As we enter the holiday season and this season of giving thanks, Cancer Support Community is so thankful for the support we receive throughout the year! We are thankful for the many volunteers that give of their time to our events, those that help out in the office and the many that join us for outreach in the community. We are thankful for our Board members, donors, community partners, corporations, foundations and healthcare partners that support us every year so that we can continue to offer a full menu of programs and services to the community, always at no cost to participants and their families!

Cancer Support Community needs your help to continue our work, for participants like Bill and Pat Thomas. Bill and Pat exemplify a common path many of our participants take – first as patients and caregivers, then survivorship, then as donors and volunteers to Cancer Support Community. We are honored to walk alongside our community during some of the most difficult times and also some of the most inspirational times. You can read their story of strength and encouragement here.

Please consider a monthly gift, an end-of-year gift or including us in your estate plans.

With our heartfelt thanks,

Monica Murrietta

Executive Director

Welcome Jennifer Gougas to our Board of Directors!


Jennifer has been an oncology nurse for 36 years in a variety of settings. She has been an advocate for the Cancer Support Community since its inception many years ago. Jennifer believes the Cancer Support Community provides an invaluable service to cancer patients and families and is looking forward to contributing to the continued success, by providing health care insight and networking in areas that are in need of outreach.

Jennifer stated, “I believe being a Board Member can directly impact this incredible community of patients, family members and professional caregivers by providing insight gained by a strong, diversified career in the oncology setting. I have been retired for a year and a half and I’m looking for ways to give back to the community, and the Cancer Support Community Board of Directors seems like an extraordinary opportunity to do so.”

On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff, participants and volunteers, we welcome Jennifer to the Board!

Winter Holiday Closure

Cancer Support Community will be closed Wednesday, December 24th to Friday, January 2nd. Regular hours will resume Monday, January 5th, 2026. All in person classes and groups will be cancelled during office closure.

Support Group Members: Please refer to your facilitator and group communications on whether or not your group will meet as regularly scheduled.

Bereavement Support Group

with Anne Gessert, MS, LMFT

2nd & 4th Thursday, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Online (via Zoom)

Our support extends across the full spectrum of cancer care, including emotional support for those who have lost loved ones to cancer. If you would like a safe space to share your grief, hopes, and fears with others who are navigating similar experiences—guided by a professional psychotherapist—this group may be right for you. An orientation attendance and brief preparation interview are required before attending. Click here to download the flyer.

Click here to inquire about joining this support group.

2026 Bowl to Strike Out Cancer

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Cancer Support Community!

Saturday, February 28, 2026

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Buena Lanes, Ventura

Join us on Saturday, February 28, at this year's Bowl to Strike Out Cancer presented by Ventura Downtown Lions Club at Buena Lanes in Ventura. Tickets are $35/each and include 3 casual games of bowling, BBQ lunch, event t-shirt, and more! All bowlers are welcome!

Click here to purchase tickets and when checking out, add CSC and/or your team's name under "Bowling Team name".

Download the flyer for more information. 

Call for Volunteers for Upcoming Events

We are seeking enthusiastic, Spanish-speaking volunteers to assist with our future events! Your help will involve various tasks, including standing, moving about, and some lifting. Events take place throughout the year, so please be ready for changing weather conditions, whether it's cold or hot, and dress in comfortable clothing.

Your time and energy truly make a significant impact, and we couldn't do this without your support. 

Interested in volunteering with us? Email Nadia Santos, Outreach Coordinator here to join out volunteer contact list.

Atención: Se buscan voluntarios

¡Buscamos voluntarios entusiastas para ayudar en nuestros próximos eventos! Su ayuda consistirá en diversas tareas, como estar de pie, desplazarse y levantar objetos. Los eventos se celebran a lo largo de todo el año, por lo que le rogamos que esté preparado para condiciones climáticas variables, ya sea frío o calor, y que vista ropa cómoda.

Su tiempo y energía tienen un impacto realmente significativo, ¡y no podríamos hacerlo sin su apoyo!

¿Te interesa ser voluntario con nosotros? Envía un correo electrónico a Nadia Santos, coordinadora de divulgación, aquí para inscribirte.

Newcomer's Welcome Orientation

Mondays at 12:00 PM (or by appointment)

Online (via Zoom)

Are you or is someone you know impacted by cancer? You are not alone. We are here to support you! Please come to our Orientation and we will walk you through our different programs like support groups, counseling, and mind/body classes. Remember these are at no cost!  

Click here to get started or email our Program Team.

For more information or to attend any programs, please contact us at Programs@cancersupportvvsb.org 

or call (805) 379-4777.

Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara operates Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.