Share Your MDS Story

My journey into fundraising for cancer organizations began when my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. At the time, I was working in publicity and public relations, but I felt a strong pull to use those skills for something that could make a real difference. Shifting into nonprofit development felt like the right fit—a way to turn my professional expertise into meaningful impact.

That decision shaped the course of my career. I have now dedicated over a decade to supporting patients and families affected by blood cancers. Everyday, I witness firsthand the profound difference that timely information, resources, and compassionate support can make for patients navigating an often frightening diagnosis. I love the work and the impact we are able to make.

MDS is an often misdiagnosed and underrecognized disease. Too many patients and families face delays in diagnosis or struggle to find clear, reliable information about their treatment options. What first drew me to this role was the chance to change that narrative—to help ensure that every patient, caregiver, and family has access to the resources, knowledge, and support they need to make informed decisions about care and treatment.

The most rewarding part of my work is seeing patients feel empowered—when someone tells us that a program, conversation, or resource helped them better understand their disease or advocate for themselves with their care team. Those moments remind me that the work we do goes far beyond raising awareness; it’s about restoring a sense of agency and hope. At the same time, the biggest challenge is knowing how many gaps remain: MDS still lacks the broad recognition it deserves, and too many patients fall through the cracks before they ever reach the right specialists.

I also take pride in the support we provide to healthcare professionals. Through our international network of Centers of Excellence, we connect patients with leading MDS-specific healthcare teams, advance professional education, and ensure physicians have the resources and tools they need to deliver the highest standard of care. Supporting both patients and providers strengthens the entire care journey and drives better outcomes across the MDS community.

As Director of Development, I know that none of this work is possible without the generosity of donors. Every gift—large or small—directly supports the patient resources, healthcare professional education, advocacy, and research efforts that change lives. Philanthropy is what fuels our mission and ensures that patients and families facing MDS are never left without answers, guidance, or hope.

For me, working at the MDS Foundation is more than a career—it’s a calling. Each day, I am driven by the knowledge that we can help patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals feel more supported, more informed, and more connected in the fight against MDS. That is the impact I strive for, and why this work remains so meaningful to me