Soroptimist International of Valencia Supports The Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center

Soroptimist International of Valencia has supported the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center for the past 18 years. Soroptimist, whose name means “best for women,” is a global women’s organization whose members volunteer to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.

“There’s nothing more important to us than addressing women’s healthcare needs in our community,” said Stephanie Sewell, President, SIV. “The Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center is where local women can be provided with life-saving treatment with state-of-the-art technological advancements. Our goal is to ensure that women who are socioeconomically challenged can receive the same care without it being a financial burden.” The Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center can always count on the group to assist with various programs and activities throughout the year, but that support is significantly transformed during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“Bras For A Cause” is an event that occurs in October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is the organization’s signature fundraising event for the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center. The event grew out of members hand-making bras and auction them off in a fundraiser. Over the years the event grew significantly. About seven years ago, the group began featuring live models in an effort to bring the bras to life. This new addition took the event to a whole new level!

Soroptimist International of Valencia’s “Bras For A Cause “event has grown into one of the most celebrated and well-attended charity events in the Santa Clarita Valley. SIV thought it was important to include testimonials from survivors of breast cancer and the doctors on the frontline of the battle. This year, Michelle Geisbauer, 2021 Testimonial Speaker, Henry Mayo’s Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center will be sharing her story of early detection and survival. “It’s so exciting that funds raised from this event benefits the Sheila R. Veloz breast cancer fund. The breast cancer fund is applied to local women who can’t afford their insurance co-pays, screenings, and biopsies due to financial impacts on their family or their own unemployment,” said Marlee Lauffer, President, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation.