NSFC Leadership

Nelson R. Alexander, Ph.D.

Tuscon, AZ.

Nelson R. Alexander, Ph.D., brings over 25 years of oncology and biomarker research experience to the No Stomach For Cancer Board of Directors. His academic training and personal life are deeply intertwined; he earned his Ph.D. in Cancer Biology where his dissertation specifically investigated the transcriptional regulation of E-cadherin, the protein encoded by the CDH1 gene. For years, he studied the exact genetic mechanics that would eventually alter his own life’s trajectory.

Dr. Alexander’s connection to stomach cancer is profoundly personal, rooted in a family history that saw both his paternal grandfather and uncle pass away from the disease. After learning of his uncle’s passing, he underwent genetic testing and was diagnosed with a CDH1 mutation himself. This unexpected convergence of his academic research and his family’s medical reality shifted his perspective, igniting a passion for patient advocacy. By joining the NSFC Board, Dr. Alexander leverages his unique dual perspective as both a seasoned cancer biologist and a patient to drive awareness and support families navigating hereditary stomach cancer syndromes.

Nelson joined the board in July 2026.

Hannah Davis

San Diego, CA.

After Hannah’s father and his cousin received a diagnosis of stomach cancer within the same year, genetic testing was pursued. Genetic testing revealed a CDH1 gene mutation in both men, and in 2012, Hannah’s father lost his battle with stomach cancer. In 2013, Hannah also tested positive for the same genetic mutation and had a total gastrectomy in 2017 after completing graduate school.

Hannah’s mother, Melanie Torborg, has been on the NSFC board as the Board Treasurer since 2013. Together, they have participated in several events, including annual walks, John’s March, and Spotlight on Stomach Cancer events in Boston, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. Hannah graduated with her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She is a Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist in San Diego, CA, where she resides with her husband, Corey, and dog, Oakley.

The support she received from the NSFC community during her CDH1 journey was extremely helpful. From her father’s death, processing her CDH1 diagnosis, and undergoing a total gastrectomy, she is immensely grateful for the knowledge and camaraderie that she has found through the organization. She hopes to pay it forward to others navigating this unique journey.

Hannah joined the board in July 2021.

Trish Kempkes

Phillips, WI.

Trish’s commitment to No Stomach for Cancer is both professional and deeply personal. She carries the CDH1 genetic mutation associated with Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC) and was diagnosed with Stage 1 gastric cancer in 2025. Following her diagnosis, she underwent a total gastrectomy, an experience that profoundly shaped her perspective and strengthened her commitment to advocacy, education, and patient support. Through her own journey, she gained a firsthand understanding of the challenges individuals and families face when navigating genetic testing, cancer diagnoses, treatment, and life after “TG,” a total gastrectomy.

As a board member, Trish brings a unique combination of executive leadership experience, communications expertise, and lived patient experience. She is passionate about raising awareness, expanding access to resources and support networks, advancing research, and helping individuals feel less alone during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. She believes that sharing personal stories can inspire action, foster connection, and ultimately save lives.

Trish joined the board in July 2026.

Stacy Martin

Chattanooga, TN.

Stacy Martin is a passionate advocate, entrepreneur, and survivor who brings deep personal insight and professional drive to her role as a board member for No Stomach For Cancer. After learning she carries the CDH1 genetic mutation—linked to a significantly increased risk of hereditary diffuse gastric cancer—Stacy made the life-altering decision to undergo a total gastrectomy in 2019. That journey not only saved her life but also reshaped her purpose.

In the wake of her diagnosis and surgery, Stacy founded Seahorse Snacks, a health-conscious snack company focused on creating flavorful, nutrient-dense snacks that are easy to eat and nourishing for individuals with unique dietary needs. Her lived experience as someone without a stomach inspired her to craft snacks that support wellness without sacrificing taste. Today, Seahorse Snacks is available in stores across multiple states and online, and serves as both a business and a platform for advocacy.

As a board member, Stacy is committed to raising awareness about hereditary cancer syndromes, encouraging genetic testing, and supporting patients and families navigating life after diagnosis. She brings to the organization her expertise in brand storytelling, grassroots community building, and the unique perspective of someone who turned personal adversity into impactful action.
Stacy resides in Tennessee and continues to advocate for education, early detection, and access to care—believing that sharing our stories is one of the most powerful ways we can drive change.

Stacy joined the board in July 2025.

Brian Matise, BCPA

Aurora, CO.

