PIVOT Leadership

I’m a breast cancer survivor of nearly 30 years and co-survivor to my husband, Jeff, through multiple cancer diagnoses. My personal journey and professional background in healthcare led me to helping launch PIVOT in 2015. Through this work, I help ensure that real experiences guide decisions that help refine research, making it more attuned to the needs, hopes and realities of patients.

I’m a cancer co-survivor, patient advocate and vice-chair of PIVOT’s Patient Leadership Council. When someone is diagnosed with cancer, it’s confusing and difficult to know what to ask. I use my experience to help researchers create materials that answer those unspoken questions. I’ve transitioned from a 30-year career in HR and healthcare to become a death doula, supporting people through grief and loss. Now I serve as a volunteer leading grief support groups. My work is driven by a deep commitment to guiding individuals and families through life’s most challenging transitions with compassion and understanding.

Cancer has been a part of my life since I was a young girl. Three of my grandparents died of cancer, including my grandmother who committed suicide while undergoing chemotherapy treatment. For 9 years I supported a friend in her fight against ovarian cancer. Then I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. Praise God, I won the battle and have now launched Sisters Living Beyond The Ribbon, an organization to help others in their fight. Being involved in PIVOT has given me knowledge about cancer research that I can take to others in my community. I am a nail technician and salon owner.

In 2016, I was diagnosed with stage 4 CNS Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and received a stem cell transplant at The University of Kansas Cancer Center - on the same unit where I once worked as a nurse. Becoming the patient changed everything. You realize you truly have no idea what it is like being a cancer patient. Now, I share my experience to help researchers see cancer through a different lens. I hope to help others continue to live a good life. 

As a former construction worker who was exposed to chemicals, my cancer journey began with research into detoxing. This led to the realization that I had stage 2 inflammatory breast cancer. After chemotherapy, radiation, a double mastectomy and reconstruction, I emerged a survivor. This battle doesn’t discriminate; many people do not make it. Through PIVOT, I advocate for those who come after me, fighting fear with knowledge and feeding faith to starve fear. 

Cancer is part of my family history. My mother, sister and brother all passed before we knew Lynch Syndrome was the cause. I was first diagnosed with colon cancer at 42. After being diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome, I faced breast cancer, endometrial cancer and again, colon cancer. Being involved with PIVOT has given me an opportunity to make my cancer diagnoses mean something.  

I’ve spent nearly three decades as an equine veterinary surgeon, caring for horses, including those with cancer. But my own cancer journey began in 2011 with oral squamous cell carcinoma. After surgeries, radiation and ongoing therapies, I’ve learned that the physical battle is only the beginning. The emotional, financial and mental challenges are just as real. My wife Laura has been my rock through it all. Now, I serve as Chair of the HNC Living Foundation Grant Committee and advocate through PIVOT to help others navigate the challenges of survivorship. Through PIVOT, we all gain agency to our voices and the ability to positively impact cancer research.

I’m a mom of two and a nursing student pursuing a second career. I’m also a two-time lymphoma survivor and nearly two years post-stem cell transplant. I joined PIVOT during recovery and even participated in projects via Zoom from home. As a patient advocate, I feel passionately about giving a patient perspective and voice to cancer researchers. Being part of PIVOT is my way of giving back and helping improve cancer care for others.

My husband, Karl, was diagnosed with tongue cancer, and my background as a science teacher led me to dive into the research behind his treatments and engage with medical professionals. Together, we are particularly interested in research around head and neck cancer survivorship. After Karl’s recurrence and surgery, we shared a practical “tips and tricks” guide with the surgical team to help future patients. As members of PIVOT, our goal is to improve the journey through diagnosis, surgery, radiation, speech therapy and nutrition for patients and their families.