Sierra Madre Mayor Pro-Tem Parkhurst presents Volunteer of the Year Award in Support of those Impacted by Cancer

Cancer Support Community Greater San Gabriel Valley (Cancer Support Community) recently celebrated 34 years of providing professionally-led psychosocial emotional support for those impacted by cancer with an evening of community and connection with over 160 members, volunteers, supporters, and staff in attendance. The evening included live music, a raffle, and awards, with catering by Smoke Eaters BBQ, owned by Cancer Support Community participant, Ray Stewart. Local leaders were in attendance including City of Sierra Madre Councilmember Kristine Lowe, Fire Chief Bartlett and Mayor Pro Tem Robert Parkhurst, who presented the Cancer Support Community Volunteer of the Year award to Sierra Madre residents Korie Beth Brown and Matt Frey for their outstanding and continued support of Cancer Support Community and their mission to provide necessary care and resources for all who are impacted by cancer from patients, family, friends, caregivers, survivors and bereaved.

Matt Frey has volunteered with Cancer Support Community for the last six years providing repairs and maintenance at the Sierra Madre Community Center. Korie Beth Brown is a certified yoga instructor and has also volunteered with Cancer Support Community for six years. Her weekly Accessible Yoga classes focus on the present moment, intentionally and without judgment, emphasizing stretching, healthy alignment, and breathing techniques to create a sense of calm. Matt and Korie Beth are the first couple to jointly receive the Volunteer of the Year award.

“Volunteers are the foundation of every community, and volunteers like Matt and Korie Beth make building a community like ours possible,” said Patricia Ostiller, Chief Executive Officer, Cancer Support Community Greater San Gabriel Valley. “Each of our thirty-four years was made possible by the support of our volunteers, staff, Board Directors, and members. Our community is stronger than ever, as we continue to grow to support all who are impacted by cancer.”

Also in August, Cancer Support Community hosted its Self-Care & Wellness Day, helping cancer patients, caregivers, and their supporters to prioritize social-emotional care and relaxation in a supportive community setting. The event, funded in part by Cancer Support Community’s Volunteer Guild, featured a variety of activities to promote relaxation, healing, and community building from local vendors who graciously donated their time and expertise including Massage Therapy by Johanna, Blume Studio, Eyre Esthetics, Pure Steel, and Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist Mikaila Henderson. In addition to these services, attendees engaged in creative activities such as making lavender sugar hand scrubs and friendship bracelets, all while enjoying delicious light bites throughout the day. The event also provided an opportunity for patients and caregivers to connect, share their experiences, and expand their support networks.

“Everything from beginning to end was handled with exceptional care. The enthusiasm, kindness and care from the staff and vendors was so special. Meeting beautiful people in a calm setting was healing. I left there feeling more energetic than I have in a long time,” shared one guest, left unnamed for privacy.

The need for supportive services continues to grow as rates of cancer in Los Angeles are expected to increase. According to the Los Angeles County Cancer Surveillance Program, in 2024, there are expected to be over 44,000 new cancer diagnoses across all demographics in Los Angeles County. In the last year alone, Cancer Support Community has served over 1,130 individuals impacted by cancer.

About Cancer Support Community: Established in 1990, Cancer Support Community Greater San Gabriel Valley walks alongside its participants and their medical team providing evidence-based knowledge and professionally led psychosocial emotional support and activities as a proven method to enhance medical outcomes. The non-profit connects thousands of participants annually with support groups led by medical professionals, educational workshops presented by medical experts, and healthy lifestyle classes. All programs and services are free of charge.