By Cynthia Lohr, a 17-year partner of the National Breast Cancer Foundation
Published: February 3, 2026
The sterile quiet of a medical waiting room can often amplify the hum of unspoken anxieties. For many, the anticipation of a mammogram is tinged with a primal fear, a vulnerability laid bare. This past October, my annual mammogram at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) was no different. Yet, as I sat there, a patient, a daughter, a mother, a business leader, and a storyteller, I found an unexpected sanctuary. The hallway, adorned with handcrafted botanical tiles, each a testament to resilience and a whispered prayer from women who have navigated the treacherous terrain of breast cancer, offered a profound sense of comfort and connection.
From Personal Anxiety to a Beacon of Inspiration
My family’s history with breast cancer casts a long shadow. In 2008, my mother, Carol Waldorf Lohr, succumbed to the devastating effects of metastatic breast cancer. Her passing, just months after a concerning anomaly was detected during my own first mammogram, was a seismic event. The subsequent need for regular diagnostic exams for myself was a stark and terrifying reminder of the disease’s pervasive reach. For years, the annual mammogram was an ordeal, a ritual I approached with a knot of dread in my stomach.
However, the landscape of my fear began to shift with the diagnoses of two close friends. Witnessing their courage in the face of adversity ignited a profound realization: I had to transcend my own trepidation. I needed to become a beacon of inspiration, not just for myself, but as a living example for others, a testament to the enduring spirit that my mother embodied. Her untimely passing from metastatic breast cancer underscored the critical importance of proactive health measures and the unwavering need for support within the breast cancer community.
The "Hall of Healing Tiles" at UCSF became a powerful symbol of this communal strength. Each meticulously crafted tile, adorned with delicate imprints of leaves, flowers, and sprigs, bore not only artistic beauty but also a piece of a woman’s journey. Some held a poem, others a poignant thought, a remembrance of a loved one, or a marker of a significant milestone. These tiles were more than just decorative elements; they were tangible expressions of shared experience, a silent dialogue of hope and remembrance.
Echoes of Resilience: Art as a Balm and a Message
One particular tile captured my attention, featuring a flowering tobacco plant, Nicotiana alata. Beside it, a quote from the revered Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh resonated deeply: "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 message, juxtaposed with the delicate bloom, spoke to a broader awareness, a call to nurture and protect not only ourselves but also the world around us. It was a reminder that even in the face of personal struggle, our connection to the larger environment and our commitment to its well-being remain vital.
Another tile, depicting a cactus – a symbol of resilience, toughness, and the capacity to bloom even in harsh conditions – offered a different, yet equally powerful, perspective. The accompanying words, "We were women of homes and gardens / Now one is gone / One still digs / And we both are not so far apart," struck a chord that vibrated within my very core. This verse, I felt, could have been created by me, for me, or for any woman who has found herself on a path divergent from the one she had envisioned, a path shaped by loss, by illness, or by unforeseen life changes. It was a poignant acknowledgment of the enduring bonds that tie women together, even across the vast expanse of grief and separation.
As I moved through the hallway, gazing at these artistic expressions of shared humanity, and then stepped out to the serene meditation gardens, a profound sense of connection washed over me, mingled with the familiar ache of loss. I found myself reflecting on the women who had come before me, their struggles and their triumphs. In that moment, my mother’s presence felt palpable. She lives on for me, not just in memory, but in the enduring beauty of a cactus bloom, in the cool, smooth touch of glazed ceramic, and in the conscious care I now dedicate to my own health and the well-being of my two daughters. This experience underscored a fundamental truth: that legacy is not solely built on grand gestures, but on the quiet, persistent acts of love, remembrance, and self-preservation.
The Unwavering Power of Early Detection
This deeply personal encounter served as a powerful reaffirmation of the sacred work undertaken by the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). From their comprehensive breast health education initiatives to their invaluable metastatic breast cancer retreats, no organization cultivates community with such boundless exuberance and unwavering compassion. Their guiding mantra, "Helping Women Now," is not merely a slogan; it is a deeply ingrained philosophy that permeates every aspect of their operations.
Health is an intensely personal journey. Early detection, however, is a universally acknowledged superpower. As we embark on a new year, if you have yet to schedule your mammogram, consider this a gentle, loving nudge. The advancements in diagnostic care, the innovative treatment options, and the robust community support networks that were not available to my mother, nor to countless women before her, are now within reach. It is a poignant thought, to consider how my mother might have felt knowing the tireless efforts being made to eradicate the disease that will touch more than one in eight women and their families throughout their lifetimes. This progress, fueled by dedication and fueled by hope, offers a profound sense of optimism for the future.
A Legacy of Generosity: The J. Lohr Touching Lives Initiative
The profound impact of breast cancer on families, and the desire to honor my mother’s memory, led my family to establish the J. Lohr Touching Lives initiative. This endeavor is a testament to Carol’s enduring spirit and her unwavering commitment to supporting women. Through this initiative, the Lohr family has generously contributed over $1 million to women and families navigating the challenges of breast cancer. Our goal is simple yet profound: to provide essential support and an unyielding sense of hope during their most critical hours.
To date, the donations generated by the Touching Lives initiative have made a tangible difference in the lives of thousands. These contributions have been instrumental in funding over 8,000 mammograms and diagnostic screenings, ensuring that critical early detection services are accessible. Furthermore, we have supported more than 500,000 navigation and support services for underserved women across the nation, offering them guidance, advocacy, and a sense of belonging. We have also been privileged to help pilot the NBCF HOPE Kit program, which has distributed over 100,000 kits to women undergoing treatment, providing them with comfort and practical necessities during a challenging time.
These efforts, deeply rooted in Carol’s nurturing and compassionate soul, have helped forge a legacy of early detection, dignity, and unwavering compassion. It is a legacy that extends far beyond financial contributions, encompassing a commitment to fostering a community where no woman faces breast cancer alone.
Navigating the Journey: Resources and Support
The National Breast Cancer Foundation stands as a steadfast ally for those navigating a breast cancer diagnosis. We are here to provide comprehensive resources and unwavering support. We invite you to visit our website to explore our array of breast cancer support groups, access free educational materials that empower informed decision-making, and locate a patient navigator in your area who can offer personalized guidance and advocacy. The journey through breast cancer is multifaceted, and the NBCF is dedicated to ensuring that every woman has the information, the resources, and the community support she needs to face it with strength and resilience. Together, we can continue to build a future where breast cancer is no longer a source of fear, but a challenge that is met with hope, understanding, and the collective power of a supportive community.
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