I am a lifelong educator, cancer advocate, patient research advocate, and champion for breast cancer prevention. My professional mission was transformed by my diagnosis of bilateral breast cancer in 2009. After completing treatment in 2010, I recognized the critical importance of accessible, evidence-based information and meaningful patient engagement in cancer research and care. What began as a personal journey evolved into a longstanding commitment to empowering women with knowledge, and advancing the goal of the primary prevention of breast cancer.

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For more than seventeen years, I have supported the pioneering breast cancer vaccine research of Dr. Vincent K. Tuohy at Cleveland Clinic. My involvement has given me a unique perspective at the intersection of patients, researchers, clinicians, and the development of innovative cancer prevention strategies. I served as a patient advocate on the Phase I clinical trial of the breast cancer vaccine, bringing the patient perspective directly into the clinical research process. My advocacy has remained focused on the potential of primary prevention and on creating meaningful opportunities for patients and advocates to contribute to the development of new approaches to cancer prevention.

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I am a Komen Advocate in Science and actively participate in research advocacy and scientific review. I review research proposals for the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) Breast Cancer Research Program, Susan G. Komen and Future Oncology. These experiences have afforded me valuable insight into the scientific review process, and reinforced the importance of incorporating patient perspectives in cancer care and research.

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My advocacy work extends beyond breast cancer research. I have contributed my expertise to initiatives involving the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including the FDA’s Project Optimus initiative. These experiences have strengthened my understanding of oncology drug development, clinical trials, dose optimization, and regulatory decision-making. They have also reinforced my belief that patients and advocates should have meaningful opportunities to contribute to the research and development process.

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I am a graduate of the National Breast Cancer Coalition’s Project LEAD and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Scientist–Survivor Program. These programs strengthened my ability to engage with scientific research, critically evaluate evidence, and advocate for patient-centered research priorities.

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Recognizing the importance of collaboration across cancer types, I have expanded my advocacy to a broader pan-cancer perspective. I currently serve as Education Lead for Advocates for Collaborative Education (ACE), an organization dedicated to connecting patients, research advocates, and policy advocates across cancer communities. In this role, I contribute to the development of educational opportunities designed to strengthen advocate knowledge, encourage collaboration, and provide advocates with the tools needed to participate more effectively in research, policy, and healthcare discussions. I believe that advances made in one cancer may provide valuable insights for another and that collaboration can help accelerate progress across the cancer continuum.

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I also serve as an Advisory Advocate for Friends of Cancer Research, contributing the patient and advocacy perspective to discussions surrounding cancer research and healthcare policy. I serve on the board of Anixa Biosciences, where my experience as a patient advocate and research participant provides a patient perspective on innovative approaches to cancer prevention and treatment. In addition, I serve as an Ambassador Advocate for Exact Sciences/Abbott Laboratories, supporting efforts to increase awareness and understanding of advances in cancer diagnostics and patient care.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Providence College, which provides a scientific foundation that complements my extensive experience in cancer research advocacy. I am also a Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA), allowing me to combine scientific understanding with lived experience to help bridge the gap between complex cancer research and the patient lived experience.

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Throughout my advocacy career, I have remained committed to one central principle: patients should not simply be participants in healthcare and research systems—they should be informed partners in shaping them. Through education, research engagement, prevention advocacy, and collaboration with scientists, clinicians, policymakers, industry leaders, and fellow advocates, I work to ensure that the patient voice is represented in conversations that influence the future of cancer prevention, research, and care.

I share my ongoing work and commitment to breast cancer prevention through Sisters4Prevention.com, where I continue my mission to educate, empower, and advocate for a future in which preventing breast cancer becomes an increasingly achievable goal.