Founded in 2001 by AIDS Emergency Fund (AEF), Breast Cancer Emergency Fund (BCEF) for 20 years had a simple mission: providing quick and compassionate emergency financial assistance to low-income people undergoing breast cancer treatment. BCEF maintained a very low administrative overhead, and did not receive federal or public funding, relying on the dedication of an extensive volunteer network an
d the generosity of many individuals, corporations and foundations. BCEF's signature fundraising event, This Old Bag: The Power of the Purse, raised approximately one-quarter of BCEF's annual budget. In 2021 BCEF closed its offices in San Francisco, and was reborn as the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Emergency Fund (BOCEF), a program of Bay Area Cancer Connections (BACC). In its new home, BOCEF is able to help more people, and is proud to be part of BACC's long history of providing a wide array of personalized services to anyone affected by breast or ovarian cancer. Bay Area Cancer Connections offers one-on-one support, social activities and a variety of support groups that are facilitated by licensed therapists and offered free of charge. Bay Area Cancer Connections welcomes BCEF's large family of supporters, volunteers, and clients.
