Caring for Carcinoid Foundation - Board of Directors

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Board of Directors

The Board of Directors governs the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation (CFCF) by managing its strategic, scientific, and financial direction.

All members of the Board of Directors are:

Dedicated to achieving CFCF's mission
Dedicated to guaranteeing transparency and accountability
Dedicated to supporting the carcinoid community

The Board of Directors comprises highly distinguished community leaders who share a commitment to discovering a cure for carcinoid.

Directors

Nancy Lindholm O'Hagan, Chairman
Anne Doyle, Vice Chairman
Stephen Blackwood, Secretary
Nicholas Vantzelfde, Treasurer
Lauren Erb, Executive Director
Carrie Host
Stephen Kaufer
Dave McCoy
Jonathan Soroff

Honorary Directors

Eric Peacock

Emeritus Directors

Sandra Brockman-Lee
Angela Duckworth
Jason Duckworth
Scott Gluck
Marsha Kessler
Keri Miller
Lance Miller
Patrick O'Hagan
Elizabeth Potter Scully
Kristan Singleton
Peter Watkinson
Stephanie Zierten

Directors

Nancy Lindholm O'Hagan, Chairman

Profession

President, Caring for Carcinoid Foundation

Education

B.A., Harvard University, cum laude
J.D., Columbia School of Law

Anne Doyle, Vice Chairman

Personal Statement

"I am inspired to be a part of the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation (CFCF) because of the hope that it offers: hope that CFCF's research will change the course of carcinoid cancer and contribute to strides in research on other cancers.

My Dad, Hugh Doyle, served as a role model for my life, giving back to his community in so many ways until he died of carcinoid cancer at age 74 in October of 2005. In his honor, I look forward to contributing to the collective energy of the CFCF community and doing everything we can to eradicate this cancer.

I would like a story that follows that of my dad's twin brother. He died at age 13 of Addison's disease in 1944, just a few years before a cure for Addison's was discovered. Similarly, just as my father died in 2005, I hope for an imminent cure for carcinoid cancer."

Profession

Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, Fallon Community Health Plan
Board Member, Health Care Compliance Association

Education

B.A., Tufts University, summa cum laude
Fulbright Scholar, Sweden
M.B.A., Stanford University Graduate School of Business

Stephen Blackwood, Secretary

Personal Statement

"My mother, Catherine Blackwood, was diagnosed with Carcinoid cancer in the summer of 2005. Since then, our family and friends have been involved in raising awareness and funds to find a cure. We discovered the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation very soon after my mother's diagnosis, and have been encouraged by its many resources and its agressive research plan. You can see our fundraising plans and read our blogs at www.blackwoodcaring.com. I believe that if we work diligently, collaboratively, and creatively enough, that a cure for Carcinoid will be found.

I am honored to serve as a member of the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation's Board of Directors."

Nicholas Vantzelfde, Treasurer

Personal Statement

"Since 2007, I have become increasingly involved with the Foundation through its various fundraising activities as well as my friendship with Nancy. I would be honored to serve on the Board and feel that I can bring relevant experience from my other board service. I am committed to working hard to find a cure for carcinoid cancer and other related neuroendocrine cancers."

Profession

Founder, CMA Capital
Board Member: IPCS Wireless, Inc
Board Member: Sage Telecom

Education

BS, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Chartered Financial Analyst Holder

Lauren Erb

Personal Statement

"I am honored to serve as Executive Director of the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation. Since an early age, after losing a younger brother to a brain tumor, I have been dedicated to finding a cure for this devastating disease. I believe that research into carcinoid and neuroendocrine tumors is a critical step to understanding cancer generally as well as carcinoid/NETs specifically. I also believe that together we can eradicate all forms of cancer and am keenly focused on using the best science and most innovative techniques available to pursue this goal.

Although our goal of a cure is tough, we have no choice but to achieve it. We cannot keep losing our loved ones to this horrible disease. Incidence rates are increasing for reasons that are unknown, and few treatments exist. As we look toward the future, scientists have much to understand about the underlying genetic events that lead to carcinoid and neuroendocrine tumors. I am proud to be part of the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation in taking a leadership role toward funding cutting edge research.

The Caring for Carcinoid Foundation is an aggressive, focused organization that will achieve its goal. I admire its leadership, advisors, and policies, especially in dedicating 100% of your donations to funding cutting edge research. My inspiration and dedication comes from the carcinoid/NET patients with whom I speak and e-mail. Please continue to keep in touch.

Click here to view Lauren's bio.

Click here to read Lauren's blog.

Profession

Executive Director, Caring for Carcinoid Foundation

Education

B.S., MIT, Theoretical Mathematics

Carrie Host

Personal Statement

"Some things in life are clearly presented to us so that we may expand a cause for the greater good. I believe that the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors of the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation has presented me with just such an occasion.

As the mother of three children—my youngest almost six— and a patient with carcinoid tumor since 2003, I bring the unique viewpoint of living with this disease while raising a family. I believe my experience will further facilitate compassion for those who may look to CFCF for direction and understanding.

My memoir, Between Me and the River (Harlequin, August 2009) offers an emotional nightlight for patients, caregivers, family and friends affected by a life threatening illness. My story reveals the often guarded aspects of living with cancer while inviting to optimism and inspiration in those who are feeling isolated.

The Caring for Carcinoid Foundation is dedicated to discovering a cure for Carcinoid, and I am honored to fuel their mission. I hope through attending many of the Foundations fundraising events, to offer personal insight through my experience and increase awareness through my book.

Finding a cure is a tall order! But so is living with this rare disease. Benjamin Franklin was right when he said “Well done is better than well said.”"

To purchase Carrie's memoir, click here: Between Me and the River

Profession

Author
Board Member: Colorado Youth Program

Education

B.A., University of Colorado

Dave McCoy

Profession

Sr. Vice President & Creative Director, CBS News Advertising, Marketing & Promotion

Stephen Kaufer

Personal Statement

"In my personal search to make a difference in this important disease, I wanted to find an efficient vehicle that would be targeted at the hard science of a cure.

I found that the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation matched my goal perfectly. I am thrilled to lend my support, dollars, and time to this organization."

Profession

President and CEO, TripAdvisor

Education

B.S., Harvard University

Jonathan Soroff

Personal Statement

"I consider it a personal crusade to find a cure for this incredibly cruel disease.

My mother, Lynne W. Marcus, died of carcinoid cancer on March 24, 2000. Anyone who met her would agree that she was one of the most gracious, welcoming, warm, and nurturing people who ever lived, and her death was a tremendous loss not just to my family and our community but to the world. For several years, I tried to find an organization devoted to battling it, with no success. Then last year, my boyfriend happened upon an article about Nancy O'Hagan and the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation. I immediately wanted to be involved and am honored to serve on the board. With a disease as rare and unheard of as carcinoid and related cancers, I understand that we have a tough road ahead, but I'm determined to pave it, drive it, and get to a place where no one has to suffer or die the way my mother did."

Profession

Columnist, The improper Bostonian Magazine
Board of corporators, Beaver Country Day School, Chestnut Hill, MA

Education

B.A., Duke University, 1987

Honorary Directors

Eric Peacock

Personal Statement

"The genetic basis of carcinoid cancer can be identified, and a cure for the disease can be found. It requires the engagement and coordinated efforts of top researchers around the world, access to the most advanced scientific tools and technology, and the financial resources required to fund aggressive research.

None of us could achieve this alone, but by supporting the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation we have the opportunity to make all of this happen in a timeframe measured in years, not decades. I am honored to be part of the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation and look forward to the day when we gather to celebrate the accomplishment of its mission - a cure for carcinoid cancer."