On Saturday, Oct. 10 at 3 p.m., the Lamanda location of the Pasadena Public Library at 140 S. Altadena Drive will mark the 2026 National Breast Cancer month by hosting a panel presentation discussing the physical, personal and medical aspects affecting cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. Four Los Angeles area residents whose lives reflect several aspects of dealing with cancer will be on the panel, including members of the Cancer Support Community of the Greater San Gabriel Valley. 

The event, which is free and open to the public, will start at 3 p.m. and finish around 4:30 p.m. It includes a question-and-answer forum after the panel members have spoken. Panelists will also be available to meet with those in attendance. Where possible, printed information and/or copies of their work will be available. 

The featured speakers include Bill Cushing. Author Cushing relocated to Glendale from Puerto Rico after the loss of his wife to cancer in 1994. His memoir, Counting Down the Breaths, chronicles their relationship, her battle with cancer, his grieving after her passing and the process of getting his life back on track. The book grew out of his graduate work while earning an MFA from Goddard College and has been named a finalist in the Literary Global Book Award. He retired from teaching college English classes in 2020 but continues teaching part time as well as staying active with his own writing.