facing cancer receives the clarity, support, and second opinion they need—free of charge.

For more than 50 years, thesecondopinion has empowered over 10,000 cancer patients and their families to make informed medical decisions through expert, medically sound second opinions. But many more still need our help.

Your Legacy: A Gift of Hope and Empowerment

You have a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact—now and into the future.

1. Unlock Immediate Support

By simply expressing your intention to include thesecondopinion in your estate plans, you will activate a $500 donation today from one of our generous sponsors.

2. Double Your Impact

Your future gift ensures our mission continues for generations, while also unlocking real-time funding for today’s patients.

3. Act Now: Limited-Time Matching Opportunity. We can unlock up to $20,000 in the next 90 days—but only with your help. Your participation is vital.

Why Your Bequest Intention Matters

• It costs nothing today
• It’s flexible and non-binding
• It delivers immediate help to patients in need
• It creates a powerful legacy of compassion and care

What is a Bequest Intention?

It’s a simple document that outlines your wish to leave a gift to thesecondopinion through your will, trust, or estate plan. It’s easy to set up, and it makes a big difference.

3 Simple Steps:

1. Complete the Bequest Intention Form
2. Unlock $500 in immediate funding
3. Secure your place among a community of legacy society givers

Your Signature Can Transform Lives

Your bequest ensures that thesecondopinion continues to provide free, expert second opinions for every cancer patient who needs one—now and in the future.

To learn more or request a Bequest Intention contact:

Cheri Livingston

📧 cheri@thesecondopinion.org

📞 415-775-9956

Join us in building a future where no one faces cancer alone. Make your second opinion count twice. Click below on the 'Bequest Intention Form.' Send your intention to thesecondopinion by email (cheri@thesecondopinion.org) or mail it to 1200 Gough Street, Suite #500, San Francisco, CA 94109.

May 3rd marked the third annual Aces for Ana tennis tournament, raising an incredible $23,000 for thesecondopinion! With this year’s success, the tournament has now brought in over $71,000 in just three years!

Held in loving memory of Ana Klein, the tournament celebrates Ana’s passion for tennis and her unwavering commitment to supporting those facing cancer. Ana was a true inspiration, and her legacy lives on through this event and the mission she championed—providing free, comprehensive second opinions to adults in California diagnosed with cancer.

This year’s tournament was once again made possible by Ana’s dear friends—Milla, Carrie, Karen, and Kelly—who continue to honor her spirit and support the cause she believed in.

A heartfelt thank you to Milla, the dedicated Aces for Ana committee, the incredible volunteers, and every player who came out to compete and give so generously.

A special shout-out to Gold Sponsors:

• CTW (a.k.a. Campbell Taylor Washburn)
• Community West Bank (formerly Central Valley Community Bank)
• BPM LLP (Empowering businesses with personalized financial guidance across industries)
• MORRISON (Business advisors to leading organizations)

Your support makes a lasting impact. Thank you for helping carry Ana’s legacy forward.

Join us on October 15th as we proudly dedicate this special day to supporting breast cancer patients and raising awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This inspiring event promises to be filled with purpose, community, and impact.

We’re excited to welcome a full field of 100 golfers—including cancer patients, physicians, caregivers, and community members—coming together in solidarity to support a vital mission: providing free, comprehensive second opinions to adults diagnosed with cancer.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Your support directly impacts cancer patients across California, especially those in rural and underserved communities. We are deeply grateful for contributions of any kind.

Sponsorship Levels:

• Champion Sponsor – $5,000 (includes a foursome)
• Masters Sponsor – $3,000
• Classic Sponsor – $1,500
• Tournament Contributor – $500

All sponsors will receive:

• Name/logo on printed event materials
• Recognition on the 1st and 10th tee boxes
• Logo on poster at the registration table
• Acknowledgment on thesecondopinion’s social media

In-kind donations are also welcome and appreciated.

Why Your Support Matters

Since 1969, thesecondopinion has provided free, expert second opinions to cancer patients throughout California—offering clarity, reassurance, and hope when it’s needed most. We serve those with limited access to care, helping them understand their diagnosis and empowering them to make informed medical decisions.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this event helps us extend our support to even more patients navigating a breast cancer diagnosis.

Your Support Brings Hope

By sponsoring this event, you help:

• Support breast cancer patients with expert, compassionate guidance
• Reduce uncertainty for families facing cancer
• Expand our reach into rural and under-resourced communities

Stand with us. Sponsor today.

To get involved, please contact: Cheri Livingston at cheri@thesecondopinion.org