Board Spotlight: Kathy Maurer
The work of Cancer Can't is made possible by people who believe in showing up for neighbors, including the board members who guide our mission and invest their time in this community. This month, we're spotlighting Kathy Maurer, who joined the Cancer Can't board in 2024.
Kathy first became familiar with Becky and Jonathan's story when she was working for the Providence Health Care Foundation. They collaborated to raise money for major enhancements to Sacred Heart Medical Center's adult oncology unit, and Becky spoke at one of Providence's fundraising events.
But it wasn't until Kathy's own cancer diagnosis that she truly understood the power of what Cancer Can’t provides and what it means to have a community around you during treatment.
“I became familiar with Becky and Jonathan’s story when I was working for the Providence Health Care Foundation. We collaborated to raise money for major enhancements to Sacred Heart Medical Center’s adult oncology unit. Becky spoke at one of our Providence fundraising events with such passion! I still remember her talking about what a difference a comfortable bed and a home-like setting made for patients like Jonathan. I continued to follow her story and was so impressed with the work she was doing to support adult cancer patients in our community.
Then, in 2021 I became a cancer patient myself. I consider myself very lucky. My cancer was caught early, and I didn’t require chemo or radiation. I did, however, require multiple surgeries, one of which was considered major and required three nights at Sacred Heart. I had great insurance, plenty of help from family and friends, and the ability to go onto Amazon and simply click on all the many things that people tell you you’re going to need for a hospital stay and recovery. And every time I clicked, I thought of all the people who didn’t have the same luxury.
I’ve been involved with other local non-profits, but when I retired, I decided that it was time to “pay it back” to a cause that is very personal to me. I was encouraged to join the Cancer Can’t board by my friend and former boss, Joyce Cameron, who has been on the board for several years. Because so many people have been touched by cancer, I don’t think they realize that there aren’t all that many local organizations that support adult cancer patients. I
love our transportation program, which is crucial for patients who can’t rely on family to get them to their chemo appointments. We also help patients with everything from medical equipment to all sorts of expenses that threaten to derail their treatment.
We’re close to breaking ground on the lodging project, which is very exciting. Spokane is a hub for cancer care in our region and the Genova House is going to relieve a huge burden on the families who have to travel here for care.”
To meet our full board, click here.
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