Hometown Hero: Pleasanton breast cancer survivor creates cookbooks for research money

Janice Stompro attacked her breast cancer aggressively after her diagnosis. She underwent a double mastectomy and four months of chemotherapy, crediting the latest technologies with also saving her mother from the disease.

A decade later, Stompro, whose grandmother also had breast cancer, continues to fight the disease in another way. She compiles and sells cookbooks to raise money for research. Last month, she released her ninth annual edition of "Recipes for Research," a best-of collection.

"I consider myself one of the lucky ones," said Stompro, of Pleasanton.

Stompro was 39 and a stay-at-home mother with three children when she was diagnosed in 1999. Her mother had been diagnosed in 1995, and though

Stompro got regular mammograms after that, she didn't think it could happen to her until she noticed a lump in one of her breasts. She had lobular breast cancer, a rare type she said would not have been found in a regular mammogram. She decided to hit the cancer hard.

Stompro said the toughest part was losing her hair from chemotherapy.

"I did not want to lose my hair," Stompro said. "I lost all my hair, all my eyelashes."

During her recovery, she decided to raise money for research through the cookbooks — spurred particularly so that others, including Sia, the youngest of her three children and only daughter — who was 5 when Stompro was diagnosed — won't have to struggle with the disease.

She said

the recipes in her books come from her own files, as well as from family and friends. Personal connections have led to celebrity recipes, as well. Her books' more famous contributors include a shrimp casserole recipe from former Oakland Raiders coach Jon Gruden and his wife. And when Hillary Rodham Clinton didn't come through with a recipe, Stompro contacted her staff, mentioned how the other four surviving first ladies had submitted one, and got one for Chunky Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins.

Stompro said she gets more than enough recipes, with about 150 submissions per book, with 70 or 80 making it to print. She tests each one, part of a quality control system so customers come back.

"I personally test every single recipe," she said.

They taste good, though she admits they may not be the best diet. Her favorite breakfast item is overnight French toast souffle.

"It's not necessarily a cookbook for healthy eating," she admits.

The books typically come out in October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The latest edition is a collection of Stompro's favorite recipes over the years. It was released Oct. 26 and costs $20.

Altogether she estimates 7,000 to 8,000 copies have been sold, raising more than $70,000 for City of Hope, a Southern California-based cancer center that does research and education.

Besides the cookbook, Stompro helps breast cancer survivors in other ways. She became vice president of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Medical Associated, the business of her husband and partner. The two began dating at 13, and he reconstructed her body after treatment, which she said brought them closer together. Many clients are breast cancer survivors, and Stompro helps counsel them. The office, which has locations in Danville, Hayward, Livermore and Tracy, has sponsored breast cancer fundraising efforts of past clients.

"I'm inspired (by) her commitment," said her husband, Brett Stompro.

Heather Olinto, director of development for City of Hope's San Francisco office, said Stompro also brings her personal experience to efforts to fund cancer research.

"Not only has she donated to City of Hope, she also comes onstage to share her story, which is integral," Olinto said.

Stompro said she was named the group's first Woman of the Year in 2004. Sia Stompro, now a sophomore at California High in San Ramon, said she participates in the walks and that her cheerleading team helps sell the books.

"I think it's a great thing she's doing," Sia said. "She's my hero for doing this."

Stompro urges women to take precautionary measures, such as mammograms and learning to examine their breasts for early detection.

"Get to know what your breasts feel like," she said. "We do have bumps that aren't cancer."

She said those not diagnosed should not be afraid of the treatments, as they can sound severe but also save lives.

"Don't take the easy way out," she said. "Don't be afraid of those methods. Going the distance with those medications you'll never be able to say, 'I should have done this.'"‰"

Stompro notes her mother had 48 positive lymph nodes when she was diagnosed, but still survived.

"That is an extreme amount," Stompro. "I really feel research has saved her life."

Reach Eric Louie at 925-847-2123.