Brian’s wife, Kathy, was diagnosed with Stage 4 gastric cancer in August 2019 after eighteen months of nausea and vomiting symptoms that her doctor dismissed as either stress-related or secondary to acid reflux. Her gastric cancer was believed to be caused by an undiagnosed H. pylori infection acquired in childhood (her father and siblings all tested positive for H. pylori after she was diagnosed). She was given a poor prognosis and told to “get her affairs in order” as she “did not have long to live.” Still, after reaching out to NSFC, she was connected with researchers and participated in several clinical trials, which both reduced the cancer and provided her with an excellent quality of life. Sadly, she passed away in December 2021.

Brian has been active with NSFC since shortly after Kathy’s diagnosis. Brian credits the support and information that Kathy and he received from NSFC as a significant factor in improving her survival and quality of life, but most of all, providing hope. His passions are providing patient support, identifying clinical trials that could benefit patients, and lobbying for early screening of at-risk patients. As a retired lawyer, he has also worked in obtaining insurance coverage for new treatments and appealing insurance denials.

Brian graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Redlands and a law degree from the University of New Mexico. He was a physicist, high school science teacher, and attorney before retiring in 2023. He recently obtained certification as a Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA).

Brian joined the board in 2025.

Jessica Nardi

Rockville, MD.

In January of 2023, Jessica learned that her husband carried the CDH1 gene mutation. Within the next eight months, she discovered that three of her four children had the same mutation. Her husband underwent a prophylactic total gastrectomy in September of 2024, and her daughter underwent a preventive double mastectomy and reconstruction in December of 2024.

Jessica recalls having numerous questions and concerns during the first few months. She quickly found the most helpful resources on the NSFC website and in speaking directly with members of the CDH1 community. She was fortunate to be introduced to Beth Lambert early in her journey, a fantastic individual and an early board member of NSFC. In joining the board, Jessica hopes to be able to give back by listening to others struggling with a new diagnosis and, hopefully, sharing some knowledge and resources for those living with this mutation.

Jessica works for a pharmaceutical company in the Learning and Capabilities Department and has worked with non-profits for over 18 years, as a volunteer, board member, and board chair.

Jessica joined the board in June of 2025.

Cailyn Reilly-Knapp

Alexandria, VA.

In 2011, one of Cailyn’s uncles died from stomach cancer. Two years later, another uncle died from the same disease. Seeking answers, Cailyn’s father pursued genetic testing, discovered the CDH1 mutation in his family, and had his stomach removed. Cailyn then pursued genetic testing and found that she also carried the mutation. After a surveillance stomach scope, doctors identified stage A1 hereditary diffuse gastric cancer, and Cailyn elected to have a total gastrectomy in 2017. Three years later, Cailyn had her first child.

No Stomach For Cancer’s awareness, advocacy, and fundraising work give Cailyn hope that future generations will have a better way of handling gastric cancer. In the meantime, Cailyn is proud to be part of an organization that helps patients like herself prepare for and recover from surgery and serves as an invaluable source of support as patients and their families adjust to their new normal.

Cailyn graduated from Colgate University, where she played Division I lacrosse.  She received her law degree from Villanova University and is a litigation attorney in the D.C. area. She lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with her husband, son, and chocolate lab.

Cailyn joined the board in June 2020.

Lorita Sajous

Minneapolis, MN.

In 2012, Lorita’s mother was diagnosed with stomach cancer—a sudden and life-changing event that reshaped her world. As her mother’s primary caregiver, Lorita faced an intense and emotional journey, balancing treatment schedules, hospital visits, and the news that she was expecting her first child. The experience was marked by love, exhaustion, and courage, culminating in her mother’s passing in 2013—just two months before meeting her first grandchild.

Several years before her mom’s passing, Lorita also lost two cousins, Rajen and Sandra, both in their late 30s, to stomach cancer. Their diagnoses led to the discovery of the CDH1 genetic mutation within her family. Motivated by these losses, Lorita pursued genetic testing and screening for H. pylori (which she successfully treated). Today, Lorita continues proactive monitoring through HDGC surveillance under the Cambridge Protocol, a specialized medical guideline designed to detect early signs of diffuse gastric cancer.

To honor her family’s legacy, Lorita began sharing her story through her blog This Cancer Thing Sucks and later authored The Loss of a Mother for No Stomach for Cancer, reflecting on caregiving, grief, resilience, and hope.

Lorita is an HR Compliance and Risk Leader with more than 15 years of experience building enterprise compliance, ethics and governance programs. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota, and holds several specialized certifications including HR Strategic Leadership, HR Compliance and Paralegal Studies. Lorita resides in Eagan, Minnesota with her son, daughter, and two energetic pups. She continues to advocate for education, research, and access to care—believing that sharing our stories can inspire action, foster hope, and help save lives.

