Our Patient Advocates are not only advisors for the I-SPY 2 trial — they are also here to support you. Each of them has personal experience with breast cancer and understands what you're going through. They are available to talk, listen, and share insights in a safe, supportive, and confidential space.
The I-SPY Advocate "Peer Support Program" connects current I-SPY patients with trained advocates who offer emotional support, share personal experiences, help navigate the clinical trial process, and provide reassurance during moments of uncertainty.
I-SPY Advocates are dedicated volunteers who understand firsthand the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis and clinical trial participation. They are trained in peer support techniques, are very knowledgeable about the I-SPY trial, and are looking forward to helping you.
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Learn about each Peer Advocate below. Click the email link to send a message directly to that advocate to schedule a call or Zoom meeting.
Diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2012, Jane participated in I-SPY 2 at UCSF and has been cancer free for more than ten years. Her treatment included 12 weeks of Taxol, four cycles of Carboplatin, 12 weeks of ABT-888, and four cycles of AC, followed by a nipple-sparing double mastectomy with reconstruction. She talks openly about navigating treatment with young children and the silver linings of being part of a trial that helps future patients.
A four-time, 23-year breast cancer survivor diagnosed with ER/PR-positive cancer starting at age 48. Diane has had 2 lumpectomies, 2 mastectomies, chemotherapy, radiation, 2 autologous reconstructions, and ten years of aromatase inhibitors. As an engaged advocate of eighteen years, she supports multiple I-SPY 2 working groups including Investigational Agents, PRO/QoL, Biomarkers, and PIs.
Diagnosed in March 2023 with aggressive triple negative breast cancer, Jan opted to join a clinical trial with significantly less chemotherapy over a 12-week period and achieved PCR. She is a UCSF Patient Advocate, BLACC CAB Member, and recently spoke on a Clinical Trials panel for I-SPY at the National Press Club.
A 2023 TNBC survivor and Breast Science Advocacy Core member, Carolyn is enrolled in Stanford Medicine's Patient Advocacy Training in Health Science course and shares information with CFNP associates at La Clinica in the Bay Area. She brings 30+ years of corporate marketing, program development, and non-profit leadership.
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A two-time breast cancer survivor with 14+ years of advocacy, Joan has been a UCSF BSAC member since 2009. She has reviewed grants for CBCRP, DOD, NCI, and PCORI, chairs the CBCRP Council (current member, past chair), and serves on Stanford's Scientific Review Committee.
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Diagnosed in 2008 and again with a recurrence in 2014, Thelma comes from a family where her mother and five sisters also had breast cancer. She is a Lead Advocate for the TBCRC Endocrine Resistance Working Group and I-SPY 2, and serves on the Board of North Central Alabama–Susan G. Komen.
Diagnosed in June 2023 with Stage IIb Triple Positive breast cancer, Crystal enrolled in I-SPY 2.2 and achieved pathologic complete response in September 2024. A member of NBCC, ASCO, and a PCORI merit reviewer, she lives in Chicago with her husband and a revolving door of foster dogs.
First diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in her early 30s in 1985, with two additional primary breast cancers since. Jane was involved in planning I-SPY 2 and has been the lead advocate since it opened. She's happy to talk to people interested in getting involved in advocacy after treatment.
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As Patient Engagement Lead at Quantum Leap, Tracey manages follow-up data projects for I-SPY 2, develops patient engagement strategies, and oversees the I-SPY Advocate group. She is pursuing a Master of Public Administration at SF State.
As Patient Engagement Lead at Quantum Leap, Tracey manages follow-up data projects for I-SPY 2, develops patient engagement strategies, and oversees the I-SPY Advocate group. She is pursuing a Master of Public Administration at SF State.
As Patient Engagement Lead at Quantum Leap, Tracey manages follow-up data projects for I-SPY 2, develops patient engagement strategies, and oversees the I-SPY Advocate group. She is pursuing a Master of Public Administration at SF State.
