SURVIVOR SPOTLIGHT

Learn more about our services and programs through those who have benefited from them, our local survivors.

Stana Bright is the Heart of Breast Cancer Support

Written by Christine Lollar, Links for Life Board Member and Regional Director of Grants for Adventist Health

As we move into February—the month of hearts, love, and connection—one extraordinary advocate comes immediately
to mind.

Stana Bright is a wife, mother, grandmother, and retired Fruitvale School District employee. A three-time breast cancer survivor, she is a Links for Life co-founder and lifetime board member, dedicating her life to supporting women facing breast cancer.

Stana (rhymes with fauna) developed and continues to facilitate the most utilized cancer support group system in the
county. Through recruiting mentors, organizing special speakers, and connecting survivors to essential Links for Life
services, she ensures no woman faces cancer alone. A fierce advocate, educator, and philanthropist, Stana has helped
raise thousands of dollars for breast screenings, mammograms, wigs, and other critical support services.

We asked members of our team how Stana has impacted women with breast cancer in our community. Here’s what
they shared:

“Stana is humble, giving, and supportive. In the midst of COVID, she organized and facilitated a Zoom support
group for women who were newly diagnosed, recruiting other survivors to serve as mentors.”
—Joann Nunn, Breast Cancer Survivor and Community Advocate

“She brings love, experience, and guidance.”
—Jennifer Henry, Executive Director, Links for Life

“She is always available to every new survivor—including myself in 2006.”
—Charlotte Brandt, 19-Year Breast Cancer Survivor, Advocate and Lifetime Board Member

“Stana is a pillar for Links for Life and so vested in all the work we do. She is a great asset and helps in many ways. Her heart is in helping the survivors. She lives and breathes the mission of Links for Life.”
–Amisha Pannu, Links for Life board member and Kern Health Systems Senior Director of Provider Network
Management

“Stana is so welcoming to any lady she meets, with or without breast cancer. She pours her heart and soul
into making women with breast cancer feel that they are not alone.”
—Jacqui Engstrand, RN Supervisor, Adventist Health Bakersfield Breast Center and Links for Life Lifetime Board
Member

“She always encourages those who are newly diagnosed. She shares that it’s okay to cry. It’s okay to be angry.
It’s normal to feel stressed when it’s time for your yearly mammogram again. She calls and checks on sisters going through treatment, those who miss activities, or just to check in. Knowing there are others who have traveled the same road—and seeing them laughing, crying, and living each day—is reassuring. I know that if I need something spiritual or tasty, I can count on Stana.”
—Stephanie Lynch, Breast Cancer Survivor, Advocate and Kern Community Foundation Women and Girls Fund
Philanthropy Award Recipient