HERS Breast Cancer Foundation :: Bras for Body & Soul

FAQs

The HERS Breast Cancer Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides programs and services supporting the needs of women and families affected by breast cancer in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Bras for Body & Soul®, a program of the HERS Breast Cancer Foundation, provides medically necessary items such as bras, prosthesis, lymphedema sleeves, wigs and more, to women who have had breast surgery. We also carry bras appropriate for all women and girls, including nursing bras.

About the HERS Breast Cancer Foundation

The HERS Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1998 by a team of dynamic women. The founding trio includes a breast health consultant, a fund-raising executive, and a tax consultant who is also a breast cancer survivor. Motivated by their concern for women and the high incidence of breast cancer, along with the lack of services for the whole family, a vision for a foundation was created.

Although the initial drive for this foundation was to enhance post-surgical services for women survivors and their families, the Foundation’s goals have evolved into a broader scope honoring the interconnectedness of our lives as we strive to renew hope and healing.

The Goal of HERS is to promote the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of women, girls and families through charitable services that promote greater access to education, advocacy, support, and other activities as identified to respond to the current needs of the times.

Leadership Team

Dr. Vera Packard
Executive Director
vera@hersfund.org

Dr. Vera Packard is originally from Brazil. She attended Medical School in Brazil (Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas de Pernambuco), and specialized in breast disease, particularly in breast cancer in London, UK. In addition to the University Hospital, she worked in private practice for 20 years. Vera has a deep commitment to women’s health issues which inspired her to found a non-profit organization devoted to breast cancer awareness in 1997. Vera is a member of the San Ramon Rotary club and has served as president of her former Rotary club in Brazil. She’s also an ambassador for the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce and the current president for ABWA (American Business Women Association) / Express to Success Network. Vera is married to Mark and has two children, Tiago and Maria Clara. She resides in Martinez with her family and their yellow lab, Jake.

Karen Jackson
Community Development Director
karen@hersfund.org

As Community Development Director, Karen works with the community on event coordination, fundraising and volunteer opportunities. She brings over 30 years of Sales and Marketing Management experience, including expertise in wholesale and retail markets. Karen is also a volunteer and head event committee member of Community Solutions for a South Bay non-profit human services organization, and acts as the Morgan Hill Downtown Association liaison between business leaders, local government and the association to re-invigorate the downtown area.

Board of Directors - Biographies

Liz Barron, Board Chair
Pac Bell Manager/Retired
esbarron@comcast.net

Sue Bove’
Juice Plus Health Consultant
Breast Cancer Survivor
sue@suebove.com

Michelle Stewardson, Treasurer
Controller
Breast Cancer Survivor
michelle_stewardson@yahoo.com

Annette Fagundes
Gabriella-Ronegas Designs/Founder
annette@gabriellaronegasdesigns.com

Kevin E. Smith
Berge-Pappas-Smith Chapel of the Angels, Owner/Director

Thanks to our founding partners