Mentor Biographies

Cancer is an overall horrible thing that everyone wishes to fight, destroy, and win the battle. I believe POQC will make an impact helping communities focus on the challenges Cancer Patients/ survivors face and will contribute to helping to better the quality of life for Cancer patients. In my opinion, POQC is a true advocate for the Cancer community.

I do not take one breath for granted. I wake up grateful every single day. I am grateful for my cat, my family and all of the people I have met along my cancer journey. I always find joy. Going through cancer really taught me how to count the small joys. The small joys are the big ones.

I’ve been a member of POQC/MOQC since 2017, when I was invited to join through an associate at Michigan Medicine. I’ve had the honor of being part of several volunteer efforts at Michigan Medicine, including a 6-year member of their Cancer Center Patient and Family Advisory Board. All of those experiences were invaluable and gratifying.

But my time with MOQC/POQC has been far and away the most inspirational and rewarding. This is due in large part to MOQC’s steadfast, genuine enthusiastic support of patient and caregivers’ participation and input into all facets of MOQC, including presenting at Biannual and Regional Meetings. The willingness to have POQC members suggest, initiate and “run with” projects of particular and personal interest to them is a gift for which I’m incredibly grateful. MOQC truly listens and takes POQC members input to heart.

I have participated in several MOQC initiatives and work groups including the End-of-Life/Palliative workgroup, participating in the review of database vendors, and a nationwide project to develop new Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Oncology Care (PROMOnc).

But the initiative closest to my heart is the one I requested and MOQC wholeheartedly supported–developing resources for caregivers. With extraordinary staff support and some POQC colleagues, MOQC now has a robust Patient and Caregiver Resources page on their website. We introduced the project at the June 2022 Biannual Meeting, including a penal presentation that included caregivers and providers. We are now in the process of developing a program to ensure that all the oncology practices are aware of this resource and how it can be shared with their patients and caregivers.

There has not been any other volunteer group of which I’ve been a part that allowed, encouraged and supported projects initiated by its patient, caregiver and family members–MOQC is truly unique and I’m appreciative beyond words! The caregiver effort is not the only one of this sort–there are at least 3 other initiatives suggested by POQC members that are supported with equal enthusiasm by MOQC.

Family, particularly my stepchildren, nieces and nephews; my friends, including some I’ve known since grade school–having a “history” is a blessing; living in Ann Arbor, quiet beaches everywhere, but energetic cities too (New Orleans, New York, Chicago, Boston); traveling to historic cities and sites; working on a variety of healthcare volunteer projects, both with MOQC and Michigan Medicine, walking, yoga, reading, visiting new places, music, cats and dogs, and Impressionist art all bring me joy!

I’m thankful that POQC has given me the opportunity to share my stories. I’m thankful for the opportunities to advocate for better solutions – not just for treatment – but for how we look at people with cancer, how we help patients and their loved ones navigate the system, and how we acknowledge their lived expertise in developing solutions that will drive meaningful change. I’m beyond grateful for everyone that I have had the privilege of working with at MOQC and POQC. I tend to be pretty shy and quiet. My experience and the trust and faith of those that participate in MOQC/POQC has helped me elevate my voice.

My family and my two senior fur babies: Kujo (a 16-year-old yorkie poo) and Gizmo (a 10-year-old long haired chihuahua). I may be shy and quiet, but love trying new things. From karate to skydiving to learning to fly a plane, I enjoy doing things that may be a bit unexpected. I am a proud Korean American who loves to introduce people to my favorite food (Korean BBQ). I love the Fall – give me changing colors, hot apple cider, and football (even if the Lions give me pain every year). UM football is giving me a bit less pain this year, but I may have to revise my answer after the CFP – we’ll see. There aren’t a lot of music genres that I don’t listen to, and I love to read (when I can actually find the time).