Published on Oct. 1, 2026
October kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Every October, a sea of pink fills the lawn at the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center as more than 100 people form a giant human ribbon—symbolizing hope, unity and the fight against breast cancer. This powerful visual marks the kickoff of the annual “Hope Lives Here” event, where the MemorialCare Breast Center care team joins survivors, mentors and employees to raise awareness about early detection and support for patients throughout their cancer journey.
This year’s event highlighted the many ways patients and families are supported through breast cancer—from early detection and coordinated care to practical assistance that can make treatment more accessible.
Among those sharing their stories was Stacy Byone, RN, a nurse navigator who has worked at the MemorialCare Breast Center at Long Beach Medical Center for 20 years and was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. Accustomed to guiding patients through diagnosis and treatment, Stacy spoke about what it was like to have those roles reversed—to go from being the one providing care to the one receiving it.
“As a nurse navigator, I’m used to being the person patients turn to for answers and reassurance. When I became the patient, I was the one who needed that same support,” said Byone. “My entire Breast Center friends and family guided me through every step of my diagnosis and treatment. Experiencing their care firsthand showed me how much it matters to have people beside you who not only understand the medical journey, but also see and support the person going through it.”
The event also included a $50,000 check presentation from the Kay Yow Cancer Fund to the MemorialCare Breast Center. The funds will help support transportation needs for patients, helping reduce a practical barrier that can make it difficult to get to appointments and treatment.
“No woman should hear ‘you have breast cancer’ and wonder whether it could have been found sooner. Mammograms can detect cancer before symptoms appear, so schedule your annual screening, and encourage the women you love to do the same,” said Jessica Rayhanabad, M.D., medical director, breast surgery, MemorialCare Breast Center, Long Beach Medical Center. “Stacy’s journey reminds us that every patient deserves to feel supported and never alone; and the Kay Yow Cancer Fund’s support eases one more worry by helping patients get to their appointments.”
The MemorialCare Breast Center, part of the Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center, provides breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment, along with nurse navigation and other support to help patients understand and move through each stage of care.
To schedule a mammogram or learn more about the MemorialCare Breast Center, visit memorialcare.org/LBBreast.
