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
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Chief Executive Officer
Bess Hagans
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Chief Creative Officer
Kate Hardy
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Board Liaison
Patti Carey
Introducing Bess Hagans, CEO
Bess Hagans, Chief Executive Officer of Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer, is an extraordinary leader whose journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and a profound desire to create positive change. She was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio and attended Kent State University where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Fashion Design and Merchandising. Shortly after, her unique passion for the fashion world led her to NYC where she honed her craft at esteemed establishments like The Sarut Group, Tommy Hilfiger, and 32 Degrees, gaining invaluable experience in brand management and entrepreneurship. Bess and her husband Frank moved back to Columbus in 2020 and shortly after she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. During her arduous treatment journey, she met Elisa DiMeo (Managing Director) which resulted in an intimate sisterhood with a profound desire to make a change in the young breast cancer community. Bess is truly the heart and soul behind this organization, “I want my daughter to know who I am. I want her to know my heart and to witness my kindness towards others and to follow in my footsteps. We are here to leave the world in a better place and to be mindful and responsible to the earth and to our own bodies.”
Introducing 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 believes a compelling brand is the key to any business's success and through Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer, design can truly help save lives.
Introducing Patti Carey, Board Liaison
Patti is a dedicated and driven individual with a diverse career profile and a strong commitment to making a positive impact on her industry and community. With experience in tax, accounting, direct sales, and customer service, she has proven her ability to build connections and contribute meaningfully to important causes. Patti, an avid traveler, embraces new adventures and is currently focused on developing her portfolio as a lifestyle and commercial model while maintaining her passion for being a patient advocate for cancer. Beyond her professional pursuits, Patti has been a leader and advocate for organizations such as The Young Survival Coalition, Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer, and the Worthington Educational Foundation, bringing valuable skills to her philanthropic efforts.
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Treasurer
Dan Yersavich
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President
Dr. Lauren Miller
Introducing Dr. Lauren Miller, President
Dr. Lauren Miller, Medical Officer of Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer, is a driven Doctor of Medicine who is passionate about taking care of women. She was born and raised in Minster, Ohio and moved to Columbus in 1998 to attend Ohio State University. She then completed her internship at Riverside Methodist Hospital, followed by her residency in diagnostic radiology and fellowship in breast imaging at Duke University Medical Center. This equipped Dr. Miller to launch her successful career as radiologist subspecializing in breast imaging at Riverside Radiology & Interventional Associates and The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Elisa DiMeo, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer and Bess Hagans, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer, were both patients of Dr. Miller. “Our relationship blossomed beyond the doctor-patient relationship, and we have become great friends. Elisa and Bess hold a dear place in my heart, and I deeply care for and respect each of them. In 2023, when I was asked to serve as Board President, I was honored and gladly accepted.” As the nonprofit (TBBC) is launching, Dr. Miller will contribute by offering her medical knowledge, support, encouragement, ideas, structure, and a firm foundation. “I understand the tangible aspects required to create an effective Board. I am excited as we plant firm roots for TBBC to prosper and serve others for decades.”
Introducing Dan Yersavich, Treasurer
Dan Yersavich, Board Treasurer, blends the analytical mind of a ‘numbers guy’ with his sincere, collaborative, and empathetic nature. He was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio and earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Kent State University. Dan’s financial acumen is critical to the nonprofit’s financial compliance, budgeting, and reporting. “We need to have focus on the financials, so we as the Board, make wise decisions.” Operational goals, supported by financial metrics are critical when it comes to the financial sustainability of Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer. “Supporting a community of women under 40 who have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer is an important mission and I am proud to be part of an organization which supports women both financially and emotionally.”
Our Board of directors
Plastic and Reconstructive Microsurgeon & Partner at Midwest Breast & Aesthetic Surgery
Santosh Kale, MD, MBA
Clinical Accounts Specialist III at Johnson & Johnson & Co-Founder of TBBC
Elisa DiMeo
Breast and Gynecologic Medical Oncologist, Media Contributor & Host of Interlude Podcast
Eleonora Teplinksy, MD
Director of Marketing & Partnerships at MoneySolver
Lauren Niehaus
Fashion Executive & Sales Consultant
Sophia Ragusa
News anchor on WBNS-10TV
Yolanda Harris
“From my own battle emerged a purpose fueled by resilience, to ensure that no one walks this path alone. Through the darkest moments, I found strength through this community, and now, my mission is to illuminate the way for others, lighting their journey with hope and support.”
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.