NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Barbara Laughon
760-937-6745

Eastern Sierra Cancer Alliance Marks 25 Years of Local Cancer Support

What began with a local nurse’s single walk has grown into a 25-year commitment to local cancer patients and their families. This month, the Eastern Sierra Cancer Alliance (ESCA) celebrates its silver anniversary with a fundraising event that honors its past, highlights its impact, and strengthens its future.

The story of ESCA began in 2000 when now-retired registered nurse Patricia Ramirez joined one of the nationally known Avon Walks for Breast Cancer. Inspired by the passion of participants but disheartened that little of the money reached rural women, Ramirez returned home determined to build something local.

“I remember thinking that women in places like Bishop or Bridgeport deserved the same support as those in larger areas,” Ramirez said. “That’s when I began planning something local, something that would directly help cancer patients in Inyo and Mono counties.”

Ramirez and fellow volunteers launched the Eastern Sierra Breast Cancer Alliance (ESBCA). When they recognized a broader need, they dropped the “B” and expanded their mission to serve all cancer patients. By becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, ESCA made donations tax-deductible, invited greater community support, and opened doors to grant opportunities.

Over the years, other cancer organizations started in the Eastern Sierra, unintentionally dividing local giving among multiple agencies. Despite that shift, Ramirez never lost sight of her vision.

“For ESCA, I saw it as neighbors helping neighbors – and it has stayed that way,” she said. “Our funds are not capped, they stay in our community, and they go directly to people who need them. That has always been our promise.”

Meeting everyday needs
The American Cancer Society reports that the five most common cancers in Inyo and Mono counties are breast, prostate, colorectal, melanoma, and lung. ESCA designs its programs to ease the burdens of patients facing these diagnoses.

Over the years, ESCA has reimbursed gas for long treatment trips, helped patients pay rent when illness kept them from working, and covered groceries and utilities for families in need. The group also runs support groups that connect patients with others who share their experiences and understand what they face.

Through a partnership with Northern Inyo Healthcare District, ESCA operates the WeCare program, which helps underserved women secure screening mammograms. A grant from the Albertson Foundation fuels this lifesaving initiative.

“Every dollar raised translates into real help for real people,” Ramirez said.

ESCA today
A quarter-century later, ESCA continues to live its grassroots mission of “neighbors helping neighbors” while expanding to meet the region’s growing needs.

A 14-member volunteer board guides the organization, and a four-member resource team works every week with patients and families. Together, they connect people with financial assistance, transportation help, and resources that make treatment more manageable.

ESCA maintains an office at NIHD’s Birch Street Annex, giving patients and families a welcoming place for information and compassion.

While ESCA operates with modest staffing, it multiplies its reach through decades of community partnerships, volunteerism, and sponsor support. President Cheryl Underhill summed it up: “Our impact is measured not just in the dollars raised, but in the hope and stability we give families during their most difficult times.”

Celebrating 25 years
The 25th Anniversary Celebration will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Tallman Pavilion, Tri-County Fairgrounds. Guests will enjoy a catered dinner, wine and craft beer, a live auction with Curt Van Nest, and remarks by California State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil, NIHD Breast Surgeon Dr. Cheryl Olson, and Ramirez. Tickets cost $100, with all proceeds supporting local cancer patients.

The celebration launches a season of milestones. ESCA’s 25th Annual Walk & Run happens on Saturday, Oct. 18 – registration begins at 7:30 a.m., with a 9 a.m. start. Local graphic artist Keri Davis designed a commemorative 25th Anniversary T-shirt for registered participants.

ESCA also added a March Walk dedicated to colorectal cancer awareness, extending its reach to more patients. The 2026 date will be announced at the beginning of the new year.

Gratitude for community support
ESCA President Cheryl Underhill thanked the community for decades of generosity. “Our business community has been incredible,” she said. “Through their donations of goods, services, and sponsorships, we raise far more than just entry fees at our events. Their support allows us to help neighbors in meaningful, immediate ways.”

Longtime sponsors include the LADWP Employees Association, Grocery Outlet, and the June Lake Loop Women’s Club. In-kind sponsors include Shallcross & Associates, Northern Inyo Healthcare District, and the area’s media outlets.

“Cancer isn’t slowing down – in fact, the needs in our community continue to grow,” Ramirez said. “ESCA has stood beside our friends and neighbors through some of the hardest chapters of their lives. Every person on our team has weathered the loss of family, friends, and colleagues to cancer. We remain committed to making sure no one goes through this alone. With the support of this incredible community, we plan to keep serving, keep giving, and keep walking this road together for many years to come.”

To purchase tickets for the Anniversary Celebration or find more information about registering for the upcoming ESCA Walk Run, visit escanceralliance.org or email questions to [email protected]

 

 

Photo file names and captions: ESCA25-2889:  ESCA Founder Patricia Ramirez and Board Member Michelle Garcia accept a City of Bishop Proclamation from Mayor Karen Kong, in recognition of the group’s 25 years of service. Photo by Barbara Laughon/ESCA

ESCA25-2890: ESCA Board members surround Founder Patricia Ramirez following the Bishop City Council meeting, where Ramirez was presented with a city proclamation. From left, Sarah Freundt, Andrea Shallcross, Patricia Ramirez, Rosie Graves, Michelle Garcia, Cheryl Underhill, and Barbara Laughon. Not able to attend were board members Margee Neer, Norma Kryder, Amy Stange, Debbie Christensen, Bill Snyder, Jimmy Tyler, and Ana Gonzalez. Behind the camera was board member Kevin Carunchio. Photo courtesy ESCA