I’ve had the honor of working for Cancer Support Community South Bay (CSC South Bay) for the past 15 years. It’s a remarkable nonprofit organization that we are fortunate to have right here in our own community, providing emotional and social support to cancer patients and their loved ones—completely free of charge.

Cancer is a word no one wants to hear, but it touches nearly all of us in some way. That’s why I feel so strongly about the work being done at CSC South Bay. This amazing organization offers more than 200 free online and in-person programs each month! These life-changing programs are made possible thanks to the generosity of donors and the tireless efforts of dedicated volunteers. CSC South Bay’s many services include weekly support and networking groups for nearly every type of cancer, healthy lifestyle and stress reduction programs, educational and nutritional workshops, physician lectures, individual and family counseling, and even support programs for children. CSC South Bay also provides an abundance of informational resources for those impacted by cancer. All of their programs are derived from evidence-based psychosocial oncology and mind-body research, and all groups are facilitated by licensed mental health professionals.

Founded in 1987, CSC South Bay has served over 28,000 individuals, and has been providing the gold standard of emotional and social support to cancer patients and their families for over 38 years. CSC South Bay is located in Rolling Hills Plaza in Torrance, but proudly serves the entire South Bay, Long Beach, and Orange County areas, with outreach efforts continuing to expand into under-resourced communities.

As anyone diagnosed with this disease will tell you, hearing those three words “you have cancer” is a devastating and overwhelming experience. While doctors and medical teams focus on treating the physical disease, they can only do so much to support patients emotionally. This is where CSC South Bay really shines. Their psychological support programs are designed to address the loss of control, hopelessness, and social isolation that often comes with a diagnosis. CSC South Bay serves people with all types of cancer at any stage of disease. Their goal is to help as many cancer patients as possible recover from the physical and emotional effects of cancer.

Also, it is not just the patient, but the entire family that is affected by a cancer diagnosis. CSC South Bay has programs for the loved ones and caregivers of people with cancer, including the kids and teens of those affected. People come to CSC South Bay to learn more about their disease and also find friendship, caring and hope in a supportive community with others who are going through a similar situation. CSC South Bay is there for them in every way so that no one faces cancer alone.  

Over the years, we’ve built meaningful connections throughout the South Bay, including right here in Manhattan Beach. Jim Hunter, a former board member of CSC South Bay, and his wife Joanne are residents of the Hill Section and have been dedicated supporters of our organization for many years. Their family turned to CSC South Bay for support during their son Kory’s battle with brain cancer. Following Kory’s passing, their daughter Mandy and her husband Heath Gregory founded the Uncle Kory Foundation to raise awareness and fund critical research for brain cancer.

Heath Gregory also co-founded the Tour de Pier event with Jon Hirshberg. This iconic stationary cycling fundraiser, held each year on the Manhattan Beach Pier, supports three meaningful cancer organizations: the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, the Uncle Kory Foundation, and Cancer Support Community South Bay. CSC South Bay is honored to be one of the beneficiaries of this inspiring event, which brings the Manhattan Beach community together with purpose, passion, and heart.

Now, we’re looking forward to another extraordinary event in Manhattan Beach that supports our mission in a meaningful way:

On Saturday, August 16, 2025, CSC South Bay will host our 28th Annual Gala at the Westdrift Hotel. This unforgettable evening will feature dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions, and heartfelt stories of resilience and hope. We are excited to welcome Wendy Burch, KTLA host and Manager of Community Engagement, as our event host for the evening. Tickets go on sale June 17 at www.CSCSouthBay.org.

All proceeds from the gala benefit CSC South Bay’s free programs and services. It’s more than just a celebration; it’s a chance to ensure that thousands of local cancer patients and families continue to receive the support they need and deserve.

Whether you’ve been personally touched by cancer, know someone who has, or simply want to support a cause that makes a lasting impact, I hope you’ll join us for this very special evening—or share our services with someone who might need them. 

For more information on CSC South Bay’s programs and upcoming events, visit the website or call (310) 376-3550.