Patient Advocate Committee

Tambre Leighn

Tambre Leighn, an advocate for over twelve years, has facilitated workshops and been a keynote speaker for organizations like Young Survival Coalition, Weill Cornell, and Amazon Health. Tambre has been a grant reviewer for various research organizations since 2016 including American Cancer Society, Knight Cancer Institute at OHSU, and the NCI. She joined NRG Oncology in late 2022, becoming a vice-chair of the Patient Advocate Committee in 2024 before stepping into the Chair role in 2025. Professionally, Tambre works as a healthcare communications consultant and trainer for clinical trials and commercial pharmaceutical organizations through her company, Well Beyond Ordinary, LLC, which was inspired by her late husband’s experiences as a cancer patient.

NRG Committees:
Cancer Care Delivery Research Committee
Communications Committee

Lisa Lenrow

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 were
unsuccessful. 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)

Sandra Finestone

Sandra Finestone, PsyD, joined the NRG Oncology Patient Advocate Committee in 2025, bringing with her more than four decades of advocacy rooted in both personal experience and professional dedication. A breast cancer survivor since 1983 and caregiver to multiple loved ones affected by cancer, Dr. Finestone has been a tireless champion for patient education, research involvement, and support for older or isolated individuals navigating cancer care.

Her advocacy portfolio spans national and international platforms, with service on committees and review panels for organizations including PCORI, FDA, NIH, the Department of Defense, and Susan G. Komen. She has also mentored and represented patient voices at major conferences such as ASCO, AACR, and the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. In addition to her advocacy, Dr. Finestone has served as a longtime mental health professional and has held leadership roles in numerous nonprofit and public health initiatives. Inspired by NRG’s mission and the collaborative spirit of oncology research, she is committed to ensuring that patient perspectives shape the future of cancer care. Her personal motto reflects her approach: “Don’t let things you cannot control interfere with the things you can.”

NRG Committees: 
Breast Cancer Committee

Leslie Fortin

Leslie Fortin, MPH, brings years of hands-on experience in clinical research with a focus on patient-centered care and operational excellence. She began her research career as a Clinical Research Coordinator in head and neck cancer, advocating for patients navigating complex protocols and treatment decisions. Her work later expanded into regulatory coordination for genitourinary studies and now into her current role as a Non-Therapeutic Trials Manager, where she supports studies related to quality of life, biospecimen collection, and health equity. Leslie has also worked with organizations like Fabric Health, connecting families to preventive care in everyday settings like laundromats—a reflection of her deep commitment to access and equity.

She joined the NRG Oncology Patient Advocate Committee in 2025 and also serves on the Head and Neck Committee. Passionate about health equity, culturally inclusive research practices, and mentorship in clinical trials, Leslie brings a thoughtful perspective shaped by both professional experience and personal caregiving for her grandfather, who faced throat cancer. She believes that clinical research is where science meets hope—and she’s proud to help build that bridge every day.

Assigned Committee:
Head & Neck Cancer Committee

Tarah Green

Tarah Green, 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

Pat Halpin-Murphy

Pat Halpin-Murphy, MS, is the President and Founder of the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition and a Stage III breast cancer survivor. She serves on the NRG Oncology Patient Advocate Committee and the Breast Cancer Committee, where she works to ensure that the voices of patients and survivors are at the forefront of research and care. A trailblazer in health policy, Pat has led advocacy efforts resulting in landmark legislation, including Pennsylvania’s Act 1 of 2023, which eliminated costs for breast MRI, ultrasound, BRCA-related genetic testing, and counseling for high-risk individuals. She also played a key role in securing coverage for 3D mammograms and championed the passage of the Breast Cancer Reconstructive Surgery Act, the Breast Cancer Research Act, and the Breast Density Notification Act.

Beyond policy, Pat has dedicated her career to advancing breast cancer research and patient education. She chairs the PA Breast Cancer Coalition Research Grants Initiative, which has awarded more than $6.1 million to researchers across the state, and serves on the Board of Directors of the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) Foundation. Her advocacy is rooted in the belief that patients’ lived experiences should inform both research and care, ensuring more compassionate treatment and greater progress against cancer. Honored by President Obama as a White House Champion of Change, Pat continues to amplify the voices of patients, driven by the conviction that no one should face breast cancer alone.

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

Lauren Hilliard

Lauren Hilliard, BA, is a Clinical Research Coordinator at the University of Virginia’s Emily Couric Cancer Center, where she works closely with women undergoing treatment for gynecologic cancers. Her hands-on role in clinical trials has shaped a deep commitment to patient advocacy, health equity for women in rural areas, and increasing awareness and education around gynecologic cancers.

Lauren is passionate about ensuring patients feel supported—both medically and emotionally—throughout their care journey. In 2025, she joined the NRG Oncology Patient Advocate Committee and now serves on the Cervix/Vulvar Cancer Subcommittee. She is proud to contribute to NRG’s mission of advancing cancer research and improving outcomes for women through collaborative, patient-centered science.

NRG Committees: 
Cervix/Vulvar Cancer Subcommittee

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

Wenora Johnson

Wenora Johnson is a three-time cancer survivor (colorectal, endometrial, and basal cell carcinoma) and clinical trial participant who brings both personal and professional insight to her advocacy work. She joined the PAC in 2021 and serves on the Gastrointestinal Cancer (Colorectal) Committee, where she champions health equity, clinical trial participation, and access to genetic testing and early detection for high-risk individuals. Wenora is also a caregiver to family members affected by cancer, further deepening her perspective on the patient and caregiver experience.

