Beverly Mangerich — Nurse Educator, Scripps Polster Breast Care Center, and YSC Breast Cancer Advocate
Twelve years ago, Beverly, a nurse educator at Scripps Polster Breast Care Center (Scripps) in La Jolla, Calif., witnessed firsthand the struggles facing young breast cancer survivors. While not a survivor herself, she listened when they said their needs were different from her post-menopausal patients. The young women sought peer support, and she knew she could help. With the encouragement of Scripps, she started a support group focused on the needs of women diagnosed with breast cancer under 40.
In 2006, three survivors approached Beverly about expanding the meeting. The women had discovered Young Survival Coalition (YSC) online and joined YSC’s Community Boards, meeting others just like them from around the country. Beverly investigated YSC’s web site and educational materials and decided that the organization was just what she needed to reach even more young survivors.
As the gatherings in the San Diego area attracted larger numbers, Beverly explored how she could do more to help the medical community understand the unique needs of a younger breast cancer patient. Her first priority was introducing the center’s doctors and surgeons to young survivors. Being able to share YSC materials with them made them better able to serve the needs of their younger breast cancer patients.
Utilizing the facilities at Scripps, Beverly coordinated a series of educational lectures. Topics ranged from ways to stay positive during treatment to understanding reconstruction options. Long-term survival issues and yearly updates on research and the science behind breast cancer soon followed.
Beverly established a direct connection with the young women diagnosed or treated at Scripps and working with YSC strengthened her ability to reach a larger number of young women and deliver crucial information at an earlier touchpoint.
Beverly volunteers her time because she believes in the power of connecting young women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer — and she is making a difference in her community every day!
Thank you Beverley for the work you continue to do to ensure no young woman faces breast cancer alone in Southern California! You are amazing!
