Alistair Robertson, MSW
SPEAKER
Alistair has been a pediatric oncology social worker for more than 30 years, the last 20 years at Valley Children's Hospital, Madera, CA. He completed his Masters of Social Work degree at the University of Kansas. Alistair has been an active member and served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers, presented at their national conference and received the APOSW Social Worker of the Year Award in 2016. Alistair is passionate about working with patients and families of children, adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer. Alistair enjoys spending time with his wife and two adult sons, traveling and spending time outdoors.
Kim Seely
PANELIST
Kim lives in Lake Oswego, Oregon with her husband, Ryan, and two children, Anna and Brett. She is a Managing Director of The Partners Group, the largest private employee benefits consulting firm in the Pacific Northwest. Her family’s journey with blood cancer began in December, 2014, when her then 11-year-old daughter Anna was diagnosed with pediatric acute myeloid leukemia. Anna spent nearly five months hospitalized and she successfully completed treatment in May, 2015. Today, Anna is a thriving 19-year-old sophomore in college at Gonzaga University! Anna’s experience has motivated Kim to become involved in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, as she currently serves as Co-Chair for the Oregon/SW Washington Board of Trustees. In addition, she is a national ambassador for the Dare To Dream Project, a ground-breaking initiative that aims to increase childhood blood cancer survival rates while decreasing toxic effects, while providing both advocacy and resources to both pediatric families battling blood cancer.
Michelle Marks
PANELIST
In April 2016, Michelle and her husband, Rich, were presented with devastating news their then 9-year old son, Quade, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) with monosomy-7, a deadly type of blood cancer not common in pediatrics. Quade was given 4-8 weeks to live without treatment. After months of inpatient hospitalization, four rounds of intensive chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant from a cord donor, Quade is now cancer free.
With strong passion for advancing medical research and proven business leadership, Michelle is a strong advocate for advancing cancer research, ensuring access to affordable care and innovative therapies, and improving the lives of cancer patients and their families.
Teresa Hurtado-Diaz
PANELIST
I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on June 2006 when I was 17 years old. I had just migrated to the United States from Mexico 18 months prior to my diagnosis. My treatment lasted only a year and a half, and my recovery took a little longer than that. I had to receive a stem cell transplant since the chemotherapy treatment alone didn’t help. I live with lots of secondary side effects from my treatment, but I am still grateful for having the opportunity to be here and help others. I have been a volunteer with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) since 2008 and have been an LLS peer support volunteer with the First Connection program since 2014. I am 34 years old now, and I am a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, a career inspired in part by my cancer experience. I am married and have two dogs.
Gabriela Ruiz, M.Ed.
MODERATOR
Gabriela is the Patient & Community Outreach Manager for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Desert Region. She is a Tucson native and a lover of the beautiful Arizona desert. She received her Masters of Education in Human Relations, from Northern Arizona University and has focused her career in academia within public health education and health equity/community outreach. Gabriela's experience in cancer education and prevention efforts, have led her to serve and support a myriad of underserved communities, both in Spanish and English in the fight against cancer.
