Health

Cancer Hope Network names three to Board of Trustees terms

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New CHN trustees: Merry Jennifer Markham, Renu Vaish, Gregory D. Blake

L-R: Merry Jennifer Markham, MD; Renu Vaish; Gregory D. Blake, MS Ed

Cancer is isolating and scary. For 40+ years, CHN has been providing 1:1 support for people facing cancer. We are grateful that Dr. Markham, Ms. Vaish and Mr. Blake have joined the incredible group of trustees who bring business, industry and healthcare knowledge to bear for the clients we serve.


CHESTER, N.J. (PRWEB)

Cancer Hope Network recently elected three new members to the Board of Trustees.

“Cancer is isolating and scary. For more than 40 years, CHN has been providing 1:1 peer support for people facing cancer. That work has been led by an incredible group of trustees who bring business, industry and healthcare knowledge to bear for the clients we serve,” said Executive Director Cynthia Gutierrez Bernstein. “We’re honored that Dr. Markham, Ms. Vaish and Mr. Blake have joined this dedicated group of volunteers.”

Gregory D. Blake, M.S. Ed

Licensed Resident in Counseling – Resilience Counseling & Social Skills Center, LLC

“Cancer Hope Network is the oldest and one of the largest peer to peer cancer support networks in the country. It has been my privilege to serve this unique organization for the past two years as an Intern for my Masters of Mental Health program at the University of Pennsylvania. This experience not only exposed me to nearly every operational facet of CHN, but it also familiarized me with the high caliber and nimble expertise of its management and staff, and taught me just how massive the meaningful impact this group and its powerful volunteer corp is upon the lives of the people CHN serves. I view my position on the Board of Trustees as a continuation of my recent service role and I will endeavor to assist Cancer Hope Network to grow and thrive as it strives to meet the ever increasing needs of those stricken by cancer.”

Merry Jennifer Markham, M.D.

Chief of the Division of Hematology and Oncology – University of Florida College of Medicine Associate Director for Medical Affairs – UF Health Cancer Center

“As a medical oncologist caring for patients with gynecologic cancers, I see firsthand the need for and benefits of social support. Serving as a member of the Cancer Hope Network board is an opportunity to help provide that support. I’ve dedicated my life to serving people with cancer and it is an honor to contribute my time and professional expertise to help this organization flourish.”

Renu Vaish

Senior Vice President, Head of Regulatory – SpringWorks Therapeutics

My passion for hearing and focus on amplifying the patient voice is at the core of what inspires me. It motivates what I do on a daily basis. I’ve been a part of the pharmaceutical industry all my working life, with a unique opportunity to work alongside talented colleagues to advance patient care. Several of the therapies we’ve helped bring to patients have had profound impacts on the fight against cancer.

The Cancer Hope Network board is another team creating profoundly meaningful support for people facing cancer. I am thrilled to be part of this group and look forward to leveraging my expertise and network as part of this critical work.

To schedule an interview with Ms. Vaish, Mr. Blake or Dr. Markham, or to learn more about Cancer Hope Network, contact Sarah Miretti Cassidy, Director of External Affairs – 908.879.4039 or scassidy@cancerhopenetwork.org

ABOUT CHN

Cancer Hope Network provides free and confidential 1-1 peer support for cancer patients and their loved ones. CHN’s 400+ survivor and caregiver volunteers provide support from (pre)diagnosis, through treatment and into survivorship – including bereavement, when necessary.

Support Volunteers have faced more than 80 types of cancer. (More than 98% of the cancers that will be diagnosed this year.) They speak 15 languages, are located across the country, and are prepared to offer hope and guidance through a wide variety of challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis.

All volunteer and client matches are overseen and supported from beginning to end by a team of healthcare and social work professionals.

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