In 1997, a breast cancer patient and her oncologist dreamed of a place which could assist newly diagnosed breast cancer patients to find information and support to help them become informed partners in their healthcare. They realized that the newly diagnosed woman experienced emotional turmoil at the same time that significant decisions needed to be made. They wanted to help patients acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for making decisions to manage their cancer as they began their journey toward survivorship and wellness. They envisioned a warm, friendly place to talk, share, cry and improve their quality of life.

In 1998, a committee of dedicated health professionals and survivors met and formed a non-profit corporation. The first month's rent was borrowed and the Breast Cancer Resource Center opened on October 2, 1998. Seed money was provided by Amgen, Inc. and the American Cancer Society, enabling the Center to offer numerous services at no cost to those in the community facing breast cancer. For the first year, the Center was operated four days a week entirely by volunteers and breast cancer survivors. A part-time Executive Director was then hired and later a part-time office assistant was added in order to expand the services and the number of people served. In 2003, the Center engaged an Executive Director and a Client Services Coordinator on a full-time basis and expanded to five days a week. Three outreach educators were also added to reach into the community with a breast health education program. In 2005, the Center served approximately 5,000 women in the south Puget Sound Area.

The Breast Cancer Resource Center of Tacoma is a 501 c (3) non-profit organization which is supported by individual donations, foundation grants and small government contracts.

The Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC) is an independent, non-profit center, partnered with other community organizations to enhance the quality of life for people touched by breast cancer.

BCRC's goals are to increase awareness of breast cancer and breast health by providing a network of empathetic volunteers and staff - ready to help you gather information to represent diagnosis and treatment options. Many BCRC volunteers are breast cancer survivors themselves, committed to supporting your need for resources during your journey toward wellness.

The BCRC offers a range of free programs to help you in each stage of your cancer survivorship. Though we do not offer medical advice, we do provide information and practical and emotional support in a warm and professional, yet homelike atmosphere.

We are here for you. Feel free to visit us anytime - no appointment is needed.

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The Breast Cancer Resource Center is thrilled to welcome
Marsha Robbins our new Executive Director!!!!
Marsha was raised in Gig Harbor, Washington and attended school in the Peninsula School District. After graduating from Washington State University, she worked for a variety of social service agencies until getting her teaching certificate from the University of Puget Sound and her M.Ed. from Central Washington University. She traveled to Anchorage, Alaska where she worked for the Anchorage School District for 21 years. She returned to Gig Harbor in 2006 upon retiring from her position as Supervisor of the Anchorage School District Migrant Education Program. Marsha is a breast Cancer Survivor and brings a wonderful new perspective to the center. She will be out in the community on a regular basis letting the everyone know what services are available for Cancer Patients, Survivors and their families.