Who we are & why we care
Our Story And Mission
All while reminding you that your journey is a story worth telling, and a journey worth supporting.
Together, we’ll navigate this journey, honor the challenges you face, and celebrate the milestones you achieve.
Every step of our journey at TBBC is driven by the understanding that the path you are walking is uniquely yours. We’re here to not only walk beside you, but to truly understand and support your individual journey through every twist and turn.
Transforming journeys through resilience and compassion
By sharing real stories & expert advice, our podcast ‘Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer,’ uplifts individuals through a sense of belonging and inspires them to thrive despite the challenges.
Uplift
Beyond just physical care, our free mental health support groups connect patients with pros & peers, educating them on coping strategies and boosting their resilience during their healing journey.
Educate
Access to free medical expense stipends empowers breast cancer patients to focus on their recovery and well-being, fostering a sense of control & hope in the face of adversity.
Empower
Our Holistic Support Ecosystem
Our mission is to empower the breast cancer community through free stipends, survivorship therapy, and meaningful engagement. We offer support, education, and encouragement, fostering a strong sense of community and helping individuals thrive beyond their diagnosis. Together, we’re building a future where no one faces breast cancer alone.
Our vision is to empower individuals aged 21 to 40 diagnosed with breast cancer to break free from the limits of their diagnosis and thrive, redefining their futures with strength, resilience, and hope.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Guiding Voices
Bess Hagans, CEO
Bess Hagans is an award-winning nonprofit leader dedicated to changing the narrative for young people facing breast cancer. A Stage 3 cancer survivor herself, Bess has transformed her personal fight into a national movement, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars through grassroots efforts and creating life changing support programs for patients in their most vulnerable moments. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Bess earned her Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design and Merchandising from Kent State University before building a career in New York City with leading brands including The Sarut Group, Tommy Hilfiger, and 32 Degrees. Her background in brand strategy, entrepreneurship, and creative leadership now fuels her innovative approach to nonprofit growth and advocacy. Under her leadership, Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer has become a trusted resource for young adult's with breast cancer—bridging gaps in care, funding essential patient support, and building a community where no one has to face breast cancer alone. "I lead with my heart so others can witness kindness in action, because we are here to leave the world better than we found it, caring for the earth, for each other, and for our own bodies."
Kate Hardy, CCO
Kate Hardy, also known as KateTessera Creative, is an award-winning graphic designer, lettering artist, and educator. Her multi-disciplinary background and passion for contributing to Cleveland business has led her to work with brands as large as Progressive Insurance and American Greetings as well as small businesses just beginning to find their visual identity. Her work for the Progressive's International Motorcycle Show won the 2018 American Advertising Federation's Best of Show and her online shop Hand Lettered Old Shit was recognized as Best of Cleveland 2017. She helped Bess start Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer because she believes a compelling brand story is the key to any business's success and through this organization, creativity can truly help save lives.
OUR TEAM
Fundraising Coordinator
Sophia Ragusa
Partnerships &
Program Manager
Lauren Niehaus
Community Engagement &
Advocacy Coordinator
Shannon Cromer
Design Strategist
Amanda Smith
Director of Programming &
Fund Development
Sarah Stoekel
Our Board of directors
Board Chair
Plastic and Reconstructive Microsurgeon & Partner at Midwest Breast & Aesthetic Surgery
Santosh Kale, MD, MBA
Treasurer
Senior Financial FP&A Analyst
Weir ESCO
Dan Yersavich
President
Former Director of Action for Children
Colleen Hawksworth
Community Engagement & Patient Advocate
Founder & Creative Director
My Cancer Chic
Anna Crollman
Secretary
Sara McGovern
MEDICAL ADVISORS
Breast and Gynecologic Medical Oncologist, Media Contributor & Host of Interlude Podcast
Eleonora Teplinksy, MD
Surgical Oncology
The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute
Sara P. Myers, MD, PHD
Diagnostic Radiology
Cleveland Clinic
Lauren Miller, MD
MENTAL HEALTH ADVISORS
Oncology Social Work Navigator
Katherine Ghilani, MSW, LISW, TTS, OSW-C
Samantha Hulett,
LISW-S, OSW-C
Oncology Social Worker
It provides essential support for young women battling breast cancer, offering financial relief for medical expenses and fostering emotional well-being. Together, we're rewriting the story of strength and resilience, turning contributions into tangible change for those who need it most.