By Cynthia Lohr, a 17-Year Partner of the National Breast Cancer Foundation
February 3, 2026
The sterile, yet somehow comforting, quiet of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) waiting room in October was more than just a prelude to my annual mammogram. For me, it was a space imbued with layers of personal history, a testament to resilience, and a powerful reminder of the vital work being done by organizations like the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). As I sat there, a patient, yes, but also a daughter, a mother, a business leader, and a storyteller, I felt the weight and the wonder of it all.
My annual mammogram is never just a routine check-up. It is an act of deliberate self-care, particularly potent given my family’s history with breast cancer. The anticipation, tinged with a familiar anxiety, is a shadow I’ve learned to live with. Yet, on this particular visit, the atmosphere was softened by the presence of a remarkable installation: a hallway adorned with exquisitely crafted, handmade botanical tiles. Each piece, a testament to the strength and artistry of women who have faced breast cancer, offered a silent, profound comfort.
From Fear to a Beacon of Inspiration: A Personal Journey
The anxiety surrounding my mammogram is deeply rooted in the loss of my mother, Carol Waldorf Lohr, to metastatic breast cancer in 2008. Her passing was a seismic event in my life, and it directly precipitated my own journey with breast health. Shortly after her death, my doctor detected an anomaly during a routine examination, leading to a series of diagnostic screenings every six months for an extended period. The fear of the unknown, the constant vigilance, was a heavy burden.
For years, the annual mammogram remained a source of profound dread. It wasn’t until two close friends were diagnosed with breast cancer that a pivotal shift occurred within me. Their struggles, their courage, and their vulnerability brought my own fears into sharper focus. I realized that my personal apprehension, while valid, could no longer be the sole narrative. I had to become a beacon of inspiration, not only to navigate my own anxieties but to serve as a tangible example for others, particularly in the wake of my mother’s untimely passing. This realization transformed the act of getting a mammogram from a personal ordeal into a profound act of advocacy and hope.
The "Hall of Healing Tiles" at UCSF became a powerful symbol of this transformation. Each tile, meticulously crafted with imprints of leaves, flowers, and delicate sprigs, was accompanied by a poem or a reflection, a poignant memorial to a loved one or a marker of a significant life milestone. These weren’t just decorative elements; they were tangible expressions of lives touched by breast cancer, a collective narrative of pain, perseverance, and enduring love.
One tile, featuring a vibrant flowering tobacco plant, Nicotiana alata, bore a quote from the revered spiritual leader Thich Nhat Hanh: "We must be aware of the real problems of the world… Are you massaging Mother Earth with every step you take?" This simple yet profound sentiment resonated deeply, reminding me of our interconnectedness and the importance of mindful action in addressing global challenges, including the fight against breast cancer.
Another tile depicted a cactus – a symbol of resilience, toughness, and the unexpected beauty of blooming even in harsh conditions. The accompanying words spoke volumes: "We were women of homes and gardens. Now one is gone. One still digs. And we both are not so far apart." Reading these words, I felt a visceral connection. This tile could have been created by me, for me, or for any woman who has faced the unexpected turns life can take, or who has had to redefine her journey in the face of adversity. It was a powerful echo of my own experience and the shared narrative of countless women.
As I walked through the hallway, gazing at the art and then out at the tranquil meditation gardens, I was enveloped by a profound sense of connection and a poignant awareness of loss. I felt my mother’s presence more deeply than ever before. Her spirit lives on in the resilience of a cactus bloom, in the cool, tactile beauty of glazed ceramic, and in the conscious care I now dedicate to my own health and to raising my two daughters. The experience was a stark reminder that while the physical presence of loved ones may be gone, their legacy, their love, and their influence continue to shape us and inspire our actions.
The Unwavering Power of Early Detection
This deeply personal experience at UCSF reaffirmed the sacredness of the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s mission. From its comprehensive breast health education initiatives to its vital metastatic breast cancer retreats, NBCF embodies a spirit of exuberant compassion, driven by its guiding principle of "Helping Women Now."
Health, in its most fundamental sense, is deeply personal. However, the power to confront and overcome health challenges often lies in early detection. As we embark on a new year, if you have yet to schedule your mammogram, consider this a gentle, heartfelt nudge. The advancements in medical care, the innovative treatments, and the robust community support systems that were simply not available to my mother or to so many women before her are now within reach. It is a testament to the tireless efforts of organizations like NBCF and the collective will of individuals committed to eradicating this disease, which tragically affects more than one in eight women and their families throughout their lifetimes.
A Legacy of Support: The J. Lohr Touching Lives Initiative
The Lohr family’s commitment to combating breast cancer is deeply personal, stemming from our desire to honor my mother, Carol. The J. Lohr Touching Lives initiative was established in her memory, a testament to her nurturing spirit and her profound impact on our lives. To date, the Lohr family has generously contributed over $1 million to support women and families navigating the challenges of breast cancer. This significant contribution provides crucial support and unwavering hope during their most vulnerable moments.
Through the Touching Lives initiative, we have been instrumental in funding over 8,000 mammograms and diagnostic screenings, ensuring that vital early detection services are accessible. Furthermore, our support has extended to over 500,000 individuals through navigation and support services for underserved women across the nation. We have also proudly supported the pilot of the NBCF HOPE Kit program, which has distributed more than 100,000 kits to women undergoing treatment, offering them comfort and essential resources. These impactful efforts, rooted in Carol’s enduring legacy, are dedicated to fostering a culture of early detection, upholding dignity, and extending profound compassion to all those affected by breast cancer.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation stands as a steadfast ally for those navigating a breast cancer diagnosis. We encourage you to explore their website to discover invaluable resources, including information on breast cancer support groups, free educational materials, and guidance on finding a patient navigator in your area. Together, we can continue to build a future where fewer women and families face the devastating impact of this disease.
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