Galen S.

Board Member, Support Group Chair

Hi, I’m Galen, and I’m honored to serve on the BAYS board of directors. I was diagnosed with stage 3a invasive ductal carcinoma at 34, and I vividly remember the moment a nurse called with my biopsy results. Almost in the same breath that she confirmed my cancer diagnosis, she told me about BAYS. In that instant of despair, I felt a glimmer of hope—maybe I wouldn’t have to face this alone.

I first felt “the lump” on my 33rd birthday, at the end of 2019. In my gut, I knew this lump was not normal. When I finally saw a doctor in January 2020, she reassured me it was nothing and advised against imaging. I trusted her—after all, I was young, healthy, and had no family history of breast cancer.

Then March 2020 arrived, and the world turned upside down. The lump persisted, but returning to the doctor was not a priority. It wasn’t until March of 2021, during a routine appointment, that I was finally referred for a mammogram. My case was expedited, and the day after my biopsy, I was diagnosed with cancer. Though it was a later-stage diagnosis, I was incredibly fortunate that the cancer was slow-growing. Had it been more aggressive, my story might have ended differently.

In 2022, after a whirlwind of treatments—surgeries, months of chemotherapy, and radiation—I joined the BAYS board to give back to the incredible community that supported me during some of my darkest days. I serve as Chair of the Support Group Committee, a role close to my heart. I oversee facilitator trainings, work with therapists, and ensure our support groups remain the backbone of our community.

When I’m not contributing to BAYS, you’ll find me exploring the trails of Mt. Tam with my partner, wandering the hidden staircases of San Francisco, or with my nose in a book and a chunky tabby cat by my side.

Having gone through the challenges of a cancer diagnosis and treatment, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate the healthcare system and continually have to advocate for yourself. My experience fuels my passion for supporting BAYS members, particularly those newly diagnosed, and helping them connect with other members and find the resources they need. A cancer diagnosis doesn’t come with many silver linings, but BAYS has been a huge one for me. My journey has shown me the incredible power of community, and I’m committed to giving back in any way I can.