Lynette Bisconti
President

“Why? Because I am a cancer survivor.”

The Gateway supports Lynette as she passionately advocates for patient-centered cancer research that offers new and innovative treatment options for today’s cancer patients.

Over the years Lynette has become a natural ambassador for The Gateway for Cancer Research through her longstanding interest in patient empowerment. As a nationally recognized speaker on patient-centered care, Lynette brings a critical perspective to the needs of cancer patients and their families. Lynette's involvement in National Breast Cancer Coalition's Lobby Day on Capitol Hill and Cancer Treatment Centers of America Patient Advisory Board brought awareness to health care policy and cancer research, and as President of The Gateway for Cancer Research she continues to push for increased funding, improved research methods and better access to quality care. Lynette is focused on shifting today’s health paradigm to assure cancer patients around the world have options that will restore their quality of life and renew their hope for a cure.

Alicia Kearns
Director of Development and Research Grants

“Why? Because I felt a strong match with the organization's mission.”

The Gateway focuses its efforts on clinical treatment innovations  filling a major gap Alicia sees in the cancer research system.

Alicia directs the strategic design, implementation, management, and coordination of all donor and fundraising programs, including major gifts, planned giving, leadership and annual giving, corporate sponsorship, charitable employee giving, and special events. In addition, she is managing Gateway-funded research studies and their respective clinical trial progress and patient treatment results. Prior to joining The Gateway Alicia spent several years working in ovarian cancer research before transitioning into finance, investor relations, and business development positions encompassing brokerage, market research, and high-net worth account management.

Sara Elkins
Director Web Strategy and Social Media Solutions

“Why? Because I’ve fought alongside my mother and grandmother.”

The Gateway allows Sara to look into the eyes of her children and husband and say, “Not you, you will not have to fight cancer we are doing something.”

Culling from more than 10 years of digital experience Sara focuses on establishing, enhancing and distinguishing Gateway’s web strategy and online presence through social media. As a lover of all things “techie” she applies this passion to digital strategies that influence brand recognition and issues awareness. As Director of Digital for Bernard Hodes Group, Sara worked with WellPoint, University of Michigan Health Care System, UnitedHealth Group and Discover Financial Services to create communication strategies and digital solutions that encourage brand engagement both online and offline. Sara also gained valuable healthcare experience as strategic account manager for Jobster, working along systems like Wheaten Franciscan Healthcare.

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Ingrid Wells
Director of Marketing and Public Relations

“Why? Because I lost my mother to ovarian cancer.”

The Gateway enables Ingrid to further promising cancer research with the goal of sparing families the emotional and physical pain that comes with battling cancer.
 
With more than 15 years of marketing experience, Ingrid works to raise awareness for The Gateway’s mission. She has spent the majority of her career in heath care marketing and includes cause marketing in her list of skills and passions. At Sears Holdings, Ingrid led record-breaking cause marketing campaigns that raised millions to benefit March of Dimes, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and other philanthropic partners. In addition, Ingrid worked at Joint Commission Resources, where she successfully led marketing for international consulting and education products, and Advocate Health Care, where she was responsible for marketing for the organization’s Northern region hospitals and offsite facilities.

Irwin Fong
Manager Finance & Grant Administration

“Why? Because cancer has robbed my family of time.”

The Gateway reminds Irwin that cancer research is about time, demanding treatment options for today and giving families more special moments together.

Nearly half of Irwin’s professional experience has been with non-profit organizations, so he brings to The Gateway experience in preparation and management of financial statements, development and implementation of policies and procedures, and office administration direction and oversight. Irwin also spent five years in the finance field with a major for-profit oncology company with operations in 34 states, gaining valuable insight into the business of cancer treatment and applying this knowledge to The Gateway’s strategic plan and growth.