Lil Spitzer : Executive Director : lils@beckstrand.org
Lil Spitzer has served as Executive Director of Beckstrand Cancer Foundation (BCF) since 2003. Under her guidance, the Foundation has grown in size, reach and influence, and gained significant recognition for its annual gala fundraiser, The Diamond & Pearl Ball, which to date has raised more than $6 million to assist cancer patients and their families located throughout Southern California.

Ms. Spitzer’s vision and dedication have propelled Beckstrand Cancer Foundation from a small, relatively unknown nonprofit to the forefront of the Orange County charity scene. As the Foundation has garnered increased attention within the community, both the medical and social services professions have called on it to provide the missing link in the area of oncology.

As Executive Director, Ms. Spitzer has provided the leadership that sustains the organization, guiding its volunteer Board of Directors and paid staff members, and providing the direction to carry out the Foundation’s mission of improving and enhancing quality of life for cancer patients and their families. Her work focuses on providing a unique combination of financial assistance, patient advocacy, supportive counseling, and resources to those with cancer who are in the midst of treatment and struggling to cope with critical survival needs such as rent/mortgage, utilities, food, transportation, medical insurance premiums, copayments and prescriptions.

Ms. Spitzer has channeled her energy into addressing newly identified needs within the cancer community, leading to her development and implementation of three additional core programs: Pediatric, Art Therapy, and the BELIEVE Holiday Program. Subsequently, she developed two auxiliary groups to engage the area’s young professionals and teens in philanthropic work, thereby cultivating relationships with individuals who will grow into tomorrow’s humanitarian leaders. The unique and dedicated auxiliaries volunteer thousands of hours each year to supporting cancer patients within their own age groups through visits, events, activities, care packages and special campaigns.

Ms. Spitzer graduated from the University of California, Irvine with summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa honors, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with an emphasis on social behavior. Currently, she resides in Newport Beach with her 17-year-old daughter.

Pamela Kennedy, MSW, LCSW : Director of Patient Services : pamk@beckstrand.org
Cynthia Coffelt, LCSW, MPH : Social Worker : cynthiac@beckstrand.org
Kaerie Ray : Director of Development & Communications : kaerier@beckstrand.org
Rene Leeson : Director of Special Projects : renel@beckstrand.org
Sarah Unke : Office Manager : sarahu@beckstrand.org

*Photo courtesy of Carla Rhea Photography.