The Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund is pleased to announc that it has appointed a new Board of Directors effective immediately. The previous board will remain in place in order to transition through the end of 2011. This action follows the announcement of the retirement of remaining original board members Kieran Wong, Jason Price, Maureen Farrell, April Price and Trisha Kempfert. Staying on the board and taking on new roles are incoming President Jenny Ketchepaw and incoming Treasurer Danielle Whitener. Newly appointed board members include Vice President Debbie Holbrook, Secretary Heather Stewart and Website Director Staci Garcia. These appointments were made at the recent quarterly board meeting.

About the Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund

The Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund (BMCF) supports patients ages 18-40 as they undergo cancer treatment. This fund provides services to meet daily needs that are not covered by insurance. Typical grants cover $600 worth of medical co-payments, transportation, rents or mortgages, repairs and groceries.

Brenda Mehling grew up in South Dakota, studied journalism and advertising at SDSU and pursued a career in graphic design, which eventually brought her to Southern California. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in her late twenties and received generous support to overcome her illness. However, during the process she realized that the health care system was not equipped to meet many patients’ day-to-day needs through months of treatment. Brenda always thought of others, so inevitably she set up the Fund to help them.

In 2000, Brenda joined the Santa Clarita Valley chapter of Junior Chamber International (the Jaycees), a group of young leaders involved in community service. Soon she and a new friend, Kieran Wong, began to inspire others to her cause. Working with the Partners in Care Foundation, Brenda and Kieran launched the Fund in February 2001. They quickly built partnerships with local businesses and other organizations engaged in the battle.

In early 2003, the Fund incorporated as a California non-profit. Later that same year it became a Federal 501c3 nonprofit.

Since it was founded by Brenda in 2001, the Fund has provided over $258,000 in services for 382 young adults across 30 different states. She built it specifically for young adults her age to maintain self-respect during the months of treatment and minimize the financial stresses that are associated with this trying time.

In February 2004, Brenda lost her second battle against cancer. However, the BMCF continues to realize her vision of a nationwide support organization that helps young adults fight cancer.

The Future of the BMCF

The new Board of Directors is excited and energized by the opportunity to help support young people during their fight against cancer. They have already been busy setting up partnerships with local businesses like Chick-Fil-A and preparing for their biggest event of 2012, The 11th Annual BMCF Fight It! 5K in May.

Incoming President Jenny Ketchepaw states, “I am exceedingly energized regarding the future of the Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund. We are an organization rich in talent, dedication, and commitment and our newest board members each bring a plethora of innovation to the team. We are thankful for the dedication the founding members erected and we plan to capitalize on that as we build our future.”

For more information about the Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund or the New Board of Directors visit www.bmcf.net or contact the board at board(at)bmcf.net.