Patient Advocate Committee

Accepting Applications

NRG Oncology is accepting applications for the Patient Advocate Committee Chair position. Applications are due by May 12, 2025 at 5pm ET. More info and apply

Tambre Leighn

Tambre Leighn, an advocate for over twelve years, founded Well Beyond Ordinary, LLC, inspired by her late husband who died of Hodgkin’s disease. She has facilitated workshops and been a keynote speaker for organizations like American Cancer Society, Pink Ribbon Girls, Stupid Cancer, and Young Survival Coalition. Tambre has reviewed grants and worked with researchers at Knight Cancer Institute, focusing on early cancer detection. She joined NRG Oncology in late 2022 and serves as a patient advocate for the NCI’s Lymphoma Steering Committee, contributing to patient-centric research and education.

NRG Committees:
Cancer Care Delivery Research Committee
Communications Committee

Marlyn Molero Sanchez

Marlyn Molero, an OB/GYN with 14 years of experience, obtained her degree from Universidad Central de Venezuela. She is an Adjunct Professor and Vice Chair of the academic committee of OB/GYN at the Perez Carreno Hospital/Central University of Venezuela, focusing on gynecology and surgical techniques. Currently, Marlyn works as a clinical researcher in oncology with Commonspirit Research Institute and as a Spanish Interpreter in the ER of a community hospital in California, serving a high rate of Spanish-speaking individuals.

NRG Committees:
Gynecologic Cancer Committee
Protocol Operations Management Committee

Rubeliz Bolivar Barrios

Rubeliz Bolivar Barrios is an International Medical Graduate from Universidad de Oriente, Venezuela. She has worked as a physician in a community clinic in a low-resource area of Venezuela and gained medical experience in the USA as a Certified Medical Assistant and EKG Technician. Currently, Rubeliz is a Medical Interpreter at the Emergency Department of Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, California, serving a farm worker community with a high Spanish-speaking population. She also interprets at community education nights. Rubeliz is in the process of becoming a certified physician in the USA. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

NRG Committees:
Uterine Corpus Subcommittee

Molly Cassidy

Molly Cassidy, diagnosed with Stage IV Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck in 2019, entered a clinical trial for immunotherapy and a personalized cancer vaccine after initial treatments wereunsuccessful. She shares her story to help others navigate cancer treatment. Molly is a transactional corporate attorney in Tucson, Arizona, with a Juris Doctorate and Doctorate in Education from the University of Arizona. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and outdoor activities.

NRG Committees:
Head & Neck Cancer Committee (General Member)

Jade Gibson

Jade Gibson, diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer at 16, has spent 17 years as a survivor and advocate for historically marginalized AYA patients from rural communities. She studied at the Harold P. Freeman Patient Navigation Institute to help eliminate barriers for patients. Jade participates in interviews, virtual conferences, webinars, marketing research, and fundraising. Her roles include Citizen Scientist for the Ovarian Cancer Outreach, Ovarian Cancer patient expert with Merakoi, Digital advocate for Count Me In, and committee member for various cancer control and survivorshipinitiatives.

NRG Committees:
Communications Committee
Gynecologic Cancer Committee
Health Care Access Committee

Pat Halpin-Murphy

Pat Halpin-Murphy is the President and Founder of the PA Breast Cancer Coalition, advocating for breast cancer survivors and their families. A breast cancer survivor herself, she co-chairs the Coalition’s Breast Cancer Research Grants Committee, contributing nearly $5 million to research. Pat’s legislative victories include increased funding for Pennsylvania’s breast cancer researchers, Pennsylvania's Free Treatment program for mammograms, the Reconstructive Surgery Act, and the Breast Density Notification Act. She has a notable career in state and national government, advising various officials. Pat serves on multiple boards and committees, dedicated to advancing breast cancer research and support.

NRG Committees:
Breast Cancer Committee

Mark Harris

Mark, a fitness instructor and personal trainer since 1999, became a prostate cancer advocate after his diagnosis in 2013. He is a Community Ambassador with the American Cancer Society, co-facilitator of the Michigan Institute of Urology prostate cancer support group, and Advisory Board member of the Michigan Medicine Rogel Cancer Center. Mark received the 2019 MIU Volunteer of the Year and is a Patient Advocate for various organizations, including NRG Oncology and ZERO Prostate Cancer. He has advocated for increased research funding and early detection on Capitol Hill. Mark participates in several advisory panels and research programs, contributing his expertise to improve cancer care.

NRG Committees:

Genitourinary Cancer Committee
Health Care Access Committee, Older Adult SIG & Concept Development SIG
Head & Neck Cancer Committee

Faye Hollowell Roberson

Faye Hollowell, founder of Brown Buddies, advocates for patients by accompanying them to doctor visits. Dedicated to her late brother, she holds a BS from Phoenix University and is a retired Internal Auditor from General Motors Corporation. Faye's affiliations include the American Cancer Society, Memphis Breast Cancer Consortium, National Patient Advocate Foundation, Arthritis Foundation, and National Retirees Legislative Network. She also serves on the NRG Oncology Group Patient Advocate Committee. Faye has traveled extensively as a short-term missionary and continues to support cancer research and patient care.

