Meet The Speakers of PCCSC 2022
Survivor & Care Giver/Partner Panel
Michelle Charles
I was diagnosed with a brain tumor (Anaplastic Astrocytoma stage 3 with an IDH1) In research my family did, they wouldn’t tell me what they were finding. Prognosis was not favorable. Having the IDH1, however changed things, there was a better prognosis was better to fight it.
I am a 7 years survivor as of Feb. 2022. I no longer have a paying job and find my mission to continue being a survivor and helping others along their journey. I volunteer in the Multicare cancer center, it is my way of giving back to helping others in encouraging a positive mentality of not giving up and giving it your all to fight the battle along the side of others. I have been a PCCSC committee member since 2016.
I enjoy working in my yard-as my energy allows, having my best friend by my side, Kona my golden retriever. My hobbies are cross-stitch, photography and Diamond Dötz.
Thomas Ginsburg
Thomas Ginsburg is a Hodgkins Lymphoma survivor and an active volunteer with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) since his diagnosis in April 2006. Known as “Team Tom”, he serves in variety of LLS volunteer roles with a positive attitude,infectious humor, and a relentless passion for curing blood cancers and improving the quality of life of patients and their families. As a member of the Survivor/Care Provider panel, he looks forward to moderating a meaningful discussion about the landscape of survivorship,from diagnosis to living well beyond treatment.
He lives in DuPont, with his wife, Bianca, a breast cancer survivor, and is the reigning Princess of the 2017 Auburn ACS Relay for Life. He is outdoors as often as possible hiking, birding and kayaking on the Eastern Reach of the Nisqually.
Maggie Eastman
After being diagnosed with terminal stage four metastatic invasive ductal carcinoma (breast, bones, and liver) in 2014 at the age of 32, I’ve been in remission for 2,243 days. I was diagnosed with a second type of breast cancer and skin cancer in 2021. My treatment plan has included chemo, infusions, a complete hysterectomy, a double mastectomy, and skin cancer removal.
I have shared my story through many platforms (podcasts, articles and books, documentaries, and medical studies).
In 2017 I obtained my master’s degree in couple and family therapy with a focus on medical family therapy. I also have worked as a 911 operator for over almost 16 years.
I have had the opportunity to travel around the world since my diagnosis and enjoy learning about other cultures, being on the beach, and swimming just about anywhere. I practice yoga and pilates, and try to be as active as I can. Outside of work, I enjoy ready and writing, and would love to publish a novel some day.
Robert & Erin Grouleff
Robert Grouleff and his wife Erin are the care partners to Robert’s uncle, Kenneth Deonigi. Kenneth was diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in November 2021, and was preliminarily cleared of cancer in May 2022. Robert and Erin were with Kenneth at most appointments and took care of most of his needs.
Robert and Erin live in Orting with their daughter, Mia. Robert is a co-owner of a local commercial
fire alarm company. After Robert and Erin’s experience as care partners Robert & Erin would like to start or join a charity someday helping cancer patients.
Allison Cannady-Smith
Associate Vice President for Constituent Relations at the University of Puget Sound and 13 year breast cancer survivor.
Allison Cannady-Smith is a 13-year breast cancer survivor and long-time health equity advocate. She is a frequent speaker on topics concerning cancer survivorship, cultural competency and healthcare, and faith and healing.Allison is a member of Leaders in Women’s Health, a grassroots organization focused on addressing healthcare disparities in underrepresented communities. She also serves on the Carol Milgard Breast Center’s FaithHealth in Action Steering Committee, connecting African-American, Latinx and Pacific Islander faith communities with resources to take action on social determinants of health. Currently the Associate Vice President of Constituent Relations at the University of Puget Sound and Pastor of Bailey AME Church in Everett, WA, Allison has held several leadership roles in higher education and faith organizations. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and a Masters in Divinity from Seattle University. Allison is a trained executive coach and is founder and Chief People Coach at Cannady Smith & Associates, a firm that specializes in helping people and organizations tell better stories and have better stories to tell.
Talk Title: Beyond Survivorship: Healing the Whole Person
Surviving cancer is a big deal. A very big deal. Immediately following diagnosis, we get to work, racing the clock to beat the odds. We focus our attention, our energy, and our resources on healing the body of the disease. We endure months, and in many cases years, of surgical and systemic treatments, pursuing vigorously the elusive cure, hoping to be counted among those who survive the invasion. However, the wounds from this fight go far beyond the scars left on our bodies. The emotional and spiritual toll can be just as soul-shaking but oftentimes less attended to. In this time together, we will explore tools for healing the whole person along this cancer journey. How do we tend to the hidden scars left by the betrayal of a cancer diagnosis? How do we equip healthcare providers to treat the whole person, everywhere they hurt? How does one restore faith and trust in a universe that allows bad things to happen? What role can gratitude, faith, and self-affirmation play in healing all of our hurting places? Explore ways to thrive even in the midst of fear and doubt, to vigorously and radically pursue joy and laughter on the way to complete healing and wholeness.
