Michelle’s Place is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to its Executive Board. Martha Minkler and Debra Bechtel have joined the Michelle’s Place team and the staff, volunteers and existing Board are thrilled to have them!
“Michelle’s Place Breast Cancer Resource Center embodies its vision of supporting those living with breast cancer. Providing patient navigation services, emotional and educational support, and facilitating services for breast health, Michelle’s Place staff and volunteers are committed to patient support. It is a privilege to serve as a member of the Michelle’s Place team.”
Martha Minkler and her husband, Jeff, are pioneer residents of the Temecula-Murrieta Valley having lived in the area forty years. As a long-time arts professional and community volunteer, Martha has been actively involved in Southwest Riverside County as a founder, president and board member of many local and regional service and civic organizations. She has been recognized over the years with a variety of awards for her work with child abuse prevention, child care and foster youth programs, as well as for her work promoting the arts and arts education in the Temecula-Murrieta Valley.
“I am blessed to have recovered from breast cancer and that I am able to interact with other survivors as a volunteer at Michelle’s Place. I appreciate this opportunity to serve on the Board and advocate for the many who benefit from our center. “ Debra Bechtel said.
Deb was diagnosed in 2001 with inflammatory breast cancer stage 3B. She had 8 rounds of chemo, mastectomy and a few reconstruction surgeries as well as 36 radiation treatments. According to her doctors, her prognosis for survival was not good. “I feel very blessed to have come through treatment and be able to live well with very few residual effects. My perspective, on almost everything, has changed for the better. I truly cherish this gift I have been given.” Deb currently volunteers at Michelle’s Place making encouragement calls to women going through breast cancer. She also facilitates a monthly self-help group at the Center.