In addition to her NRG role, Wenora serves as Board Chair for FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered) and sits on numerous advisory boards and review panels, including PCORI, DoD CDMRP, ASCO, AACR, and ConnectMyVariant. She has published and presented on cancer disparities and financial toxicity, and she is committed to amplifying the voices of underserved communities in cancer research. Guided by her favorite James Baldwin quote, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it’s faced,” Wenora continues to use her story to inspire change and advocate for more equitable, patient-centered cancer care.

NRG Committees:
Gastrointestinal Cancer Committee (Colorectal)

Katie Keyser

Katie Keyser, BS, joined the NRG Oncology Patient Advocate Committee in 2025, bringing with her a deep commitment to advancing health equity and improving patient engagement in cancer care. A breast cancer survivor diagnosed in 2018, Katie draws on both her personal experience and professional background to advocate for greater health literacy and the removal of barriers to clinical trial participation.

She currently serves as the Cancer Outcomes Research Manager at the Stephenson Cancer Center in Oklahoma City, where her work centers on patient-reported outcomes and their correlation with clinical results. Katie is also a patient advocate on the Route 66 Endometrial SPORE grant and serves on the Board of Directors for the cancer nonprofit Tenaciously Teal. A passionate public speaker and dedicated ally, Katie is inspired by NRG’s mission and looks forward to contributing to research that reflects the diverse needs of patients. (Also, she’s one of the biggest OKC Thunder fans—Go Thunder!)

NRG Committees:
Patient Centered Outcomes Research Committee
Ovarian Cancer Subcommittee

Marco Lopez

NRG Committees:
Genitourinary Cancer Committee

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 the
Australian 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
Patient Centered Outcomes Research Committee
Translational Science Committee

Debbie Miller, PhD

Debbie Miller, Ph.D., is a survivor of clear cell adenocarcinoma of the ovary and a dedicated research advocate committed to improving outcomes for patients with rare gynecologic cancers. Diagnosed in 2006, she participated in a frontline clinical trial and has since focused her efforts on increasing awareness and education around clinical trials and rare tumor research. Debbie brings her personal experience and academic background to multiple NRG Oncology committees, including the Communications Committee, Rare Tumor Subcommittee, Clear Cell Working Group, and Human Research Working Group.

With over 25 coauthored peer-reviewed publications and extensive experience working in medical education and research at institutions in Oklahoma and Texas, Debbie contributes deep insight into clinical trial development, community engagement, and medical training. She is the founder of the Ovarian Cancer Trial Awareness Network & Empowerment (OCTANE), and serves in key advocacy roles with the Department of Defense CDMRP, PCORI, and UT Southwestern’s Cancer Center. Debbie is inspired by the opportunity to collaborate with gynecologic oncologists through NRG Oncology and values the continued learning and cross-organizational partnerships that enhance patient-centered research.

NRG Committees:
Communications Committee
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 with
the 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 is a passionate hereditary cancer advocate and BRCA1 previvor who brings both personal and professional experience to her work in cancer prevention and research. She joined the PAC in 2019 and serves on several NRG Oncology committees, including the NRG-CC008 Working Group. As both a patient and caregiver, Diane has participated in quality-of-life studies and needs assessments, which deepened her understanding of the barriers patients face—particularly those in rural communities—in accessing genetic testing, counseling, and early detection services.

Diane is a nationally recognized research collaborator with co-investigator roles on several major CDC and PCORI-funded projects focused on hereditary cancer awareness, patient engagement in research, and digital health equity. Her advocacy extends across organizations such as FORCE, the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance, and state cancer control programs in Pennsylvania and Michigan. She is inspired by NRG Oncology’s mission to improve patient outcomes through research and values her role in shaping studies that reflect the lived experience of patients. When not advocating, Diane enjoys life on her small farm, where she raises animals with help from her grandchildren.

NRG Committees:
Breast Cancer Committee
Cancer Prevention and Control Committee
NCORP Executive Committee

Runsi Sen

NRG Committees:
Ovarian Cancer Subcommittee

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

JoNell Stevenson

NRG Committees: 
Ovarian Cancer Subcommittee

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

David Timm

David Timm, MS, CCRP, joined the NRG Oncology Patient Advocate Committee in 2025, bringing over 15 years of oncology research experience and a deeply personal commitment to cancer advocacy. As a caregiver to his spouse during treatment for Philadelphia chromosome–positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (PH+ ALL), David has seen firsthand the critical importance of clinical trials, survivorship support, and patient-centered communication. He is especially passionate about improving educational resources and expanding access to supportive care research.

David currently works in clinical research operations, with past roles spanning GU and GI oncology trials, supportive care studies, and now trial coverage analysis. Based in St. Louis, he serves on multiple patient-centered committees at the Siteman Cancer Center and has contributed to initiatives aimed at reducing cancer disparities and improving institutional resources. Whether reviewing patient-facing materials or advocating nationally, David brings a dual perspective—as both a researcher and caregiver—to elevate the voices and needs of patients. He finds inspiration in service and lives by the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful…to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”

NRG Committees: 
Gastrointestinal Cancer 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

Anna Wilson

NRG Committees:
Patient Centered Outcomes Research (PCOR) Committee

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 gynecologic
oncology 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)