For a Good Cause: CSC South Bay’s ‘Together We Walk’ event draws support in Long Beach

March 26, 2026

Cancer survivors, families, volunteers and community supporters gathered along Long Beach’s waterfront earlier this month to participate in Cancer Support Community South Bay’s second annual “Together We Walk” 5K walk and run.

The event brings together the community in strength and solidarity to empower individuals and families impacted by cancer, as well as raise funds for the vital programs that the nonprofit offers.

“Together We Walk,” which was held on Sunday, March 8, at Shoreline Park, had more than 275 participants and raised nearly $36,000 to support free programs for individuals and families impacted by cancer, organizers said.

Founded in 1987, Cancer Support Community South Bay (CSC South Bay) is a nonprofit that has served more than 30,000 individuals and provides 200 free programs per month of social and emotional support, education and hope for people with cancer and their families, according to its website.

CSC South Bay’s goal is to help as many cancer patients as possible recover from the physical and emotional effects of cancer to the greatest extent possible, according to its website. Programs include weekly support groups, cancer-specific networking groups and individual counseling. Additional offerings include kids’ community programs, stress-reduction and healthy-lifestyle activities, educational lectures and workshops on nutrition, treatment and more.

Proceeds from “Together We Walk” support these programs and provide support and hope for cancer patients and their loved ones throughout the South Bay and Long Beach communities, organizers said.

“Together We Walk” was created to honor the legacy of Judith Opdahl, who served as executive director and CEO of CSC South Bay for 25 years and helped share the organization’s mission of providing compassionate support for people affected by cancer, according to its website.

This year’s event kicked off with a Long Beach Fire Department fireboat water display and a pre-walk warm-up led by ElectriKIDS – a nonprofit that leads high-energy workouts for all ages. There was also a community expo featuring local partners and wellness resources.

Participants of all ages made their way along the 5K course that had views of the Aquarium of the Pacific, Sea Shell Park, Shoreline Village, Parkers’ Lighthouse, Queen Mary and the harbor.

“Today is about more than walking or running. It is about coming together as a community,” Jillian Van Leuven, executive director and CEO of CSC South Bay, said in a statement. “When we show up for each other and walk side by side, we remind ourselves that none of us has to face difficult moments alone. That is exactly what we do every day at Cancer Support Community South Bay, walking alongside individuals and families impacted by cancer by providing connection, support and hope.”

“Together We Walk” has strong support from survivors, families, community members and local businesses and organizations.

Sponsors for the event included LIFT Airborne Technologies, Deborah Patrick, ElectriKIDS, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Magee and Adler APC, Port of Long Beach, Black Knight Patrol, Century Housing, Dr. Dan Hovenstine and Richard Bruno, Jeff Arnold and Sophia Wong, Kinecta Wealth Management, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Alan and Kelli Vieweg, Maniaci Insurance Services, Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute, Grunion Gazette and Press-Telegram.

See More at: The Grunion

Cancer Support Community South Bay Girls Night Out Returns to Comedy & Magic Club

November 13, 2025

Seen in Easy Reader, November 2025

Cancer Support Community South Bay’s (CSC South Bay) Girls Night Out event returned to the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach on October 22 for the first time since 2019. The evening helps increase awareness of women’s cancers and celebrate survivorship with an evening of laughter and fun. The 200 guests helped raise $148,000.

“Girls Night Out has always been a much-loved tradition in our community, and seeing it come back this year with such energy and support was truly inspiring,” said Jillian Van Leuven, executive director of CSC South Bay.

Hermosa Beach Interim City Manager Steve Napolitano, a long-time supporter of CSC South Bay, led a spirited live auction, which included a Redondo Beach Fire Station Dinner and Fire Patrol Boat Cruise, VIP concert tickets to see Sabrina Carpenter, and a Girls Night Out shopping experience at Alandrea boutique in Redondo Beach Riviera Village.

Speaker Trina Miyahara, who along with her mother and sister, was diagnosed with hereditary breast cancer, told guests, “Healing is not just about the medicine. It’s also about our community. The conversations, the shared tears, the meals left on doorsteps, the quiet moments of sitting together in silence, the opportunity to help the next person become a survivor, those are the things I am most grateful for. I am thankful to my family and friends, whose love held me up, and to Cancer Support Community South Bay, for creating a space for healing, for joy, for love.”

Proceeds from the event will support more than 200 free programs offered each month by CSC South Bay, including support groups, educational workshops, healthy lifestyle classes, and resources for cancer patients and their families.

