What is something interesting that others may not know about you?
I’ve been on my own from the early age of 14 years and once was homeless for over a year and a half living in the streets, my car, abandoned buildings, workplace, and train stations just to name a few.
Why are you running in support of Legacy of Hope?
In the work that I do as a palliative care social worker, I witness how cancer impacts people in so many ways – physically, emotionally, socially, and financially. Legacy of Hope helps people with cancer not worry about losing their home or their next meal – they show up for others. I run because I can and have the physical ability and resources to do so – it’s my turn to show up and support this incredible organization.
Heath’s Fundraiser Last year, my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer, which worked
IT professional/ Mentor Leroy’s Fundraiser Personal Interest: To continue to help with
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Elliott is a medical student at Thomas Jefferson University’s Sidney Kimmel Medical College, driven by a commitment to advancing care for cancer patients through clinical insight and research. He leads Legacy of Hope’s research initiative, evaluating the impact of the Emergency Patient Support Network on patients’ quality of life. Through his efforts, Elliott aims to amplify Legacy of Hope’s mission, combining patient-centered care with meaningful, data-driven advocacy.
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Affiliations: Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center
Education: PhD, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy – 2011
Focus & Impact: Focus on the role of the SOX10 transcription factor with regard to tumor cell heterogeneity and plasticity across multiple genotypes in melanoma. Investigating how SOX10 plasticity/heterogeneity affects the response to MEKi and anti-ErbB3 combinations in WT BRAF melanoma patients.
Publications: Publications Link
Honors & Awards:
Legacy of Hope Merit Award
Outrun the Sun Melanoma Research Scholar Award
Unical Fellowship Visiting Scholar
International Pigment Cell Conference Travel Award
Best Poster Presentation, Ninth Annual Jefferson Post-doctoral Research
INPDAP Fellowship for Student Merit
University of Calabria Fellowships for Student Merit
Affiliations: The Wistar Institute, The Chen Laboratory, University of Maryland
Education: PhD,Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, State University of New York at Buffalo (Dean’s Award for outstanding dissertation) – 2006
Focus & Impact: Focus is on the molecular mechanisms of brain metastasis originating from primary tumors like breast cancer, and the interplay between cancer cells and the stromal cells that populate the brain microenvironment.
Publications: Publications Link
Honors & Awards:
Legacy of Hope Merit Award
Jayne Koskinas Ted Giovanis Foundation for Health and Policy Award
Susan G. Komen, CCR Basic/Translational and Clinical application
The V Foundation for Cancer Research Award
Dissertation Research Award, Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
An award winning international speaker, author, corporate trainer and diversity, equality and inclusion executive, nationally recognized thought leader, expert, strategist and advisor to some of the world’s most influential organizations in global professional services, health care, financial services, consumer products and pharmaceutical industries.
Kimberly is a seasoned leader in transforming organizations into high-performing enterprises and challenging leaders to live without limits, with more than 20 years of HR, talent acquisition, and diversity & inclusion experience; successfully turning around troubled diversity practices by designing, building, leading, and shaping high-performing cultures at global organizations with robust strategies, global employee development programs and enterprise-wide initiatives that have increased revenue growth and organizational brand eminence.
Michele is a Director on the Legacy of Hope board and also serves on the Executive Committee.
Professional: Mary is a certified city planner for Philadelphia, a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association as well as the Philadelphia Bar Association, and the Pro Bono Honor Roll First Judicial District of Philadelphia.
Bio: Mary’s insight into the legal world is invaluable to Legacy of Hope, both in keeping our daily operations moving fluidly as well as making connections for our patients and their families when needed.
“Michael reached out to me about 2 years ago through mutual friends. We worked together to help a woman with stage 4 cancer get her electricity turned back on after it was shut off during the winter. I’ve been 100% supportive of Mike’s vision since then.”
Education: Bachelor’s of Science from West Chester University in Management and Finance
Bio: As a member of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.’s upper management team, Joseph brings a wealth of knowledge regarding finances, management, team-building and planning to the Legacy of Hope board. Joseph linked up with Michael, our President, and Wells Fargo began supporting Legacy of Hope annually.
“My father passed away from what started as Colon Cancer in 2015. Cancer is horrible and if there is something I can do to help others impacted I would want to be a part of it.”
David is the founder of the Fishtown Beer Runners, an organization with chapters all over the world based here in Philadelphia.
Dr. Kevin Kelly leads Legacy of Hope’s Scientific Review Board to seek out and support the most promising cancer research in Philadelphia using a merit-based system. He is Jefferson’s Director of Solid Tumor Oncology.
Greg Garber is the director of Oncology Support Services at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center.
Gina’s experience as the very successful co-owner of CoreFitness, LLC coupled with her expertise in planning special events makes her the perfect Vice President for Legacy of Hope. With energy, passion, and drive that makes her seem superhuman, Gina’s connection to our mission is a personal one.
“Both my father and my dear childhood friend were diagnosed with cancer within 3 months of one another. They were surrounded and supported by friends and family throughout their battle and until their passing. No one should suffer through a diagnosis alone and, without Legacy of Hope, some people would do just that.”
Awards:
Volatile Media Management’s Mover, Shaker, Changemaker Award – February 2017
Miles Mack Community Services & Leadership Honorable Mention – 2016 TJUH Emergency Department Technician of the Year, Physicians Choice Award – 2015
TJUH Emergency Department Technician of the Year, Physicians Choice Award – 2014
Bio:
With his free time so limited, Michael manages to fuse his work with his other passion: running. Whether it is with the Fishtown Beer Runners, our own Team Relentless Hope, or his closest friends, Michael can often be spotted on the streets of Philadelphia keeping himself fit and active.
