Evelyn Calip
Founder and Survivor
Evelyn's Message
Shortly after I began working as a PeriOperative Registered Nurse at Torrance
Memorial Medical Center, I found myself surrounded by other women who were being
diagnosed with breast cancer. When I was going through my cancer journey, I
remember that regardless of efforts by my family and friends to understand what
I was going through, they couldn't possibly know how I felt. Realizing this was
a deep need in many other women as well, I became inspired to create a group
that would bring together women with breast cancer through unifying events. In
August 2009, Evelyn's BFF (Breast Friends Forever) was born.
Evelyn's BFF gives breast cancer women a place to relax and share each other's cancer
journey in an informal setting. It's a place where family and friends are
welcome to attend. Every other month the group gathers for lunch, dinner or some
type of day long "fun" events such as: Valentine's Day, Private Bra Party,
Pamper Me Pink/Bra Day, 5K Breast Cancer Reconstruction Run/Walk, Luau, and
Christmas Cocktail.
In November 2010, I was chosen as an audience member on "Oprah's
Favorite Things for Ultimate Heroes".
Meeting Oprah and being on her show gave me the opportunity to experience what
she calls "truly the best gift"...the gift of giving back! This inspired me to
do more for breast cancer women.One of the most important highlights of my
breast cancer treatment is breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction gave me
my self esteem back and made me feel complete again. I think it is important for
every woman diagnosed with breast cancer who's considering breast reconstruction
to know her options early on and know that after the emotional and physical
hurdles, you can get back on your feet "feeling whole" again. As a registered nonprofit and 501 (3c) we are able to accept get donations and hold fundraisers to benefit breast cancer women who are
uninsured/underinsured and considering breast reconstruction.
Evelyn's BFF has become a place for emotional and informational support for
those breast cancer women who are contemplating, undergoing or completing
breast reconstruction. It's the place where breast cancer women meet for the
first time and become "breast friends forever". We are the first breast
reconstruction public benefit corporation in our community.