I am moved by the passion of our executive director and HCB2 founder, Mindy Conklin. The knowledge about this disease learned from her allows me to see the need for more awareness. While colon cancer has not touched me directly, it has ones that I love. HCB2 fills a void that creates a much needed conversation to enlighten people in our community about this disease. I am happy to be a part of the efforts of this organization by serving as an officer and board member.

I support Hit Cancer Below the Belt not only because colon cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States but also because, with proper screening, it is almost entirely preventable. It just takes education; making sure people understand that they have the power to ensure that colon cancer will not have a disastrous impact on their, and their families, lives. Also, this is something that personally impacted my family as my father was diagnosed with colon cancer and survived; I also had a grandparent who passed away from the disease.

Twenty six of my thirty eight years of nursing have been in Endoscopy. Endoscopy is my niche, my passion. I enjoy the fast pace, technical and procedural aspect as well as the variety of patient care endoscopy has to offer. Endoscopy has helped me become proactive by anticipating and responding to my patient’s needs. I have witnessed a lot of changes occur in endoscopy nursing over the last twenty six years, so patient education is important to me! I feel my job is to take care of patients-actually to take better care…to improve their care…to innovate their care. My hope is by serving on the HCB2 board I can do just that.

I have seen too many patients referred for services that I provide as a home infusion pharmacist from the initial treatment with the FOLFOX chemotherapy regimen, to possible parental nutrition, and finally home patient controlled IV pain pumps.  I believe that HCB2 can help educate the general population of the importance of screening, and increase patient outcomes associated with colon cancer.

I serve because I believe in the mission of HCB2 and its dedication to below the belt cancer prevention. From my work in the medical industry, I have seen the impact cancer has on lives. I’ve also seen what effective education can do for prevention. Based on this, I believe HCB2 provides an opportunity for me to utilize my personal compassion and commitment to helping people, as well as an opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of those around us.

No bio available at this time.

No bio available at this time.

No bio available at this time.

It is so easy to talk about all of the positive aspects of our lives. HCB2 helps make it easier to talk about the negative things that will affect us either directly or indirectly. Health problems and cancer specifically are very personal issues that can be extremely scary to deal with. Bringing these topics into everyday conversation and learning about ways to prevent, detect, and deal with cancer can help reduce the fear associated with it. This group gives you the forum to have these seemingly difficult conversations to help make a positive impact on the individual and community as a whole. I am honored to serve HCB2 to empower people with the knowledge necessary to detect, treat, and beat cancer.

At some point in our lives we will all be affected by cancer. This aggressive disease quickly turns deadly, killing far too many far too young. Our best defense is early detection, and that’s why I believe HCB2’s message is so important. As a proud member of the board, I strive to spread cancer awareness and prevention every day because it helps save lives–and there’s nothing more rewarding than that. It is my privilege to be part of an organization that is truly making a difference.

Since 1990, I have specialized in the field of Endoscopy nursing. I have been passionate about the prevention of CRC ever since.

I have been amazed with the advancements of the field of Endoscopy in my tenure.

I recall the ‘struggle’ with insurance approvals for colonoscopy screening in the early 90’s. I am so grateful for all of the work that has been done to support the prevention of CRC.

I enjoy serving on the board for HCB2 because it has given me the opportunity to utilize my clinical knowledge, expertise and passion to serve the community. I have been privileged to serve since the inception. Being a part of the development of several programs has been an honor.

I am most excited to be serving on the board of HCB2 for the opportunity to empower those we touch with scientific information that creates freedom from fear of disease and gives the ability to make informed proactive living choices. By providing vital information and creating events and activities in which our community can learn about preventative wellness strategies, the path is paved which leads to daily vibrant living – at any stage, at any age.

As a colon and rectal surgeon, I see the impact of colon and rectal cancer on patients and families. Anything I can do to help prevent the impact of this disease on fellow Richmonders, I’m all in! HCB2 gives me the opportunity to help support colon cancer awareness and preventative services for the community.

Renee Malone, MPH is the program director for HCB2. She holds a Master of Public Health degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and Sociology. With a career that spans over 12 years serving populations in need, she joined the cancer prevention and early detection movement in 2010. Renee is particularly passionate about the nutritional, environmental and socioeconomic factors that affect cancer risk and overall wellbeing. In addition to her education and work experience, she has also personally experienced ill health and now better understands what can be done to support one’s own healing, even when it may sometimes feel hopeless. Ultimately, she is dedicated to helping bridge an essential information and service gap experienced by many in this community and elsewhere so that all may pursue optimal health as unimpeded as possible.

I serve on the Board of HCB2 so that I can be a part of a team of extremely motivated and like-minded people who are working together to support the mission of the organization and serve the people around us. I try and use my professional experience and personal connections to help us have successful events that allow us to engage with the public while raising funds to deliver additional services related to below the belt cancer prevention, education, and awareness. I appreciate the aggressive approach we take and continue to be impressed by the increasing results as we grow to do more!

I serve HCB2 to prevent cancer from taking away any more loved ones. Spending 20 years in the health industry has given me the passion and direction to empower community members to become proactive with their wellness. I want to continue to support others to make well informed choices which will positively impact their lives and the lives of their loved ones.