Cancer is more than a diagnosis—it’s a detour into unknown territory, filled with appointments, anxiety, and the logistics no one plans for. From juggling everyday responsibilities to finding transportation for treatment, the reality often stretches far beyond the physical toll. That’s where WomenCARE steps in.
For more than 30 years, this Santa Cruz nonprofit has been a lifeline for local women navigating the cancer journey, offering free services rooted in community and care. With a main office in Aptos and a South County location dedicated to Spanish-speaking clients, WomenCARE welcomes women of all ages, backgrounds and cancer types with open arms and full hearts.
I recently spoke with Marney Cox, a ten-year volunteer and member of the Friends of WomenCARE Committee. Marney shared what she’s seen firsthand: women stepping into this space burdened by fear, and slowly finding a way to breathe again.
Cox says the importance of the services provided keeps her committed to the cause, and the list is impressive: one-on-one and group support, a resource library and creative outlets. Volunteers help clients with rides, errands, even light housekeeping—because healing doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
She shared some testimonials. One echoed the sentiments of our conversation:
“That first day I walked into WomenCARE, I arrived with a sense of breathlessness, groundlessness, and terror about my breast cancer diagnosis. I was surprised at what I found. I was so used to clinical and sterile doctors’ offices, being poked and prodded and herded through the medical system like a sheep. In the medical world, I was used to being treated like a body, a specimen with a cancer diagnosis. Not the dynamic human being that I am, with emotions and a spirit and a story. WomenCARE was different.”
This month, you can support this incredible work by tuning in to the WomenCARE Virtual FilmFest, an annual event showcasing short films by and about women. Originally held at the Del Mar or the Rio, the festival now lives online, making it more accessible while still packing an emotional punch (yes, you’ll want tissues—expect more joy than sorrow, though).
Founded by Eva Brunner, Kathy Ferraro, Lesley Harris and Laura Gleason, and now run directly by WomenCARE, the festival donates 100% of ticket sales back into the organization’s programs. That means your popcorn-fueled movie night directly supports the kind of real-life healing we all hope exists when we—or someone we love—needs it most.
WomenCARE Virtual Filmfest, hosted by Lanai Financial Solutions, runs May 7-11. For tickets and info, visit bit.ly/WCFilmFest2025. Reach WomenCARE at 2901 Park Ave, Suite A1, Soquel; 831-457-2273; womencaresantacruz.org.
Thank you, Elizabeth for this article about an invaluable community (and beyond) resource!
I think it is well written and, while succinct, you touch on the variety of resources that WomenCARE offers. I hope more women will utilize the services and that more folks will support the film festival.
The majority of WomenCARE’s funding comes from our caring community.
I know; after almost 23 years with WomenCARE, I retired April 2024.
From what I read – your organization is wonderful. I have a question – I have a woman friend whose husband just died from his cancer. She is going through hell and I try to give her comforting words. My question is – does your organization work with women who do NOT have cancer, but is heartbroken that she just lost her hubby to cancer? She has a young teenage son who misses his dad. Do you have any suggestions? I’m always posting positive messages for her on FB – so I wonder if your organization has any suggestions? She was living here in Santa Cruz, but she moved up to WA to be near her family.