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
Isabel Andrews
Executive Director
Isabel has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit industry, working in organizational strategy, fundraising, event planning, grants administration, and public programming. She has worked domestically and internationally with world-renowned scientists, educators, tribes, funders, and other community stakeholders. As a Latina and an advocate in service to marginalized communities, she believes in ongoing community-led dialogue. Especially of note are Isabel’s recent senior leadership roles with organizations in the cancer space that are dedicated to serving patients and their families.
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.