Lorita joined the board in July 2026.

Nhu Te

Philadelphia, PA.

After her dad was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer in May 2021, Nhu witnessed firsthand how quickly life can change. He passed away just five months later. Since then, she’s been looking for a community of others who have shared similar experiences and a mission committed to supporting research and providing resources for those affected by stomach cancer. She is proud to serve on the board of No Stomach For Cancer, helping to advance its mission and raise greater awareness of this devastating disease. Professionally, Nhu has spent over a decade as a content strategist for social good brands, connecting organizations with their audiences through thoughtful, human-first marketing. Nhu lives in Philadelphia with her husband, son, and rambunctious Yorkie, Susie.

Nhu joined the board in July of 2025.

Amy Toner

Baltimore, MD.

Amy Toner, PA-C is a Physician Assistant working in general surgery at the University of Maryland Medical Center. She is passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care and advocating for patients throughout every stage of their healthcare journey. Amy’s commitment to No Stomach For Cancer is deeply personal. After learning at a young age that her family carries the CDH1 genetic mutation, she understood that if she inherited the mutation, she might one day face the decision to undergo a prophylactic total gastrectomy—a life-changing surgery often referred to within the community as becoming a “seahorse.” In June 2020, Amy underwent a prophylactic total gastrectomy. While one of the most challenging experiences of her life, it was also a clear and empowering decision that profoundly shaped both her personal and professional purpose.

Having experienced firsthand the challenges of genetic cancer risk, major surgery, recovery, and life without a stomach, Amy brings a unique perspective to patient care and advocacy. Drawing on both her clinical expertise and lived experience as a gastrectomy patient, Amy provides a valuable perspective on patient-centered care, education, and advocacy efforts. Her journey has fueled her dedication to supporting patients and families while raising awareness about hereditary diffuse gastric cancer, the importance of early detection, and the critical need for ongoing research and education.

Outside of work, Amy enjoys baking, caring for her houseplants, spending time with family and friends, exploring Baltimore’s diverse food scene, and trying new creative projects and crafts.

Amy joined the board in July of 2026.

Jon Florin
Executive Director – Chief Patient Advocate

Waunakee, WI.

Jon joined NSFC in the spring of 2015 before graduating with a degree in organizational management from Viterbo University. He comes from a diverse background in marketing and customer service. His most important goal as the Executive Director is to bring stomach cancer to the forefront of the public view and increase the media’s attention to the disease. This is no small task, as stomach cancer is often disregarded as a public health issue, although over one million new cases are diagnosed each year. 

After five years leading the organization with no personal connection to stomach cancer, Jon’s Brother-in-Law, Zack, was diagnosed with Stage IV Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer. Zack lost his battle with the disease within 14 months after diagnosis at the age of 40. Jon now has a renewed sense of purpose and drive to make a lasting positive impact on the stomach cancer community.

Karen E. Chelcun Schreiber
Founder
Board Service 2009-2015

Madison, WI.

A note from Karen

Following a 31-year career in accounting, law firm administration, and technology, Karen celebrated her early retirement in 2005. Two years later, her brother’s stage IV stomach cancer diagnosis started Karen down an unexpected path. Having lost her mother to the same disease 25 years earlier, her quest for information led to the discovery of the CDH1 gene mutation in her family that causes Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC). While planning for her preventive total gastrectomy, she established the Chelcun Family Fund for Stomach Cancer Research. She launched the first version of this website in July 2008, known at the time as “Be Strong Hearted.” This call to action grew out of concern for her family’s stomach cancer story; it quickly became about every family’s stomach cancer story.

Karen’s brother Greg lost his battle in early 2009. The lack of awareness of stomach cancer, funding for research, resources, and support for those affected by the disease, and the grim survival rates highlighted the need for an organization dedicated to fighting this disease. Already a leading resource for those affected by stomach cancer throughout the world, it was time to move beyond the family.

Karen founded No Stomach For Cancer in 2009. She was instrumental in the organization’s growth and served in many capacities, including Board Chair. She remained actively involved in the organization until turning over the reins in 2015. Karen’s commitment to supporting HDGC families and research is as strong as ever with the creation of HereditaryDiffuseGastricCancer.org and SaveOurStomachs.org.

Sadly, Karen passed away in July 2023 after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, but her impact and legacy live on through No Stomach For Cancer and with CDH1 families worldwide.