27. Lazarex Cancer Foundation: Improving patient access to cancer clinical trials nationwide!

Stephanie Rivera, CEO, Lazarex Cancer Foundation, joins Yo to discuss how the Foundation’s efforts to address the gap and barriers in accessing cancer trials for minority populations. This Foundation leads the way to improve cancer health outcomes, FDA cancer clinical trial diversity and enrollment, and patient access to care by providing assistance with clinical trial navigation, reimbursing trial related travel costs, and partnering with at-risk communities to mobilize resources. They are also advocates for changes in policy and laws to support access. The vision of Lazarex Cancer Foundation is that everyone affected by cancer will have hope, dignity, support and the most advanced treatments made available to them at all stages of their journey. Here are the questions we explored: · What is the mission of the Foundation? · How does your organization address the gaps in getting more people of color involved in clinical trials? · What are some of the programs (Care, Impact, Wellness) your organization offers? · What is Disruption the System V all about? · What are your advocacy efforts? · How can listeners help support your organization’s efforts? As mentioned in the episode here is the Lazarex Cancer Foundation website for additional information about Disrupting the System V, the September 24 Virtual Gala (free to join), and testimonials from patients helped by the organization. Here’s a quote from Cassandra, a VIP (very important patient): “Once I connect with Lazarex, I could breathe. They made me feel I mattered. Every person I spoke with at Lazarex was kind-hearted, and it impacted my mental psyche.” More about Stephanie: Stephanie Rivera joined the Lazarex Cancer Foundation as the CEO to continue her commitment to increasing access to health care and clinical trials. In this role, Stephanie brings her long-standing dedication to address health care disparities in underserved communities. In her previous leadership roles with John Muir Health, Public Health Institute, Planned Parenthood, La Clínica de la Raza, San Francisco General Hospital, and University of California, San Francisco, she developed the knowledge to identify health care needs and disparities of the community with the goal of creating positive outcomes. Stephanie’s advocacy for the community continues with her volunteer services as a board member for Center for Human Development, the Family Justice Center for Contra Costa County, and the Contra Costa County’s Workforce Development Board where she is currently co-chair of the subcommittee on Business and Economic Development. Stephanie is most proud of her four adult children. She enjoys spending downtime with her partner, family, friends, and her new dog, Lola. Stephanie holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Bachelor of Science (BS) from the University of California, Davis. Ways to contact Stephanie: eMail [email protected] LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-r-rivera/ Connect with Lazarex: IG: https://www.instagram.com/lazarexcf/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LazarexCF LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lazarex-cancer-foundation Ways to reach Yo: eMail [email protected] FB Group: Girl, Take the Lead! IG: https://www.instagram.com/yocanny LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in