With a mission to elevate the diverse voices and perspectives of the metastatic breast cancer (MBC) community, Susan G. Komen® launched the MBC Steering Committee. The committee is comprised solely of people living with MBC and seeks to ensure the unique needs of the MBC community are integrated across Komen’s programs and initiatives.
“Komen has a sense of urgency to address MBC, and while we’ve come a long way, we have so much more to do to ensure that no one dies from this disease. MBC is responsible for most of the nearly 44,000 deaths expected from breast cancer in the U.S. this year alone. We are committed to changing this unacceptable reality,” Natasha Mmeje, Komen’s Director of Community Education and Outreach, said.
“We want to continue to invest in more research to conquer metastatic and aggressive breast cancer and eliminate breast cancer disparities, support those living with MBC, educate and increase awareness about MBC and advocate for patient protections and access to care for everyone.”
The committee now has 13 people living with MBC currently serving. The committee aims to:
- Represent the broad community of those impacted by MBC, keeping Komen updated on the issues and needs most important to the MBC community.
- Provide input to help guide Komen’s MBC-focused program strategy related to research, patient care services and public policy advocacy.
- Serve as spokespersons and advocates for Komen by participating in media events, fundraising and educational programs.
- Serve as ambassadors to the MBC community by leveraging personal networks and local communities to share information about Komen programs, services and campaigns.
- Help Komen build relationships and engage with other MBC advocates, thought leaders and organizations representing the diversity of the MBC community.
Meet the Committee Members
Phyllis Esposito
Dr. Phyllis Esposito was first diagnosed with Stage IIA bilateral breast cancer in June 2020. After intensive treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy, she showed no signs of cancer. As a Black woman, Phyllis chose to participate in a clinical study during her breast cancer treatment to highlight the importance of such studies and advocate for her community. In November 2023, she was diagnosed with MSBC.
Dr. Esposito’s experience demonstrates the challenges of cancer treatment while showcasing her commitment to advocacy. Even during her own health battles, she champions representation and equity in healthcare. This aligns with her professional life as a diversity leader, where she creates and facilitates diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for students, leadership, staff, and faculty.
Dr. Esposito holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Integrated Humanities and Education from Rockhurst University, as well as a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Kansas. Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, she is a mother of three, a grandmother, and currently resides in Oregon with her husband and dog, Gromit.
Erica Frantz
Erica Frantz is a metastatic breast cancer advocate from Illinois who uses her voice and lived experience to advance awareness and research for stage IV disease. She brings both professional expertise and a deeply personal perspective to her work. With a background in social work, Erica has spent her career supporting individuals and families through complex life challenges, building a strong foundation in advocacy, empathy, and resource navigation.
In June 2023, at the age of 44, Erica was diagnosed de novo with triple negative metastatic breast cancer. This life-changing diagnosis deepened her commitment to making a meaningful difference for others facing similar journeys. Drawing on both her professional training and lived experience, she serves in a peer support leadership role, offering guidance, connection, and compassionate support to those navigating metastatic breast cancer.
Erica is a dedicated public advocate, sharing her story at city council meetings and community events, including the More Than Pink Walk, to raise awareness and inspire action. Known for her authenticity, positivity, and humor in the face of adversity, she uses her voice not only to inform, but to uplift and connect—bringing hope, humanity, and strength to the metastatic breast cancer community.
Erica is honored to serve on the Metastatic Breast Cancer Steering Committee and is driven by a deep commitment to advancing progress—working toward a future where those living with metastatic breast cancer have more time, more options, and more hope.
Victoria Goldberg
Victoria Goldberg is a metastatic breast cancer advocate who has transformed her experience into a mission to help others. Originally diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2004, Victoria received a metastatic diagnosis in 2014 when the cancer spread to her liver and bones. After treatment side effects forced her to leave her career in investment banking technology, she found new purpose through advocacy, founding TalkMets, SHARE’s dedicated helpline for metastatic breast cancer patients, and becoming Executive Producer and Host of the Live from Stage 4: MBC News for Us, by Us podcast. Outside of advocacy, she enjoys spending time with her husband in New York City. Victoria believes that while living with advanced disease is part of her life, it doesn’t define her
Judy Greiman
With nearly 30 years of advocacy experience, Judy has been a staunch supporter of funding for research and student aid. She recently retired from helping to run a major research university with an academic medical center where she also ran all government and community relations. She continues to provide strategic guidance for various higher education leaders. She sits on the boards of The Jazz Loft, Inc. and the New York Climate Exchange and on the national advisory committee of Legend Labs. She was a 24/25 Hear My Voice Advocate for Living Beyond Breast Cancer and is a Patient Advocate Leader for FORCE. She will be attending the Project LEAD Institute in July 2025. She has degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and DePaul University College of Law and completed a certificate in Crisis Leadership in Higher Education given by the Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Education.
