Understanding a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
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“I am overwhelmed with gratitude for you amazing contribution that zeroed out my hospital bill from my craniotomy last summer. I look forward to volunteering at the foundation so I can pay it forward.” Amanda
Amanda’s Story
Amanda is a family nurse practitioner and mother of two. She is a runner and loves to garden.
After her sudden diagnosis with brain cancer she had to leave her job while at the same time being faced with a mountain of bills from her surgery, intensive care stay, and follow-up MRI’s.
Me Squared was able to help her pay the remainder of her hospital bills.
“Me Squared has helped me, they’ve prayed for me. One of the ladies sat and talked with me for over an hour, and made me feel not alone. . . . they are amazing, amazing, amazing people. They care about you.” Amy
Amy’s Story
Amy is a small business owner and mother of two boys. Amy is a Christian who puts Jesus as #1 in her life. Amy loves spending time with her family and friends.
When Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer, her HMO insurance mad it next to impossible to get treatment and had an a huge out-of-pocket maximum that made paying for treatment out of reach for a small business owner.
Me Squared helped Amy to start getting treatment by agreeing to cover much of her deductible.
“I did not have the means or the funds for the PET scan and Me Squared stepped in and wrote a check and that was a huge blessing. They [Me Squared] are amazing. They keep in contact with you. They are continuously looking to see if there is anything else they can do to help.” Danyell
Danyell’s Story
Danyell is a mother of three. After surviving cancer 5 times in her life she is unable to work.
Danyell was recently diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time. Because Medicare only covers 80% of costs she needed help covering her share diagnostic scans.
Me Squared was able to provide the funds so that she could get the scans and move on with her treatment.
. . . and because of Me Squared, and the financial assistance, I can move forward with my treatment plan. Thank you again for all your help.” Janette
Janette’s Story
Janette is a single mother of two who works at a small non-profit that helps children and families in need. When she is not working she continues to give back to the community by volunteering at her church, by mentoring a group of girls, and helping 2 youth sports organizations. She also attends all of her sons’ sports events.
Janette was diagnosed with kidney cancer and was facing the painful decision of paying her rent or her medical bills.
Me Squared helped pay Janette’s medical bills so that she could continue to shelter her family.
“I didn’t know what to do. I had to deal with everything on my own. I am very thankful and grateful for Me Squared. They are a foundation that cares and they are people who want to help you” Lisa
Lisa’s Story
Lisa is a single mother of two sons. She enjoys cooking, going to church, and hanging out with her two sons.
After Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer she was unable to work. This left her struggling to pay both medical bills and support her family.
Me Squared was able to help Lisa by providing transportation to and from her radiation treatments and by paying outstanding medical bills.
Director
Director
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Mimi Tran is a Private Banker for Frost Bank. Prior to this role she held various positions at J.P. Morgan and Bank of America.
Mimi has held numerous leadership roles in community organizations. In addition to her duties at Me Squared she is currently on the board of directors for The Irving Healthcare Foundation. Previously she served as the Chairman of the Carroll Education Foundation and as a board member with the Southlake Women’s Club.
Mimi graduated with a B.S. in marketing from Louisianna State University.
“Where did I find the drive to help people? I am not sure, but it’s been with me for as long as I can remember. My family immigrated from Vietnam when I was only 6 years old, and I am forever grateful that we landed in this great country. I think that may have formed the foundation of my desire to give back wherever I can.
In addition to having a full-time career as a Private Banker at Frost Bank, I have always been involved in the community and have volunteered in several organizations, including the Irving Healthcare foundation, Colleyville Rotary, the Carroll Education Foundation, the Community Enrichment Center, Kids Matter International, among others.
Nevertheless, I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer in 2018. I had to undergo a long and traumatic treatment plan that involved prolonged chemotherapy, painful surgeries, and intense radiation therapy. I was lucky in that I had a tremendous support system around me to help me through the process. It was during one of those chemo sessions that I formed the idea of Me Squared
Cancer Foundation. I wanted to help those people who may lack the means for their treatment course.
Now that I am in remission, I find whatever free time I have to spend with my loving husband, visit my adult kids in Houston, or play lots of tennis or go skiing with my friends. And best of all, I have my sheepadoodle Lucy to cheer me up at the end of a tough day.
Live Laugh Love”
Vice Chair & Chief Operating Officer
Dave Stropes retired at the end of 2015 from his position as BNSF Railway’s vice president, Corporate Audit Services.
Dave led BNSF’s internal audit program from May 2004 until his retirement. In this role, Dave was responsible for providing recommendations on management controls and processes, safeguarding of company assets, reliability of information, and compliance with policies and procedures.
During his more than 30 years with BNSF, Dave focused on ensuring the company upheld the highest standards of integrity, accuracy, and compliance.
Stropes joined BNSF in 1984 and served in a variety of positions in Accounting, Finance and Marketing, prior to being named to his internal audit role. These roles included serving as assistant vice president (AVP) and assistant controller in Finance from 1999 to 2002, and as AVP, Consumer Accounts Marketing and Sales, from 2002 to 2004.
After retiring, Dave taught a graduate business ethics course at Texas Christian University for two semesters. He currently volunteers as Vice Chair of Me Squared Cancer Foundation and as a member of the finance committee of The Cliburn.
Stropes is a Certified Public Accountant and has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Northern Illinois University and a master’s degree in management from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Dave is a two-time brain cancer survivor.
“I was so blessed when I was diagnosed with cancer. I had fantastic doctors, great health insurance and benefits from my employer, financial resources, and most of all the love and support of family and friends. Unfortunately, many people diagnosed with cancer are not as fortunate. That is why I am very involved with the Me Squared Cancer Foundation, to reduce the stress and worry for others so that they can focus on healing.”
Director
Lisa Winch is Global Remote Revenue Manager Marriott Headquarters for Marriott.
She holds a bachelors degree from University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Director
Kelly Rose has been involved with charity work since a young child as her parents were very involved and instilled the importance of giving back in her heart.
Kelly graduated from Texas State with a B.A. in Sociology and a Minor in Business. She spent 30+ years in the medical world as a Practice Administrator for Neurology, Family Practice and OB/GYN. She is currently the Office Manager for Southlake Style Magazine. She is married to Ken her love since 7th grade and resides in Coppell with her 2 golden retrievers.
She is a Breast Cancer Survivor since 2015. She was very active in Dallas County Susan G Komen as a top fundraiser(top 5 for five years and #1 Fundraiser 2020) and committee chairperson the the Dallas County Race for the Cure for 5 years.
Kelly has been active in many charities in the DFW Metroplex: American Diabetes Association, Susan G Komen, Mammogram Poster Girls, Me Squared Cancer Foundation, Spark Ministry, Taylor Hooton Foundation, Star Children’s Charity, Charity Car Shows (Connor’s Car Show /SSG Alex Viola Memorial Car Show).
In June 2015 Pat Smith(Emmitt Smith’s wife -Dallas Cowboys) honored her with the Treasure You Award for Women That Influence other women with Breast Cancer.
Kelly Currently serves as Board Member for Me Squared Cancer Foundation and Board Member for Mammogram Poster GIrls.
“My heart has always been to pay it forward and being a cancer survivor that became even more of a priority for me. During treatment I was referred to as the the “pink sparkly lady” in the chemo room -I was constantly encouraging patients to keep the faith and we all were going to get through this. The most humbling thing is to sit in a chemo treatment room …. When I finished chemo I hit the ground running to raise money for Breast Cancer and loved helping the metroplex people get assistance with the help they needed. I joined Me Squared Cancer Foundation because I saw the GREAT things they were doing locally. I love talking to these cancer patients and giving them confidence to not be afraid to ask for help and Me Squared Cancer Foundation is here to ease the stress and anxiety that comes with their journey. Money adds a lot of stress when you battle cancer and it often leads patients to worry more about that than battling the disease -I did that in my own journey.”
Director
MeI Latu is a proud Marine wife, mother to two children, and a small business owner. She loves to serve and impact others in business and community. Her volunteer experience includes serving as as a gala committee member and program volunteer for GRACE Grapevine, advisory board member and volunteer coordinator for Me Squared Cancer Foundation, and an active parent in both my children’s schools. She also loves to tag along to any event that has a mission and is looking for volunteers. She believes that volunteers are the hands and feet of the good work and she says, “I want to be part of as much good work as I can.”
Latu has a 20 year corporate background in operations management and executive leadership. She loves to foster long lasting relationships and impact those around her. From her corporate background she knows that teams and strength in numbers is the only way to get goals and missions accomplished. Mel owns a back office and accounting firm with the simple goal in mind to help other business owners and impact our community through business and service.
“I felt led to be more involved with Me Squared Cancer Foundation from the moment I heard Mimi’s vision. My cancer story is not of a survivor, but as a caretaker for my best friend and mother. My mother was terminal for four years and the journey we took together that four years was preparing me to live out a legacy of love and caring that my mother would not be able to do. It may sound cliche, but I truly believe serving and helping others is the most important thing we can do. I have seen first-hand the impact that Me Squared has on cancer patients in the DFW area and am truly humbled and honored to be part of this organization. “
Director
Julie Walter is Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Fidelity National Title / The Baker Firm.
Julie is very active in the community. She is on the board of the Southlake Chamber of Commerce, a competitive coach for Miricle League of Southlake, and a founding board member of SASO (Scholars and Athletes Serving Others Mother/Son Organization)
Julie attended Western Illinois University.
Director
Harriet Brenner is currently Senior Alliance Director for Blue Prism. Prior to this role she held positions at Service Max, Astadia, and ENTEX.
Harriet holds a bachelor’s degree in math and economics from Denison University.
Director
Bill Priakos is currently Owner at WHP2 Consulting LLC. Prior to that, Bill was President of Merchandising for the Dallas Cowboys for 24 years.
He holds a BSBA degree in Marketing/Finance from University of Arkansas.
Executive Director
Nicole Reilley was born and raised in Comanche, Texas. She received her servant’s heart from her parents. Jim and Nancy Wilkerson taught her to always give back to her church, community, schools and anyone in need.
Nicole graduated from Texas Tech University with a BBA in Marketing. Before “retiring” to raise two daughters, she had a successful sales career with national companies in the Houston and Dallas areas.
Nicole is an active member of White’s Chapel United Methodist Church. She has volunteered and been appointed to several board positions over the years. Nicole and her husband, Tim, served as chairs of the capital campaign in 2005.
Nicole served in numerous volunteer positions at Carroll ISD from 2005 to 2020.
Nicole and her two daughters were active members of National Charity League of Southlake from 2012 to 2020. She served on the Executive Board and held countless other positions during her time with NCL. She was recipient of the Bouquet of Yellow Roses Award for her contributions to NCL.
Nicole was also the team manager for the D’Feeters Soccer Club for 4 years in Dallas.
Nicole started volunteering for Me Squared Cancer Foundation in the fall of 2020. She was immediately inspired by the foundation’s mission and became the executive director in June 2021.
“”My mom and Dad both had colon cancer. I helped with their recovery and care. They were fortunate to have the necessary resources and support to battle their cancer. During my parents’ struggles with cancer, I realized not everyone was that fortunate. My goal is for everyone to have the opportunity to battle their cancer regardless of their financial situation. This is the reason I work and serve for the Me Squared Cancer Foundation”.
Vice Chair & Chief Medical Officer
After completing my medical training at UT Southwestern Medical School and pediatric residency training at Children’s Health in Dallas, Dr. Tran joined Clinical Pediatric Associates of North Texas in 1996.
He is currently a principal partner in the group with over 26 years of pediatric private practice experience.
Trung’s wife is Mimi Tran, the founder of Me Squared Cancer Foundation. Prior to her cancer diagnosis, they both had already been heavily involved in their community, whether devoting their time and services to the local healthcare foundations or school district.
“Anyone who has known Mimi will understand that it’s very hard to say “no” to any requests that Mimi puts forth. I’m just glad that she said “yes” to my marriage proposal almost 30 years ago.”
Vice Chair
Rebecca Bruning is a Licensed Real Estate Agent with United Real Estate. She has been in the real estate industry for 12 years and was previously with Re/Max. Prior to those roles she worked as a Brokers Assistant for Landhold Advisors, Inc. and as an interior designer.
Rebecca holds bachelor’s degrees from Texas A&M university and University of North Texas.
Vice Chair & Secretary
Shannon Guthrie is a Principal at Guthrie Law Firm. Prior to this role she was a partner with Stephens-Guthrie. She also worked as an attorney at Beneati Law Firm and K&L Gates.
Shannon also served as Chair, Trust Code Committee Chair for the Trust Code Committee.
Real Estate, Probate & Trust Law Council, State Bar of Texas.
She received her J.D from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and a B.S, in legal administration from University of Evansville.
Vice Chair & Treasurer
Todd Winch has served in the Hospitality industry for over 30 years with Marriott International and is currently the General Manager of the Westin Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas hotel. His roles have provided him a broad skillset in all aspects of hotel operations including, financial budgeting and forecasting, sales and marketing, labor relations, and project management. He has been active in community involvement serving on the Southlake Chamber of Commerce’s Board as treasurer for 3 years, Hotel Association of North Texas HANTX for 4 years, and has Chaired several Marriott Business Councils in DFW and back in South Florida
“As we relocated to Dallas from South Florida our journey was met with my wife’s diagnosis of breast cancer. We were welcomed into a warm and caring community that helped support us through what laid ahead. A short two years later she was again diagnosed with cancer this time colorectal. Again, we had the wonderful support of friends and community to assist us along with a great insurance program. Still the journey presented many questions and uncertainties and co-pays and bills the just seemed to keep coming. Any support that we can provide to folks on that similar journey keeps me motivated in my role at Me Squared.”