The BAMF Health Foundation – Expanding Access, Research, and Hope

In this episode, Christine VanTimmeren and Dr. Brandon Mancini are joined by Afton DeVos, Consulting Director of the Foundation for Medical Advancement and Breakthroughs (FMAB).This conversation explores the origin and mission of FMAB—created in response to grateful patients who wanted to help others access life-saving care. Together, they discuss how the foundation is working to remove financial barriers, accelerate research, and expand education so more patients can benefit from cutting-edge therapies.Afton shares her deeply personal connection to this work as a cancer survivor and caregiver, and how her family’s experience—including the loss of her father while awaiting a clinical trial—fuels the urgency behind expanding access and speeding innovation.We also break down the foundation’s three core pillars:Access – Helping patients overcome financial barriers to treatmentResearch – Supporting clinical trials and accelerating innovationEducation – Raising awareness about available therapies and opportunitiesThis episode is a powerful look at how philanthropy, innovation, and patient-centered care come together to change lives—and save them.Chapters00:00 Introduction to The Foundation for Medical Advancement and Breakthroughs (FMAB)00:52 Meet Afton DeVos & Her Background03:46 How the Foundation Started 05:24 What the Foundation Does 05:30 Barriers to Care08:44 Foundation Pillars: Access, Research, Education09:36 Research: Why Faster Innovation Matters10:07 Investigator-Initiated Trials Explained11:45 Why Speed Matters in Clinical Research12:01 Afton’s Personal Story & Family Cancer Journey15:17 Funding the Foundation & Early Growth18:22 Impact of Patient & Family Donations20:07 Afton’s Shares More of Her Personal and Family Story24:41 Pancreatic Cancer & Clinical Trial Access26:11 Looking Ahead: 2026 Initiatives & Events27:56 How to Get Involved & Support the Foundation29:15 Final Thoughts on Access & ImpactConnect with the hosts on LinkedInDr. Brandon ManciniChristine VanTimmerenConnect with BAMF HealthOur WebsiteOur Podcast