FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

My journey began as the daughter of a two-time breast cancer survivor, witnessing my mother's strength in the face of adversity. Regular screenings became a dreaded appointment, reminding me of the importance of prevention. I lived with the constant fear that cancer would inevitably touch my life. In 2021, that fear became a reality when I was diagnosed with stage 2b HER2+ breast cancer. The shock of the diagnosis was swiftly followed by a resolute determination to fight. Over the course of the next year, I endured chemotherapy, surgeries, and emotional turmoil, finding solace in the connections I formed with fellow breast cancer warriors. These connections became my lifeline, reminding me that I was not alone and that my experiences were valid. The isolation of battling cancer amidst a global pandemic emphasized the need for support, leading me to establish a local support group. Those shared moments further ignited my passion to reach more people, and thus, Breastie Boxes was born. It is my heartfelt opportunity to give back to others walking in the same shoes, because this road should never be traversed alone.

BOARD MEMBER

My journey with breast cancer began with my mother's diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer at the age of 43. Sadly, she passed away when I was only 13 years old. Determined to make a difference, I embarked on a mission to impact breast cancer in the best way I knew how. I delved into the world of safer personal care products, healthier food choices, and a proactive, healthy lifestyle. I dedicated myself to educating everyone I cared about on breast cancer prevention, but it still felt like there was more to be done.

In 2020, fate brought me together with Erica, my neighbor and friend, during the midst of a pandemic. Then, in 2021, Erica received her own breast cancer diagnosis, bringing the battle that my mother had fiercely fought right to my doorstep. This deeply resonated with me.

In 2021, Erica and I joined forces as business partners, educating a safer personal care brand. Together, we strive to empower women by informing them about products that can enhance their beauty and confidence, while ensuring the safety of the ingredients used.

TREASURER

Tim joined our team with a heart to serve the Breast Cancer community. Being an inactive CPA, he brings 10 years of experience in public accounting, private accounting, and non-profit consulting. Currently, he is a Partner of Sunrise Property Management Group and manages all finance and accounting aspects of the business. During his career, he has been very active nonprofit board leadership with several different organizations as well as his church.

BOARD MEMBER

In 2020, my life was thriving. My husband and I had successful careers in the pharmaceutical industry, our twins were excelling in elementary school, and we had just settled into a new home. However, during my first mammogram screening that summer, I received the devastating news that I had an aggressive form of breast cancer. In my shock, I turned to a friend and a co-worker who had both gone through treatment and found solace in their understanding and support. With a newfound purpose, I was driven to share my story to promote screening and serve as a resource for other women facing similar challenges. Along the way, I met Erica Hyatt, who was diagnosed six months after me. We formed a close-knit breast cancer support group with other women and developed strong bonds that gave me an unexpected strength. When Erica introduced the concept of Breastie Boxes, I was eager to contribute and am now on the board, helping to provide support and comfort to others fighting this terrible disease.

PATIENT OUTREACH

My name is Trisha Short and I have been a nurse for over two decades with more than 15 years of experience in oncology and currently work at the outpatient infusion center at the Parkview Cancer Institute. Patient education and chemotherapy infusions are my areas of expertise, and I'm frequently asked how I do what I do. The answer is simple: the incredible strength of our patients inspires me every day, making it an incredibly rewarding job. Outside of work, I support my children Silas and Nola in their basketball games and show choir performances, enjoy true crime podcasts and audiobooks, and relish shopping while sipping coffee and chatting on the phone. I'm honored to be part of Breastie Boxes by distributing the pretty pink packages, and have seen the impact on the lives of breast cancer patients both near and far.

BOARD MEMBER

Ryan Hyatt, a devoted husband to breast cancer survivor Erica Hyatt, currently holds the position of General Manager at the Edw C. Levy Company in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With a remarkable background, Ryan spent a decade serving in the United States Air Force as a KC-135R Instructor Pilot, accumulating over 3000 hours of flight time across the T-37, T-1, and KC-135R aircraft. His dedication extended to flying 330 combat missions in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, resulting in multiple Air Medals. Ryan's educational achievements include a bachelor's degree from the United States Air Force Academy and a master's degree in Organizational Leadership from American Military University. Together with his wife Erica and their four young children, Ryan proudly calls Indiana home. As a caregiver during Erica’s cancer journey, he witnessed firsthand the toll a devastating diagnosis had on Erica’s emotional well-being, and is here to support her on this new journey to change that for future “Breastie’s”.

Hello, my name is Adam Esslinger. I am happily married to my loving wife of 17 years, and we have three daughters aged 13, 11, and 9. With over 27 years of professional experience in technology, I currently serve as the Director of IT for a startup fiber company. I hold multiple college degrees and professional certifications. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and brewing my own craft beer. The loss of my aunt to breast cancer in 1995, when she was just 39, deeply impacted me. The statistic that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer is a cause close to my heart. I joined the team as a technical expert when Erica asked me one Sunday afternoon at a block party. When I inquired about what that role entailed, she replied, "I don't know; we will figure it out together." Since then, my wife and I have collaborated with Erica and many others, making small but meaningful contributions to help this nonprofit organization thrive.