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.
OFFERINGS
Our programs connect 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
Marlena Murphy Program Manager
Marlena Murphy was diagnosed with stage III triple-negative breast cancer in 2018. She maintained a positive attitude throughout treatment and found herself encouraging friends upon hearing her news. Marlena found her way to the advocacy world because of her desire to help others dealing with cancer. She enjoys learning about research and is open about the realities she lived during and after cancer. So naturally, she was drawn to GRASP, where she has been able to teach researchers just as much as learn from them.
Twitter: @MarlenaDM Instagram: @marlena_on_ig/
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.
“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.”
Grasp Cancer | 711 W 40th St Ste 153-365 Baltimore, MD 21211
GRASP is a program of Fusion Partnerships, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
