San Jose is home to Cancer CAREpoint, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential support for cancer patients navigating the challenges of their illness. The organization plays a crucial role in offering resources and community connections, especially for those who find it difficult to ask for help.
Gilma Pereda, a resident of Santa Clara, recently faced yet another daunting health challenge after being diagnosed with a possible brain tumor. This diagnosis came as a shock, following her previous battles with stage 1B cervical cancer and its subsequent recurrence that left her with metastatic cancer affecting her lungs and spine. Pereda’s journey through cancer began nearly a decade ago after she immigrated from Mexico City.
On October 23, 2025, Pereda spoke candidly about her experiences at Cancer CAREpoint’s office in San Jose. “I was pissed — like, ‘Come on, it’s not fair — I did what I was supposed to do,’” she expressed, reflecting on the emotional toll of her diagnosis. “But I need to move on, because if you get stuck, it’s even more painful. I’m trying to make the best of it.”
Despite the challenges, Pereda has found solace in the programs offered by Cancer CAREpoint, which include qigong sessions and yoga classes. These activities have provided her with a much-needed sense of calm during turbulent times. “I’ve tapped into the nonprofit’s fabulous calendar of nutrition classes, massage therapy sessions, and support groups,” she noted. The organization also offers tailored programs in Spanish, which have been particularly beneficial for her mother, Martha Sanchez, who has been her primary caregiver.
Cancer CAREpoint provides a variety of services designed to assist cancer patients and their families. These include therapeutic fitness classes, nutrition workshops, and survivorship support groups. Since its inception in 2012, the nonprofit has served approximately 10,100 clients, aligning with the estimated annual number of cancer diagnoses in Silicon Valley.
The organization, formerly known as the Samaritan Cancer Foundation, aims to fill the gaps left by traditional healthcare providers. According to Pam Klaus, the nonprofit’s executive director, “Cancer is a lifetime experience — you’re forever changed, never going to go back to the normal that you knew before. But we try to provide a little bit of comfort — a little bit of care and love.”
One of the significant challenges many cancer patients face is the difficulty of requesting assistance. Klaus emphasized that many individuals do not know what they might need or how to express their needs. “It’s hard to ask for help,” she remarked. “Overcome that hesitancy — call us.”
To bolster its efforts, Cancer CAREpoint is participating in the Wish Book initiative, aiming to raise $20,000 to support mental health counseling and provide financial assistance for essential needs such as rent, utilities, food, and transportation. The funds will also help expand its wig bank, providing patients with access to up to 125 wigs.
Pereda expressed her lingering regret about not embracing help sooner in her journey. “Everyone has their own process,” she explained, acknowledging the varied ways individuals cope with their circumstances. “But, as a cancer patient, once you give yourself permission to find community — connection, spirituality, companionship — things get easier. Reach out. You’re not alone.”
Cancer CAREpoint stands as a lifeline for many facing the arduous journey of cancer treatment. Through its commitment to fostering a supportive community, the organization helps patients like Pereda navigate their challenges with compassion and understanding.
For those interested in contributing to Cancer CAREpoint’s mission, donations can be made through the Wish Book website, where stories of individuals in need are highlighted during the holiday season. This initiative continues to invite readers to help fulfill the wishes of those seeking support.
