Why Komen?

Many professionals view board service as a rewarding way to share their skill sets and talents with nonprofits that serve a particular mission that they feel passionately about. This April, Susan G. Komen Orange County will welcome two new prominent leaders to its 2014-2015 board of directors, to help advance its local breast health initiatives. Dr. Robina Smith, breast cancer surgeon and oncology specialist at St. Jude Medical Center, and Joseph Stein, founder of Simply Innovate LLC will join Komen OC’s existing team of esteemed advocates and share how their dedication to Komen’s mission is rooted in their personal experiences with breast cancer.

Dr. Robina Smith

Dr. Smith chose to pursue a fellowship to specialize solely in oncoplastic breast surgery – an innovative surgical technique that combines advanced cancer surgery with plastic surgery techniques. Her mission: to save the lives of women and men affected by breast cancer, and to help them overcome and face any challenges through their journey.

“To be at the forefront of a movement that is changing the lives of women who are often voiceless, is priceless,” stated Dr. Smith.

Dr. Smith is a passionate advocate for the Komen cause and hopes to advance initiatives that help African American women – like herself – receive the treatment and diagnosis they require.

Joseph Stein

At 13 years old, Stein lost his mother to breast cancer. Nearly 15 years ago, he also lost his sister to the disease. During a heart wrenching funeral, he witnessed his sister’s children having to handle the loss of their mother. He feels that no child should have to endure the loss of a parent, and hopes that through Komen’s initiatives, this will one day become a reality. Stein draws hope from the advances being made in breast cancer research funded largely in part by Komen’s efforts, and continues to draw inspiration from friends and family members who have survived the disease.

Each board member at Komen OC possesses a passion and drive necessary in advancing Komen’s mission of serving women and saving lives. We are thrilled to have two dedicated community leaders join the 2014-2015 board of directors and can’t wait to see what the new year holds!