Sponsors included Karen Beck and Judy Shepherd, Sons of Norway, Ulabrand Lodge, Reproductive Partners Medical Group, Torrance Memorial Medical Center, Kinecta Wealth Management, James and Lana Speer, City of Hope South Bay, Brian and Pauline Harris, and Donna H. Lee.

For more information about CSC South Bay’s programs, please visit CSCSouthBay.org. ER

BONE CANCER SURVIVOR SHARES HER STORY

August 6, 2025

By Tyler Shaun Evains | tevains@scng.com

Rosa Cruz is getting used to a new body — and a new life.

Cancer shifted the way she communicates with her loved ones, navigates the world and approaches her passions in life.

But the 32-year-old San Pedro resident said that she may not have made it to this point if it were not for speaking up for herself when doctors told her not to worry.

Cruz will share her story of advocacy and resilience on Aug. 16 at the Cancer Support Community South Bay’s 28th annual Celebrate Wellness fundraiser gala. The support community, a nonprofit that provides free emotional and social support programs for people impacted by cancer, continues helping her express herself throughout and after her cancer journey.

In 2020, Cruz visited her doctor to address a ball she felt on the roof of her mouth, as well as feeling ill. But her complaints, she said, were not taken seriously.

“They told me, ‘It’s just stress, it’s allergies, it’ll go away on its own,’” Cruz said, “but I knew that was not normal for me.”

And the mass in her mouth rapidly got bigger.

Nearly a year later, after continually advocating for a deeper look into what she was going through, Cruz was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, on the roof of her mouth.

“I thought, ‘Yeah, I’m young, but that doesn’t mean I don’t get sick,” Cruz said. “I was pushing doctors to do their job … advocating so hard.”

Although she’d had a gut feeling that something was wrong, she was still shocked to hear the words. Cruz was overwhelmed with sadness, but also relief that there was finally a diagnosis — something she could work to heal from.

“I really didn’t want to believe that I had cancer,” Cruz said.

“I just want to live a 27-year-old life,” she added about she thought at the time.

Doctors hoped chemotherapy, which she started in 2021 after the diagnosis, would shrink the tumor — but Cruz said that route was not successful.

One set of doctors told her the tumor was too big to operate on, she said. They weren’t supportive, she said, and would not refer her to a specialist for further help.

Desperate to find a solution as treatments weren’t working, Cruz sought a second opinion from an oncologist that quickly set up a removal surgery. The oncologist, she said, was just as shocked as she was to hear that the other doctors would not perform the procedure.

Surgeons removed the tumor and and some of her top teeth in April 2022, Cruz said, but it turned out some cancer was still left behind. In June that year, surgeons removed the rest of her top teeth to ensure all the cancer was gone, and reconstructed the roof of her mouth with bone from her leg.

It was a long process, with complications along the way that caused her to stay in the hospital for two months, and in the intensive-care unit for three weeks of that time. Once she was discharged to go home and recover, Crus said, she was happy.

And Cruz has been cancer-free since 2022.

“If I had not gotten a second opinion,” Cruz said, “I’m not sure where I’d be.”

A social worker on Cruz’s palliative care team while she was still undergoing treatment told her about the Cancer Support Community South Bay. Cruz started participating in virtual support groups, then attending fitness classes, knitting and crocheting workshops, and more of the free services provided at CSC.

“I needed support outside of my family and friends,” Cruz said. “I needed space where I can truly share how I felt diving into these treatments.”

The culture and beliefs within her Mexican American family, Cruz said, has made it more difficult to share her experience with family members and friends — especially because no one close to her has experienced cancer before.

“I feel like if I were to really share how I felt, it would’ve scared my family into thinking I was, in a way, giving up, when really, I just needed a space to share how it was making me feel,” Cruz said. “If I noticed they’re uncomfortable with me saying what I’ve been through, I try to suppress my emotions just to make them feel comfortable.”

The Cancer Support Community gave her that space, she added, one where she doesn’t have to hold back.

“They were just really helpful in understanding the questions to ask,” Cruz said, “(affirming) it’s OK to advocate for myself and understanding what I was going through.”

With no family history of cancer, she initially had no one she knew to turn to for guidance or advice.

But at CSC, she had people her understood.

“I just enjoyed really being around other people who went through cancer,” Cruz said. “I felt like I could just be myself.

Making A Difference

July 1, 2025

Seen in: Stroll The Hill Section – Manhattan Beach, July 2025

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Cancer Support Community South Bay’s Inaugural “Together We Walk” 5K 2025

April 7, 2025

Cancer Support Community South Bay’s inaugural “Together We Walk” event, held on March 9, 2025, in Long Beach, raised over $52,000 to fund the organization’s free support services and programs for cancer patients and their families. More than 300 participants took part in the 5K course to honor the legacy of Judith Opdahl, the organization’s longtime executive director and CEO.

The event featured a lively expo with local businesses and organizations, offering health resources, food and beverages, and opportunities to connect with the community. Canine companions joined the walk, adding extra enthusiasm to the day. Executive Director and CEO Jillian Van Leuven expressed gratitude, saying, “Whether you are walking in honor of a loved one, running in celebration of survivorship, or simply showing your support, you are making a difference. Because of you, hope continues.” CSC South Bay provides 200 free programs each month of social and emotional support, education and hope for people with cancer and their loved ones. For more information, visit www.CSCSouthBay.org or call (310) 376-3550.

For a Good Cause: Long Beach helps fundraise thousands for Cancer Support Community South Bay during inaugural 5K

March 20, 2025

The inaugural “Together We Walk” event raised over $52,000 for cancer support, CSC South Bay officials said.

By Christina Merino

Cancer Support Community South Bay — a nonprofit organization founded in 1987 — has served more than 30,000 individuals and provides 200 free programs per month of social and emotional support, education, and hope for people with cancer and their families.

The organization recently hosted its inaugural “Together We Walk” 5K event earlier this month at Shoreline Aquatic Park in Long Beach, bringing together more than 300 attendees to help fundraise for CSC’s various programs, and pay homage to the legacy of Judith Opdahl — the organization’s late executive director and CEO.

CSC serves the South Bay, Long Beach, and Orange County areas, and strives to help as many cancer patients as possible recover from the physical and emotional effects of cancer to the greatest extent possible, according to its website. Their services include weekly support group programs, cancer-specific networking groups, kids’ community programs, individual counseling, stress reduction and healthy lifestyle activities, and more.

The nonprofit has also partnered with MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center for nearly three decades, where the organization offers on-site and online support groups for patients and their families dealing with cancer.

“Together We Walk is more than just a walk or a run; it is a tribute to the incredible legacy of Judith Opdahl, whose leadership and compassion shaped Cancer Support Community South Bay for 25 extraordinary years,” said Jillian Van Leuven, CSC South Bay’s current executive director and CEO, “helping us reach more people in the community we serve.”

Opdahl died at home on Nov. 8, according to CSC spokesperson Theresa Plakos.

Participants walked and ran the 5K course with views of the Queen Mary and the harbor on Sunday, March 9, showing their support for those impacted by cancer. The event featured a lively expo with local businesses and organizations, offering health resources, food and beverages, and opportunities to connect with the community, according to a press release.

“Together We Walk” raised more than $52,000, which will help CSC South Bay expand its reach, and provide essential cancer support services to the Long Beach community while continuing to offer more than 200 free support programs each month for cancer patients and their loved ones, officials said.

“We are so grateful to all of our walkers, sponsors, vendors, volunteers and supporters,” Van Leuven said in a statement. “Your presence today is a testament to the power of community. Whether you are walking in honor of a loved one, running in celebration of survivorship, or simply showing your support, you are making a difference. Because of you, hope continues.”

For more information on CSC South Bay’s programs or to contribute to the fundraising efforts, visit cscsouthbay.org.

As Seen in The Grunion

Cancer Support Community South Bay to host inaugural 5K in Long Beach

March 6, 2025

By Kristy Hutchings

Cancer Support Community South Bay — a nonprofit providing free programming for people with cancer and their families — will host the inaugural edition of its Together We Walk 5K in Long Beach next weekend.

The Sunday, March 9, fun run and walk, which will get underway at Shoreline Aquatic Park, will serve as a fundraiser for the organization, while paying homage to CSC’s late executive director and CEO, Judith Opdahl.

Opdahl served as CSC’s leader for 25 years, according to a recent news release. She died at home on Nov. 8, according to CSC spokesperson Theresa Plakos.

“(Her) dedication, compassion and vision have left an indelible mark on CSC South Bay and the thousands of lives she touched,” the organization’s current executive director and CEO, Jillian Van Lueven, said. “It is because of Judith’s extraordinary legacy that we are able to expand our reach and grow in the Long Beach area, increasing our impact to help even more families affected by cancer.”

CSC South Bay has partnered with MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center for nearly three decades, Plakos said, where the organization offers on-site and online support groups for patients and their families dealing with cancer.

“While Long Beach residents can access all of our virtual and in-person programs,” Plakos said, “in 2024 alone, we offered 32 programs specifically for this community, including support groups, educational workshops and healthy lifestyle classes.”

