Breast Cancer Support Here in Tehachapi

For more than 20 years, Links for Life has been serving Kern County women and men who find themselves face-to-face with that nasty "c" word ... cancer, more specifically breast cancer.

From humble beginnings in Bakersfield, over the years Links for Life has proven to be an invaluable resource for thousands of women, young girls and even men, endowing them with education, support and loving, understanding volunteers who literally have walked a mile in their shoes.

Breast cancer is no respecter of gender, explained Mary Van Blake, herself a breast cancer survivor and Community Outreach person for Links for Life. "While breast cancer tends to be more prevalent in women, we are finding more and more men dealing with breast cancer these days. Links for Life's mission is to make available services for anyone dealing with breast cancer themselves and their families," Mary added.

"I remember when I first was diagnosed with breast cancer, I just went numb," she explained. "I was so glad that a dear friend went to the doctor with me because I didn't hear anything after the word cancer. With the help of my friend, I soon discovered that I needed to be my own advocate and learn everything I could about the disease and what all of my options were. When you've done your homework, you talk differently about it and, as a result, even the doctors talk to you differently. Knowledge is power."

As she went through surgery, treatment and recovery Mary realized that she needed all the support she could find. "There was a support group in Bakersfield that meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month in the Haberfelde Building, but I wanted something here at home. I knew other women probably would feel the same way, not wanting to drive to Bakersfield in the evening and, especially in winter weather, take a chance of not being able to get back up the hill. So, about four years ago, I became instrumental in getting a support group established here in Tehachapi," she said with a smile. "We meet at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month at the Tehachapi SENIOR CENTER. Our meetings are open to friends and family as well."

Mary remembers the first meeting very well. "My friend Joanna and I were there ... waiting. A young man, a reporter for the Tehachapi News, came in because he had a family member dealing with breast cancer and he wanted to write a story. Then, finally, another woman showed up and it was the three of us women and the reporter."

"Of course, attendance at any given meeting varies," Mary explained, but we average about 10 – 15 and our current group seems to be in the 30-40 year old range. Our annual Lace'n It Up for Links for Life walk often sees 100 or more. It just gets better and better each year," she said. "This year's walk will take place on Saturday, October 4 and starts at 9 a.m. and usually winds up about noon."

One of Links for Life's main goals is to make sure that every woman in Kern County is able to receive free mammograms for those who may be underinsured or have no insurance at all, said Mary.

Links for Life also provides wigs for those cancer patients who don't subscribe to the "bald in beautiful" concept, Mary explained. "We've opened up a second wig boutique in the Comprehensive Blood & Cancer Center's Breast Center so it can be a one-stop shopping experience."

Along with the support and other services, education is equally important, Mary said. "We provide breast health seminars, college scholarships at Bakersfield College and Cal State Bakersfield in addition to support groups for breast cancer survivors and their families. The whole family experiences the disease, not just the one diagnosed."

While October is breast cancer awareness month, and there are many activities already well into the planning stages for 2014, both in Bakersfield and Tehachapi, the corporate offices in Bakersfield carries on throughout the year fielding thousands of phone calls and "walk-ins" in addition to arranging for mammograms and ultrasounds, fittings for wigs and head coverings, arranging for needle biopsies and providing bras and prosthesis.

"Links for Life challenges each and every Kern County woman (and man) to become acutely aware of her/his breast health," said Mary. "We are there to promote support for those affected and to educate the general public about breast health. I've said it before, but I'll say it again ... knowledge is power and we believe it's never too early to teach our young daughters the proper way to do self-breast exams," she said.

Links for Life receives private donations, bequests, grants and outside sponsored events in their on-going quest to assist the women and men in Kern County with breast and cancer services. "All the money raised in Kern County stays in Kern County," Mary explained. "Each and every year we are grateful for all of our wonderful donors, sponsors, volunteers and staff. Without them, Links for Life would not be able to provide help for the women, men and families of Kern County. Thank you!"

If you'd like more information on Links for Life and/or their up-coming events, please give Mary a call at 661-805-0098 or visit the Links for Life website at http://www.linksforlife.org. Links for Life is a 501c(3)

non-profit organization, so your donations may be tax deductible.