In 2010, driven by the urgent need for better treatment options for children with cancer, I founded Friends of Will; in 2020, that organization officially became known as Beat Childhood Cancer. After my son endured 18 months of unimaginably toxic treatment, he was deemed incurable and I faced the heartbreaking reality that there were insufficient options available. Determined to change this, I embarked on a mission to ensure that no other family would face such a dire lack of choices. This quest led to the creation of a groundbreaking network of over 50 children’s hospitals, designed to make advanced treatment options available to as many children as possible. Recognizing the flaws in the existing system, I, along with an expanding Beat Childhood Cancer team, collaborate with parents, doctors, foundations, sponsors, and industry leaders to create new solutions ensuring the patient in the clinic today has options and a real reason to embrace hope.

Well over 20 clinical trials have been opened thus far and, in 2023, the FDA approved a new drug as a result of our efforts; this is only the 7th drug ever approved by FDA specifically for pediatric cancer. I am also proud to serve on the Executive Committee of the Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium.

Following graduation from the University of Wisconsin, I began my career in philanthropy with the American Cancer Society in 1996 wanting to make a difference in cancer research and clinical trials. Fast forward to 2005 and, as a young mother to twins Jack and Annie, I couldn't imagine the devastation the parents I worked with felt in the wake of losing a child to cancer. That all changed when I found myself standing in an ER being told my precious 3-year-old son Jack had Stage IV neuroblastoma.

My experience in non-profit lead my family to create both the I Back Jack and Gold In September (G9) Foundations, both of which I merged in 2020 to become the Beat Childhood Cancer Foundation. My son, Jack, found his ultimate cure in Heaven in 2012 after 7 years of harsh treatments. My husband John was also a survivor of a young adult cancer diagnosed in his early 20s; the toxic therapies he endured lead to his death in 2016. It is my personal and professional goal to ensure advocacy, awareness, and research until safer treatments become available to ensure children and young adults survive and thrive following a cancer diagnosis.

As the parent of two and having cared for my own parents, I understand the heartache that comes with the helplessness when our loved one’s health and fear of the unknown. In finding a group of amazing parents whose children fell to the grasp of cancer, their never give up spirit instantly inspired me. Fighting at all costs, no one can run through a fire quite like a parent fighting for their child’s life.

Since joining the parents of Beat Childhood Cancer in 2017, I have been dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the fight against childhood cancer. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems from the University of South Florida, I bring over 20 years of experience in IT, business management, and accounting to the organization.

My diverse professional background equips me to contribute effectively to our mission and support the kids we serve. I believe that, like little flames joining together to create a large fire, our collective efforts can lead to significant change for the children of today and tomorrow. Together, we can make a difference.

Learning that children battle cancer is something that stays with you forever. I was just a child myself when I learned about a little boy in my community fighting for his life; from that moment, my life was forever changed. I dove headfirst into the childhood cancer world and started organizing community fundraisers at the age of 12.

After 12 years of community give-back nights and fishing event fundraisers, I officially joined the Beat Childhood Cancer staff in 2020 following my graduation from the University of South Florida - St. Pete with a degree in communications. Now, as a professional, it is my passion is to bring awareness of childhood cancers to every person, everywhere so we can raise the research dollars needed to make a difference for every child, everywhere. Along my journey, I have met hundreds of patients and families who remind me why this work is so important and so impactful. It is because of my heroes (angels and survivors) that I will never stop fighting to beat childhood cancer! When I am not planning an event, you can find me at the beach, on the boat, and spending time with family and friends!