Judy received a de novo metastatic breast cancer diagnosis in June 2023. Since being diagnosed, she has transferred her professional advocacy skills to supporting breast cancer legislation on behalf of various organizations and working with her healthcare system to expand integrative health options for those living with cancer and the side effects of life saving medication. Judy has chosen to live a big life filled with joy. She loves spending time with her family and friends, kayaking, walking in the woods, listening to music, cooking, and exploring new places. She is married and has two wonderful adult children.
Beth Guendjoian
At the age of 38, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time, my daughters were just 10 and 12 years old. As any parent can imagine, the news was devastating. I pursued an aggressive treatment plan—undergoing a double mastectomy within a week of discovering the lump, followed by chemotherapy and radiation.
Despite following all recommended protocols, my cancer progressed from stage II to stage IV within three months. While still undergoing treatment, I learned that the disease had metastasized to my bones—beginning at the top of my spine and spreading through my hips and pelvis. I was facing a very serious prognosis.
Around that time, I was offered the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial for Herceptin.
Today—27 years later—I am deeply grateful to be here to share my story. That clinical trial, and the power of medical research, gave me the precious time to watch my daughters grow up, graduate high school and college, and begin families of their own. This year, I was blessed to become a Yaya. Life is full, and every moment of the past 27 years has been a gift.
My husband and I are forever grateful for the time we’ve had together. I want every woman and man facing a breast cancer diagnosis to have the same chance I did.
I remain committed to giving back and sharing my experience in the hope that it will help others. Research saves lives. I truly believe that, together, we can make a lasting difference.
Let’s keep counting UP!
Megan Hanvey
Megan Hanvey is a positive, fun-loving, and compassionate woman who finds purpose in life by giving to others and to her family. She is married to a great man and is the mother of two amazing boys. Driven by her passion for helping others, she worked as an Occupational Therapist with children in San Diego for nearly 25 years. After being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in April of 2023, she retired to focus her time on being with those she loves as well as continuing to give back to her community. Megan has become involved as a board member with Camp Kesem, an organization that supports children who have or had a parent with cancer. She participated in the 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk in honor of her sister, mother and grandmother who have all since passed away from cancer. More recently, Megan became involved with Susan G. Komen as a speaker and team leader with the More Pink Walk. She is honored to be a part of this Metastatic Breast Cancer Steering Committee and looks forward to making a difference in the lives of those living with this disease.
Julia Hughes
For over nine years, Julia Hughes has bravely faced the challenges of living with Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC), starting from her diagnosis in 2015. With a deep personal commitment to breast cancer advocacy, she possesses exceptional skills in communication, organization, and fostering community support. At Komen, she plays a pivotal role in addressing the needs of the MBC community, ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are heard.
Despite the unexpected Stage 2 diagnosis in February 2015 and the grim prognosis later that June, with doctors foreseeing only six months to live, Julia’s unwavering faith has propelled her through the tumultuous journey of treatments and surgeries. Enduring over 55 IV chemotherapies, brain surgery, double hip surgery, and ongoing oral medications, her resilience stands as a testament to the strength she derives from her faith.
Her dedication extends beyond personal battles; Julia actively fundraises for Komen Hawai’i, leading top-ranking teams in generating vital funds since 2015. As a sought-after speaker, she has graced the stages of the Susan G. Komen Pink Tie Ball in 2019, 2023, and 2024, inspiring audiences with her story of resilience. Recognized for her remarkable advocacy, she received the “More Than Pink” Inspirational Award in Hawaii and was featured prominently in Generations Magazine (including the cover), raising awareness of breast cancer across all age groups.
In 2023, Julia’s passion for advocacy reached new heights as she successfully campaigned for Honolulu’s mayor to proclaim October 13 as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Her influence continues to grow as she serves on the inaugural Metastatic Breast Cancer Committee since 2022, eagerly anticipating further opportunities for impactful service.
In tandem with her official advocacy responsibilities, Julia aims to bolster her presence on social media, delve into book writing, and forge partnerships with local charitable organizations.
Outside her advocacy work, Julia finds immense joy in her roles as a wife of over 14 years, a mother to two young men in their early twenties, and a devoted pet parent. She cherishes precious moments with her loved ones, indulges in creative crafts, travels to visit family, finds fulfillment in exercise classes and outdoor adventures, enjoys mini-vacays, delights in culinary experiences, finds solace in church and bible time, immerses herself in reading, and embraces every aspect of life with gratitude and enthusiasm. Guided by her faith, her mission is to live each day according to God’s plan, thriving in every moment.
