Chula Vista Breast Cancer Support Group Celebrates One Year

Bilingual support group helps men and women cope with their cancer diagnosis

In August 2015, the bilingual breast cancer support group at the Scripps Well Being Center, Chula Vista, celebrated its first year of helping women and their families cope with the devastating disease.

“The breast cancer support group provides a nurturing, mentor-like environment where women and men can ask questions, share their fears and help one another,” says Kendra Brandstein, director of community benefits at Scripps Mercy Hospital. “In the past year, I’ve seen so much growth. This kind of positive support is an essential part of the healing process.” Shirley Pacheco, a volunteer facilitator and breast cancer survivor echoes this sentiment. “I think people let cancer limit them — I didn’t,” she says. “A positive attitude and laughter were very important and helped me get through it.”

Scripps offers breast cancer support groups at Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas, Scripps Polster Breast Care Center (on the campus of Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla), and Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego and Chula Vista campuses.