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Month long observation of “Stronger Together” beat breast cancer during national breast cancer awareness month
Diaa Osman, DO, MPH
Oncólogo Médico y Hematólogo
Texas Oncology
Dr. Diaa Osman is a board certified Medical Oncologist and Hematologist. He completed his medical school in Fort Worth at the University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. He then pursued his Internal Medicine residency at the University of New Mexico Hospitals and completed his fellowship training in Hematology and Medical Oncology at the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Cancers. He began his Oncology practice in Minneapolis, MN until recently joining Texas Oncology and is currently practicing out of the South Austin and Lakeway locations. He has a background in clinical nutrition and integrative medicine and prides himself on his holistic approach to oncology care. He was recently voted as a Texas Rising Star and featured in Texas Monthly magazine.
Veronica Serrano, BSN, RN, OCN
Enfermera Navegadora Clínica
Veronica obtuvo su licenciatura en enfermería en la Universidad de Incarnate Word en San Antonio. Después de graduarse, trabajó como enfermera de salud pública para el Distrito Metropolitano de Salud de San Antonio, y después de criar a su familia, trabajo para la Sociedad Americana del Cáncer, donde encontró su nueva pasión en ayudar a los pacientes con cáncer y sus cuidadores.
Veronica es enfermera navegadora clínica en Ascensión Seton desde hace 10 años. Como enfermera navegadora, ha ayudado a mujeres sobrevivientes de cáncer de mama y ginecológico a entender su historial de salud proporcionando un resumen de su tratamiento y plan de cuidado para el futuro. También ayuda a manejar cualquier efecto tardío del tratamiento contra el cáncer, asiste en la coordinación de la atención con especialistas y trabaja para superar cualquier obstáculo para mantener una buena salud. Durante los últimos 5 años, también ha ayudado a pacientes con cáncer hematológico desde el diagnóstico hasta terminar su tratamiento para brindarles apoyo y superar las barreras que les impiden recibir tratamiento médico.
Jessica Jones, CN-BA, CHW
Bilingual Senior Certified Patient Navigator
Breast Cancer Resource Center
Jessica Jones is a Certified Bilingual Patient Navigator with an emphasis on uninsured, underinsured, and Spanish-speaking clients. Jessica received a BS in Science from Florida State University at Tallahassee. She is an Austin Community College Medical Assistant Program graduate, Certified Patient Navigator through the Harold P. Freeman Patient Navigator Institute, Certified Medical Translator, and Certified Community Health Worker. Jessica received her CN-BA credentialing through the National Consortium of Breast Centers and is a member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse Navigators and the Association of Oncology Social Work.
Rosalba Vasquez
Superviviente de cáncer de mama
Hola mi nombre es Rosalba Vazquez. En septiembre del 2022 a mis 51 años después de tomar una ducha, vi por el espejo que tenía un pequeño abultamiento del lado izquierdo de mi seno. Ahí comenzó mi travesía, gracias a Dios tuve y he tenido el apoyo incondicional de mi hija, mi hijo y mi esposo, así como también de mucha gente fuera de mi entorno familiar incluyendo a mi madre y mis dos hermanas las cuales vinieron de otros países para brindarme su apoyo. Una me cuidó después de mi cirugía y la otra me llevaba diariamente a mis radiaciones. Fue algo complicado el camino, pero continué llevando mi vida normal trabajando como siempre lo cual realmente me ayudó a ocupar mi mente manteniéndola positiva y clara, al mismo tiempo investigaba y opté por hacerme una doble mastectomía. Sabía que esta decisión cambiaría algo mi vida, pero siempre de la mano de mi esposo de quien he recibido mucho amor y apoyo. Tuve quimioterapia y radiación y termine mi tratamiento en Agosto 2023.
Clarena Tobon
Acting Executive Director
NAMI
Clarena Tobón es una apasionada defensora de la salud mental y Directora Ejecutiva Interina de NAMI Central Texas. Ha hablado dos veces ante el Congreso con la American Foundation for Suicide Prevention y tiene más de ocho años de experiencia en liderazgo y recaudación de fondos en organizaciones sin fines de lucro como United Way y Habitat for Humanity.