Last year, CSC South Bay served 200 Long Beach residents — a 12% increase from the year prior, Plakos said.

“Long Beach has always been an important part of our community,” Van Leuven said, “and we are committed to growing our in-person services here.”

That’s where the Together We Walk 5K’s fundraising aspect comes in. CSC South Bay has set its sights on a $75,000 goal for the Sunday, March 9, event — and that money will play a crucial role in helping the organization bring more free programming to Long Beach.

CSC has a wide variety of programming available, including individual counseling, educational workshops, support and grief groups, health classes and more — all at no cost for participants.

These programs, according to CSC’s website, help improve the quality of life for cancer patients, and help keep patients on track with their treatments. Besides that, they provide a community for people with cancer to lean on as they navigate their diagnoses.

“Together We Walk is a crucial step toward expanding our services in Long Beach,” Van Leuven said. “The funds raised will help us increase our program offerings to Long Beach residents, ensuring that more individuals and families in the community have access to the support they need.”

Check in for the Together We Walk 5K will begin at 9 a.m. March 9, with the the walk and run beginning at 10 a.m.

Participants will get free T-shirts, the press release said, and will have a chance to help raise money for CSC’s programs through individual donations or team fundraisers.

Registration costs $50, with discounts available for certain age groups.

“This event is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of community, resilience and hope,” Van Leuven said. “Through Together We Walk, we honor (Opdahl’s) legacy and continue the vital work she so passionately championed.”

As Seen in Daily Breeze

Celebrate Wellness the Gala 2024

October 11, 2024

As Seen in Southbay Magazine

New Gala Raises $340,000 for Cancer Support Community South Bay

October 1, 2024

Cancer Support Community South Bay (CSC South Bay) shifted to an evening gala for its 27th annual Celebrate Wellness event held on Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Westdrift Hotel in Manhattan Beach. The new gala attracted an unprecedented 33 sponsors and successfully generated $340,000 to support the 200 free programs that CSC South Bay offers each month for cancer patients and their loved ones. On-air game host and cancer survivor Kelly Miyahara was the special event host and welcomed a sold-out crowd of 300 guests. During the cocktail hour, attendees perused the silent auction while enjoying live music provided by acoustic artist, Paul Lamire and magic tricks by award-winning magician Aaron O’Brien. The evening continued with dinner, an exciting live auction, dancing and more. Highlighting the program were inspiring words from CSC South Bay participants who expressed gratitude for the positive impact that the organization’s programs had on their lives.

600 guests ‘Celebrate Wellness’ at Cancer Support fundraiser

October 26, 2023

Cancer Support Community South Bay hosts its largest fundraiser yet, raising $428,000.

By LISA JACOBS

Guido Rietdyk proclaimed it from the podium on Sunday evening. It was the most attended Celebrate Wellness event ever, said the former board president of Cancer Support Community South Bay.

About 600 people gathered on the greens of South Coast Botanic Garden on the Palos Verdes Peninsula for the fundraiser which allows those fighting cancer and their families to attend support sessions free of charge.

And the fundraising figures proved it. According to CSCSB spokesperson Theresa Plakos, it was the most successful Celebrate Wellness event ever produced by the nonprofit, raising $428,000.

Guests were treated to small bites from various food vendors, beverages from wineries, breweries and even latte vendors. And people placed their bids on hundreds of silent auction items.

In between live auction items such as a Montana getaway, dinner for 10 at The Strand House and a Goodyear Blimp ride, CSCSB honored dedicated volunteers.

Rietdyk introduced the crowd to Kyle and Diane Kazan, who were CSCSB’s 2023 Honorees, along with service award recipients Stephen Lottenberg and Ruth Schriebman.

After Diane Kazan shared her experience of finding a cancerous lump while breast feeding, husband Kyle recalled that was also a Sunday night a couple decades ago.

“That Sunday night was like any other night,” Kyle Kazan said. Until the following day, Monday, when everything changed.

Just imagine, Kyle said, if you were to hear the words tomorrow “You have cancer.”

Those three words, he said, changed everything and brought about a “storm of life.” For the Kazans, the programs they attended at CSCSB were like a safe harbor, while insurance companies, doctors, hospitals and others all wanted money. The CSC programs, however, were free.

“All of a sudden,” said Kyle, “It felt like the storm was outside and I was in this tent (of CSCSB).”

And, Kyle added, he hoped noone would ever have to hear “you have cancer.”

But, it’s probably inevitable, he said. And when they did, he pointed to the people inside the giant outdoor tent at the South Coast Botanic Garden and said that’s exactly where one would find support.