Devotion, Philanthropy & Community

Terry Lynn Bucknall of the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center

by Stephanie Struyck Elgin

“I am most proud of my staff, radiologists and how they have grown the center into what it is today. They have definitely succeeded in fulfilling Tom Veloz’s dream and vision of providing competent, compassionate and respectful care… I’m also extremely proud of the reputation that the Center has earned.” Terry Lynn Bucknall

While she began her career at St. Joseph Medical Center in 1974, Terry Lynn Bucknall made her way to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital in August of 1981, and then ultimately to the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center (SRVBIC) where she is the current Director of Women’s Imaging Services.  Since the SRVBIC’s opening in 2002, nearly 475 cancers have been diagnosed, and over 1,200 patients have received services at no charge from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure grant, a grant that Terry has administered.  
Terry and her biggest supporter and husband Gregory, have lived in Valencia for over 31 years and have a son, A.J., 24.  Terry serves on the Board of Directors for the Betty Ferguson Foundation, Advisor for the Circle of Hope, Inc.  and is a member of a variety of organizations.  
Terry started out at Henry Mayo as a part time Radiologic Technologist, performing x-rays and mammograms for outpatients.  “In those days, we did two to four mammograms a day and they took over a half an hour to perform.” The radiologist would have to walk over from the hospital and check the films and do a clinical breast exam on each patient.”   
In 1997, Terry became a staff technician in the radiology department.  It was here, where her dedicated work ethic was noticed by the Director of the Woman’s Unit, who was, at that time, responsible for finding a manager for the new center.  “I interviewed with Tom Veloz, and he was supportive of my becoming the manager of the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center,” states Terry.  
Terry came on board early, and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.  “My knowledge as a radiology tech enabled me to plan the rooms and space to the technologists requirements and all along, keeping the patients as our number one focus.  We opened our doors to the public on December 12, 2002,” states Terry.  Just a year later, Terry was promoted to Director.  
The SRVBIC has made a name for itself in the Santa Clarita Valley as well as in the world of breast imaging. “We have developed a place where women and men feel comfortable.  Since we only specialize in breast imaging, we can devote all of our efforts toward that goal. I hope to see the kind of philanthropy that we have been shown by our community to continue for a long time, so that we are able to continue to grow.  Although October is the designated month for Breast Cancer awareness, we feel that we must educate and promote awareness every day.”
In 29 years of working for Henry Mayo, Terry has witnessed a lot of development and growth.   “This job is a dream come true,” states Terry.  “The Center has definitely brought together a wonderful community of philanthropy, which I am grateful for.”