​ Stephen Reeder  is the chief executive officer of the UCR Group, which arranges real estate investments in Southern California. Also a philanthropist, Stephen Reeder has sponsored fundraisers to benefit the John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI) in Costa Mesa, California. Based in the St. John’s Medical Center, the institute is run by the family of the movie star, who died of stomach cancer in 1974.

The organization specializes in transnational research, which quickly moves innovations from the laboratory to the bedside. JWCI’s scientists delve into conditions such as melanoma (skin cancer) and sarcoma, as well as colon, prostate, and gastrointestinal cancer.

JWCI pioneered the sentinel node biopsy technique, now the preferred method for determining whether breast cancer (or melanoma) has spread to other parts of the body. Doctors use a small needle to remove sentinel nodes, areas where cancer cells gather before going into the lymphatic system. One advantage of the procedure is that it only removes one to five nodes, leaving plenty of others to remove waste fluids and perform other important tasks.

If the biopsy reveals malignant tissue, patients can wait or undergo surgery immediately. They are generally unconscious during the procedure, and can go home the same day if there is no surgery.

​Stephen Reeder is CEO of the UCR Group in Redlands, California. A real estate developer, Stephen Reeder attained the rank of Eagle Scout as a young man in the Boy Scouts of America, serving as camp facilitator as well.

Young men and boys who join the Boy Scouts of America have fun while they build character, learn the responsibility of citizenship, and build their physical fitness. The aim of Scouting is to build a better society by teaching boys to be conscientious, responsible, and productive. There are several types of Scouting programs available for boys and young men:

Cub Scouts is a family-oriented program that addresses the needs of boys ages 7 through 10. The Boy Scouts program is for young men ages 11 through 17. The leadership structure shifts to peers as leaders, with the adult Scoutmaster counseling the group. Boy Scouts includes a rigorous outdoor program. Venturing is a youth-led program that allows young men ages 14 through 20 to pursue their interests, grow through teaching others, and build their leadership skills. The highest rank available in Scouting is that of Eagle Scout.

For all ages, the most important thing needed when joining the Boy Scouts is the Boy Scout Handbook. A uniform is also a necessity, and other special equipment will be required for outdoor and other activities. The best place to buy handbooks and uniforms is the local Scout shop, or by visiting www.scoutstuff.org.

If you think you may have a hard time affording all the supplies, remember that most local Scout organizations have resources such as scholarships and uniform banks to help families with costs. Contact your local unit leader for information about resources available in your area.