New Livestrong Leadership Team Accelerates Growth and Innovation

New patient-focused mission to improve the daily lives of cancer survivors driving larger scale impact during pandemic
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AUSTIN, Texas – [August 3, 2020] – Livestrong, a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation whose mission is to develop programs and services that improve the daily lives of cancer survivors, has announced its hiring of three new officers for its leadership team: Suzanne Stone as Chief Strategic Solutions & Programs Officer; Adam Disler as Chief Development and Marketing Officer; and Traci Walker as VP of Finance. All three individuals will work out of the foundation’s headquarters in Austin, Texas.

“In 2020, Livestrong announced an evolved mission develop disruptive, breakthrough ideas to improve the everyday lives of cancer patients and survivors,” said Livestrong President and CEO Greg Lee. “Individually and collectively as a leadership team, these three individuals will play an instrumental role in seeing that we accomplish Livestrong’s new goals and positively impact as many lives affected by cancer as possible.”

Stone joins Livestrong from Susan G Komen, where in her role as Executive Director she collaborated with community leaders, board members, staff and volunteers to save lives locally and fight breast cancer globally. At Livestrong, she will lead the development of innovative, patient-focused programs and services that improve the daily lives of cancer survivors. Stone has over 25 years of experience overall and has led local non-profits in Texas, such as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and the Children’s Miracle Network.

Disler joins Livestrong from the National MS Society, where in his role as National Associate Vice President he led a team of directors that built strategic relationships with Fortune 500 companies. At Livestrong, he will lead organizational fundraising and oversee corporate partnerships to advance the foundation’s efforts to solve gaps in cancer care for survivors. Disler has nearly 15 years of experience in fundraising, volunteer management, strategic planning and staff management for non-profits.

Walker joins Livestrong with an aggregate of 16 years of experience in accounting and finance including more than 7 years of experience in non-profit leadership and management. She is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a BBA in Accounting. At Livestrong, she will provide financial thought leadership and structure the foundation to surpass its financial goals, scale solutions, and impact as many cancer survivors as possible.

New Philosophy & Approach

In 2020, Livestrong is investing in new three new areas: Solutions Grants, Innovation Conversation Events, and the Livestrong Cancer Innovation Center.

Solution Grants

The Foundation continues investing in the great work being done at the University of Texas Dell Medical School’s Livestrong Cancer Institutes, created by a $50 million pledge by Livestrong in 2014. Livestrong also offers impact funding through two types of grants, totaling $5-$6 million each year:

  • one-year acceleration -oriented grants that focus on solving everyday problems survivors face and
  • multi-year transformational grants focused on comprehensive quality of life services, patient education, stream-lining systems and care, and post care

Innovation Conversations

A second major new initiative involves a series of "Innovation Conversations." This series of virtual gatherings around the country allow us to bring together the brightest minds, from all aspects of like, to focus on new and innovative solutions to address the complex healthcare issues we face today. The first of this series iCON Global, focused on cancer issues that are common around the world. The most recent virtual conversation, iCON EQ, focused on disparities in care for the black community. The upcoming iCON Midwest, will focus on pediatric cancer issues. This series will culminate with a grand finale - National Innovation Symposium, broadcasting from right here in Austin, Texas.

Livestrong Cancer Innovation Center

Livestrong is planning a Cancer Innovation Center in partnership with the City of Austin Innovation District and the University of Texas Dell Medical School to craft a centralized home for like-minded organizations, both non-profit and for-profit, to bring patient-focused solutions into reality. With more than 3 million square feet of office and clinical space already planned, this initiative puts Livestrong in the center of the Innovation District, bringing the brightest minds and best solutions to help them solve complex healthcare issues.

Livestrong Facts:

  • Livestrong has served and supported more than 8.5 million people
  • The organization has engaged and mobilized more than 90 million people in support of cancer initiatives
  • The Foundation has invested more than $580 million in 576 cancer programs and services
  • Over 12,000 survivors have been served by Livestrong Fertility, with over $65 million saved in fertility preservation costs
  • Over 77,000 patients have regained their strength through Livestrong at the YMCA, which is offered nationwide at 809 locations across 42 states.