NRG Committee:
PAC General Member

Barbara Roth Ingalsbe

Barbara Roth Ingalsbe, a 23-year soft tissue sarcoma survivor, advocates for rare cancers. She presented on health disparities to the President's Cancer Panel and was a member of NCI's CARRA program. Barbara has been part of ACOR since 1998, providing support and information to cancer communities. She joined the RTOG patient advocacy group in 2009 and is currently a member of NRG's patient advocacy group.

NRG Committees:
PAC General Member

Wenora Johnson

Wenora Johnson, a 3x cancer survivor and Navy Veteran, began advocating with Fight Colorectal Cancer following her stage 3b colon cancer diagnosis. As a Lynch Syndrome patient, she promotes genetic testing and awareness. Wenora serves on various panels and review boards, including CAP, Fight CRC, FORCE, DoD Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program, PCORI, NCCS, CMS TEP Panel, AACR, and NQF Cancer Standing Committee. She writes patient advocate blogs and participates as a speaker/panelist. Wenora works in administration in the greater Chicagoland area and enjoys motorcycling, reading, and traveling with her family.

NRG  Committees:
Gastrointestinal Cancer Committee (Colorectal)

Fiona McAlister, PhD

Dr. Fiona McAlister, Program Director at Southern Oklahoma Technology Center, educates future scientists and doctors in biotechnology. With a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from theAustralian National University, she has conducted research at the Salk Institute and The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation. Dr. McAlister has received several awards for her contributions to science and education. As a cancer survivor and patient mentor, she brings her scientific expertise and advocacy to NRG Oncology, representing patient perspectives and supporting cancer research.

NRG Committees:
Developmental Therapeutics Committee
Health Care Access Committee, Rural Research SIG
Translational Science Committee

Debbie Miller, PhD

In 2006, Debbie Miller had surgery for Stage IIc clear cell ovarian cancer. As a faculty member at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, she researched ovarian cancer and enrolled in a Phase 2 clinical trial. Since retiring, she has been an advocate for women with gynecologic cancers, working with organizations such as the Department of Defense CDMRP Ovarian Cancer Research, NRG Oncology, National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, and PCORI. In 2012, Debbie founded the nonprofit Ovarian Cancer Trial Awareness Network & Empowerment (OCTANE) to promote ovarian cancer clinical trial awareness.

NRG Committees:
Clear Cell Working Group
Communications Committee
Human Research Working Group
Rare Tumor Subcommittee

Julie Montás

Julie Montás, a two-time Stage 4 colon cancer survivor, has been cancer-free since 2012. She shares her story to highlight self-advocacy's importance and provides hope to others. Julie volunteers withthe American Cancer Society's Road To Recovery program, driving patients to treatments, and serves as a cancer mentor with the Cancer Hope Network. Her customer service background fuels her passion for person-centered care in healthcare.

NRG Committees:
Gastrointestinal Cancer Committee (Non-Colorectal)

Laurel Pracht

Laurel J. Pracht, a 23-year late-stage ovarian cancer survivor, has been a patient advocate for 16 years. She played a key role in securing PET scan coverage through the National Oncologic PET Registry. Laurel is a member of NRG Oncology's Cancer Care Delivery Research, Cancer Prevention and Control, and Patient Advocate Committees, as well as NCI's Cancer Care Delivery Research and Patient Advocate Steering Committees. She founded the West Valley Ovarian Cancer Alliance, organizing annual charity events for research funding. Laurel has been involved with PCORI, ASCO/AACR, and the Dept. of Defense Ovarian Cancer Research Program.

NRG Committees:
Cancer Care Delivery Research Committee
Cancer Prevention and Control Committee

Diane Rose

Diane Rose, VP of Volunteer Programs at FORCE, is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by various cancers and inherited gene mutations. As a BRCA mutation carrier, she is personally invested in this cause. Diane has developed Volunteer FORCE Academy, preparing volunteers for research advocacy roles, and has placed advocates in numerous panels and conferences. She co-led Project COGENT to assess researchers' attitudes towards patient engagement and currently coordinates FORCE’s CDC grant to improve digital health literacy. Diane manages partnerships and incorporates new trainings to enhance patient care and research involvement.

NRG Committees:
Breast Cancer Committee
Cancer Prevention and Control Committee
NCORP Executive Committee
NRG-CC008 Working Group

Jeffery Shoop

Jeffery Shoop, a two-time head and neck cancer survivor, has been cancer-free since 2015 after participating in a Phase 1b Immunotherapy clinical trial. He advocates for patient support and optimal care through SPOHNC in Hershey, PA, and Reel Recovery, which provides a reflective environment for discussing cancer experiences. Jeffery's advocacy is driven by his unique insights from his treatment and trial experiences.

