About Grasp

We connect advocates & cancer researchers to advance breakthroughs.

To make faster progress to improve treatments and end cancer, we must break through silos. Patients, clinicians and researchers are all experts in their areas – of living with cancer, treating patients with cancer, and in the science of cancer, respectively.

As a diverse and growing network with a shared vision, we are working at the forefront to create a shift toward a more inclusive research paradigm. By interacting in a new way, we can help cancer patients live longer and better lives.

Join Us

OFFERINGS

Our programs connect advocates & researchers

Poster Walk Throughs

Connecting groups of researchers & advocates at cancer conferences

Virtual Exchanges

Continuing interactive learning between conferences through e-GRASP sessions

GRASP Registry

Facilitating connection through a network of advocates & researchers

Founders

Created by advocates who understand cancer firsthand.

We know firsthand what it’s like to live with metastatic disease, and the energy and potential for progress that comes from working collaboratively toward solutions.

Christine Hodgdon
Co-Founder

Christine Hodgdon was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2015. Christine brings a background in biology and nonprofit programming to her work of curating cutting-edge research and interfacing with patients and research partners. She has worked with leading research organizations, medical centers and government agencies to ensure the patient voice is represented early and often. She is also the founder of the Storm Riders Network, a website that shares the latest breast cancer research, treatments and clinical trials.

Twitter: @christeeny513

Julia Maués
Co-Founder

Julia Maués was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 while pregnant. Following the birth of a healthy baby boy, Julia did tests she couldn’t do while pregnant and discovered the cancer had spread to her brain, liver, and bones. After many treatment setbacks, her cancer began to respond to treatment. Cancer is part of Julia’s life, but it doesn’t define her. Her goal is to make an impact while she is alive in the lives of others dealing with this disease. She has found meaning and purpose in working with patients and researchers to make cancer research more patient-centered, innovative and inclusive.

Twitter: @itsnot_pink

Samantha Horn Program Manager

Samantha Horn was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer in 2014 when she was just 26 years old. Since then, she has sought to give back to the cancer community through advocacy. She consistently sheds light on patient experiences that seem to be the exception to the rule and the medical “unicorns” of the cancer community.

Twitter: @sammiehtweets Instagram: @samanthahorn

OUR Values

We believe in equity, inclusivity and the power of science.

Our work is driven by the bonds between people, and the truth and power of science. We are committed to fostering inclusive partnerships and addressing disparities that impact cancer research and access to treatments.

With Thanks to our Partners

“Interacting with patients and advocates has left an impact on me and I’m thinking about research with new perspectives. It impressed on me that we need to understand the biological differences between subtypes better, and that we need better treatment for metastatic disease now.”

Scientist ParticipantGRASP