Con experiencia personal en salud mental y como cuidadora de su madre y dos hijos en edad escolar que enfrentan desafíos de salud mental, Clarena aporta una perspectiva única a su trabajo.
Fuera de su vida profesional, disfruta pasar tiempo con sus tres hijos, explorando nuevos restaurantes o planificando su próximo viaje en familia
Mercedes Hernandez, Ph.D., LCSW
Associate Professor
The University of Texas at Austin
Mercedes Hernandez es profesora asociada de la Escuela de Trabajo Social Steve Hicks de la Universidad de Texas en Austin. Obtuvo su doctorado en trabajo social en la Universidad del Sur de California. Sus intereses de investigación se basan en su amplia experiencia en la práctica clínica en entornos comunitarios de salud mental y se centran en abordar las disparidades de salud mental y conductual entre Latinos con un enfoque en las enfermedades mentales graves y el apoyo familiar.
Christal E. Murray, MD
Hematologic Oncologist and Medical Oncologist
Baylor Scott & White Health
Dr. Murray is a Hematologic Oncologist and Medical Oncologist at the Baylor Scott & White Cancer Center in Round Rock, TX. She graduated from Texas A&M University School of Medicine and completed her Residency in Internal Medicine and Fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Dr. Murray has been recognized as a Top Doc by Austin Monthly Magazine and as a Texas Super Doc. She has worked at Baylor Scott & White for 15 years and currently serves as the leader for cancer services in the Austin region. Outside of her professional work, Dr. Murray is a mother of three who loves to run, read, knit, and travel with her family.
Kimberly Ellison, RN, DNP, ACNP-BC
Director, Clinical Operations for the Breast Program and Advanced Practice Nurse
Ascension Seton Medical Center
Kimmie Ellison has been a nurse since 2006. She has been providing care to women with breast cancer since she became a nurse practitioner in 2016. In her current role, she provides direct patient care and also works with a devoted team to improve the systems of care delivery to women with a new breast cancer diagnosis. The women to whom she provides care are her daily inspiration, and her career focus is to cultivate a community where healthcare is equitable and accessible to all.
Melissa Ruiz, CN-BA, CHW
Senior Certified Patient Navigator
Breast Cancer Resource Center
A two-time breast cancer survivor. Melissa’s first introduction to the BCRC was with her patient navigator that visited her at the infusion room with a tote bag, a pillow, and a friendly face. She attributes her successful treatments to BCRC’s support and education. Melissa joined the BCRC team in 2016 as a Certified Patient Navigator. She holds a BA in Business Administration from Concordia University. Melissa received her CN-BA credentialing through the National Consortium of Breast Centers and is a Certified Community Health Worker through the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Emily Williams
Breast Cancer Survivor
Emily Williams is a VP of Finance at Netwrix, a security software company. She was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2022 during her 1st trimester of pregnancy. Her treatment protocol included a mastectomy, chemo, and radiation and was able to successfully give birth to her daughter between treatments. She is a runner and has prioritized leading an active lifestyle while also being a strong role model to her 2 daughters.
Anna Bunker
Director of Programs
NAMI
Anna Bunker, serving as the Director of Programs at NAMI Central Texas, channels her expertise in mental health alongside a history of addressing issues of human trafficking and sexual violence. NAMI, recognized as the nation's foremost grassroots mental health organization, is committed to enhancing the lives of countless Americans impacted by mental illness. Anna's journey with NAMI began as a program participant at her local Wisconsin affiliate upon receiving a mental health diagnosis. Finding hope and belonging within the peer mental health community, she has since relocated to Austin, Texas, where she dedicates herself to delivering comprehensive mental health services across Austin and its adjoining five counties. Drawing from the transformative support of NAMI programs, Anna remains devoted in her mission to empower individuals and families, mirroring the profound impact that reshaped her own life.