NRG Committees:
Head & Neck Cancer Committee
Head & Neck Cancer Surgical Working Group

Tom Simon

Tom Simon, a Patient Advocate and Volunteer for NRG Oncology, has been involved with various non-profits and charitable organizations since retiring in 1999. He aids cancer survivors through support groups, navigating treatments, and clinical trials, provides guidance for Atrial Fibrillation patients, and assists seniors with transportation to medical appointments. Tom's background includes a pharmacy degree and work with the FBI, United Airlines, Southern Airways, Georgia-Pacific, and Georgia Gulf. His roles have included President of The Lung Cancer Caring Ambassadors Program, President of the St. Joseph’s Cancer Survivors Network, FDA Patient Representative, and Advocate for RTOG, CALGB, and NRG Oncology. He is dedicated to supporting survivors and raising funds for the sick, needy, and indigent.

NRG Committees:
Lung Cancer Committee
Genitourinary Cancer Committee

Lisa Taylor

Lisa, an independent advocate with NRG Oncology since 2007, serves on the Data Monitoring Committee and has been involved in the Uterine Corpus and Developmental Therapeutics Committees. She was a member of NCI’s Uterine Task Force and has reviewed for a major oncology journal. Lisa has presented at the FDA/NCI’s AAADV Workshop and is driven by personal loss and her own thyroid cancer experience. Professionally, she is President of Packers Falls Group, focusing on Commercial Development for bio-pharmaceutical companies. Lisa holds an MBA from Harvard University and a Bachelor’s in Human Biology from Stanford University.

NRG Committees:
Data Monitoring Committee, Panel A

Jason Tharp

Jason, a motivational speaker and children’s author, inspires others to embrace their uniqueness and be honest about life's challenges. After being diagnosed with grade 4 glioblastoma in 2021, Jason underwent successful treatment and has been cancer-free for over a year. He continues his mission to help others find magic and wonder in their stories, encouraging hope and resilience.

NRG Committees:
Brain Tumor Committee

Lawrence "Laurie" Traynor

Lawrence “Laurie” Traynor, an entrepreneur and executive, was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in 2020. As an NRG Oncology Patient Advocate Committee member and Imerman Angel mentor, Laurie uses his experience to support cancer survivors. His affiliations include Wake Forest School Medicine, Sentrimed, Head and Neck Cancer Alliance, and others. Laurie is dedicated to helping cancer previvors and survivors through writing and speaking.

NRG Committees:
Head & Neck Cancer Committee (General Member)

Eva Villalba

Eva Villalba, Executive Director of the Quebec Cancer Coalition, has been involved in health-care charities and advocacy since 2008. With degrees from McGill University and an MBA from HEC Montréal, she applies best business practices to the non-profit sector. Eva is passionate about health-care reform, social innovation, and AI's potential in healthcare. She has a graduate degree in Value-Based Health Care and co-chairs the Resilient Healthcare Coalition. Eva is a fierce advocate for improving Quebec’s health-care system and has extensive international networks and certifications in VBHC.

NRG Committees:
Canadian Membership Subcommittee

Tarah Warren

Tarah Warren, Executive Director and Founder of Tenaciously Teal (T. Teal), supports cancer fighters and families. Diagnosed with Stage IV Ovarian Cancer in 2012, Tarah founded T. Teal during her treatment, distributing Cancer Care Packs. T. Teal has delivered over 40,000 care packs and was a top nominee for the Oklahoma Reader's Choice Award. Tarah serves on the Board of Advocates at the Stephenson Cancer Center and lobbies in Washington D.C. for ovarian cancer research funding. She holds degrees in Sociology and Social Work.

NRG Committees:
Ovarian Cancer Subcommittee

Kimberly Williams

Kimberly, a Cervical Cancer survivor, advocate, and author of "Restored," is dedicated to spreading God's love and encouraging women to get annual exams and HPV testing. Diagnosed with Cervical Cancer in 2018 and a recurrence in 2019, she advocates for early detection and overcoming life's challenges. Kimberly is a social services professional, mentor, and entrepreneur with double master's degrees in Management and Health Care Management. She is a proud community member of Cervivor and aims to help others navigate their journeys successfully.

NRG Committees:
Cervix/Vulva Cancer Subcommittee
Investigator Development Subcommittee

Kelly Yeong

Kelly Yeong, diagnosed with stage 2 esophageal adenocarcinoma, began patient advocacy with NRG in late 2023. With 25 years as a nurse practitioner focusing on women’s health, Kelly now works in gynecologiconcology at VCU Health System/Massey Cancer Center. Her passion is helping individuals achieve the best quality of life. She is a member of the American Nurses Association, American Association for Nurse Practitioners, and the Obesity Medicine Association. In her free time, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family, outdoor activities, and her pets.

NRG Committees:
Gastrointestinal Cancer Committee (Non-Colorectal) (General Member)