Cyndi Johnson
Cyndi grew up in northern Iowa with an amazing family. After college and teaching in Texas then central Minnesota, she and her husband made their home in rural, southern Minnesota where she was a high school English teacher for 26 years. Cyndi and Brad have four boys and a beautiful Great Pyrenees dog. Each of the boys are adulting and living successful, happy lives and fill her mom’s heart with pride. Her husband continues to teach and coach at the same high school where she was employed. They enjoy being a part of a close community with caring people. Cyndi enjoys boating, walks with her dog, biking, reading and book clubs, vacations, and time with friends and family.
Cyndi received a de novo metastatic diagnosis in March 2018. A year later, she made the difficult decision to retire early and concentrate on her health and treatments plus enjoy more time with her family. Cyndi is driven by a passion and a sense of urgency to address MBC and the side effects of long-term treatments. She has been active with Tackle Cancer fundraising, Relay for Life, metastatic cancer support groups, and mentoring. She is hoping to make a positive impact and inspire others while serving on the Susan G. Komen MBC Steering Committee.
Pam Kohl
Pam Kohl was diagnosed with stage 1 ER+ breast cancer in 2009. In October 2016, she was diagnosed with breast cancer again and on Jan. 31, 2017, she was diagnosed with MBC. A North Carolina native, Pam has more than 40 years of experience working in government and non-profit management. She served as Executive Director of Komen North Carolina Triangle to the Coast for eight years. In that role, Pam was a passionate spokesperson and advocate for equitable breast cancer support services in eastern N.C. and the vital need for breast cancer research. She helped raise millions of dollars in support of those efforts. Pam recently retired from her role with Komen as Development Director of the newly created Metastatic Breast Cancer Collaborative Research Initiative.
Lisa Mannina
In January 2020, at the age of 39, I received a diagnosis of Stage I invasive ductal carcinoma (ER/PR+, HER2-) during my wife’s pregnancy with our first child. I underwent a double mastectomy and subsequently entered remission with no evidence of disease. Our son was born in May, and as a pilot, I was thankful to return to flying in August after a period of being grounded during treatment.
In May 2024, I discovered that the cancer had metastasized to my bones, resulting in a diagnosis of Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. I faced yet another grounding, potentially on a permanent basis. At that time, my wife was pregnant with our second child, and our second son was born in June.
Throughout my journey with this illness, I have realized that my purpose lies in assisting others. The emotional challenges associated with living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) have influenced my determination to take control of what I can—both mentally and physically—and to leverage my voice and experiences to support those navigating similar circumstances. I am honored to serve as a committee member for the Metastatic Breast Cancer Steering Committee and am committed to uplifting and empowering the MBC community.
Frances Malinis
Frances Malinis is a cancer patient advocate based in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was diagnosed in 2023 with Stage 1B, Grade 3 triple-negative breast cancer and carries a germline BRCA2 mutation. In 2025, her cancer metastasized to the lungs, and she now lives with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.
Frances is a dedicated voice in the cancer advocacy community, working to improve access to care, advance research, and support others navigating a breast cancer diagnosis. She serves as the Nevada State Leader and AANHPI Support Group Facilitator for the Young Survival Coalition, an ANGEL Advocate with the Tigerlily Foundation, an Ambassador with For the Breast of Us, a Young Advocate with Living Beyond Breast Cancer, and a Certified Educator with the Know Your Lemons Foundation. She also facilitates a faith-based support group with the Las Vegas Breast Cancer Warriors.
Frances is actively involved in cancer policy advocacy, meeting with lawmakers to advance legislation that improves access to care and support for people living with metastatic breast cancer.
Jake Messier
Jake Messier, MBA is a former Marine and seasoned non-profit marketing professional living with stage 4 metastatic male breast cancer, initially diagnosed in 2023. He bravely shares his journey on TikTok and Instagram to raise awareness about the rarity and challenges of male breast cancer – and currently has the largest audiences on the subject at 50k followers. Jake advocates for research and inclusivity, aiming to improve outcomes and support for EVERYONE facing this disease.
Teri Pollastro
Teri Pollastro was diagnosed with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer in 2003 when her children were 3 and 7. Teri was treated with chemotherapy, Herceptin, shaped beam radiation treatment (SBRT), and participated in a phase 1 vaccine clinical trial. She remains on Herceptin today.
Teri is involved in a variety of advocacy projects both locally and nationally. She is an advocate on many DoD grants and is currently one of four advocates in the Translational Breast Cancer Consortium. She also works closely with the University of WA Cancer Vaccine Institute (CVI) and serves on their patient advisory board. She is a member of the advisory group for Fred Hutch Met X program which serves all metastatic cancers. She meets with newly diagnosed mbc patients as needed.
Teri previously served as the co-chair for the NW Metastatic Breast Cancer Conference in Seattle, WA, a Co-Chair for the MBCA Research Task Force, a member at large for the MBCA executive group, an advocate on the ASCO Research Task Force Committee, and a patient advocate representing the University of WA for the TBCRC.
In her spare time, Teri enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling, hiking, and playing tennis (not very well).
