Dr. Julie R. Gralow is an internationally recognized breast cancer oncologist, researcher, and global health advocate. She currently serves as Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and previously spent more than two decades at the University of Washington School of Medicine, where she was the Jill Bennett Endowed Professor of Breast Medical Oncology and a leader in clinical research and patient advocacy. Her work has focused on improving breast cancer treatment, survivorship, and equity in cancer care worldwide. 

Dr. Andy Tao is a Professor of Biochemistry, Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, and Molecular Pharmacology at Purdue University. He is leading research into how tiny particles in the blood could help detect BRCA-related breast cancer before tumors even form.

His work focuses on extracellular vesicles (EVs)—microscopic messengers that carry critical information between cells. By studying these particles, Dr. Tao aims to uncover early warning signals of cancer, potentially revealing hidden disease long before it can be detected through traditional imaging.

Dr. Tao was recently elected as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, one of the most distinctive honors available within the scientific community.

Steve and Mitzi Ellis have both faced breast cancer with remarkable courage. Mitzi is a two-time survivor, first diagnosed in 2009 and again in 2013. In an unexpected turn, Steve was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016.

Their journey is a powerful reminder that while 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, men are affected too—about 1 in 1,000. Together, Steve and Mitzi’s story is one of awareness, hope, and strength for all who face this disease.

Dr. Victoria Mango is a board-certified radiologist with expertise in breast imaging with Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center. She has been practicing radiology for more than five years and has been at MSK since 2016.

Her work focuses on improving the early detection, screening strategies, and global diagnosis of breast cancer. She has contributed extensively to research on breast imaging, screening policy, and technologies designed to expand access to early cancer detection.

Diagnosed with breast cancer at just 41 years old, and trusting her instincts, Carly opted for a double mastectomy, even though her oncologist initially felt the procedure might be more invasive than necessary. That decision ultimately proved critical. After surgery, pathology revealed the cancer was more advanced than originally thought and had already begun developing in her second breast.

Because the original diagnosis suggested she would not require chemotherapy or radiation, Carly had chosen DIEP flap reconstruction. Just two days after surgery, however, she received the difficult news that the cancer was more aggressive than expected and had spread to her lymph nodes. Her treatment plan quickly changed to include both chemotherapy and radiation.

Those treatments unfortunately damaged her reconstruction, leading Carly to undergo ten additional surgeries in an effort to restore symmetry.



Despite the physical and emotional challenges of her journey, Carly continues to share her story to raise awareness and encourage others facing breast cancer to advocate for themselves and seek the best possible care...and in just a few short months, Carly will have her PhD!

Dr. Annalisa Occhipinti is a Professor of AI at Teesside University in Middlesbrough, England. She holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Cambridge, awarded in 2016.

She works at the intersection between Computer Science and Biology to develop AI methodologies for cancer applications. Her current research topics include deep learning applications for multi-modal data integration, mathematical and computational modelling of cancer, survival analysis and statistical methods.

Janice Rogers is a retired City of Greensboro (NC) Police Captain, owner of Lady Lock (locksmith), and a breast cancer survivor. She is a former Board Vice President for Fishin’ for a Cure, Founder & Committee Chair of Swingin’ for a Cure, and a devoted breast cancer advocate whose leadership and compassion continue to inspire all those around her.

Debbie Britt is a retired RN for Cone Health (Greensboro, NC) and has served as Board Secretary for Fishin’ for a Cure, Committee Chair of Swingin’ for a Cure, and remains a loyal breast cancer supporter whose commitment helps drive our mission forward.

Together, Janice & Debbie embody the heart of our community — leading with passion, purpose, and an unwavering belief in making a difference. 

Powered almost entirely by dedicated volunteers, Fishin’ for a Cure has raised more than $1.6 million over the past 12 years - with almost a quarter of that benefitting earlier.org! What began in 2013 as a small “Pokerfish” tournament in Emerald Isle, NC, has grown into a statewide movement, with events held in Greensboro, Archdale, Emerald Isle, Cape Carteret, Wilson, Dobson, and Mount Airy, and beyond!

Dr. Roni Helene Grace Wright is a member of the faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. As a research group leader specializing in cancer biology and metastasis mechanisms, she is deeply committed to advancing their understanding to identify new drivers with the hope of one day translating that knowledge to patients.

Dr. Carrie Hruska, PH.D. is a professor of Medical Physics at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Her primary appointment is Consultant, Division of Medical Physics, Department of Radiology.

Dr. Hruska is interested in developing and improving tools to predict a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. Her current research includes breast density, the understanding of histopathology of benign breast tissue and the clinical management of patients with dense breasts. Dr. Hruska uses the latest technology in breast-imaging modalities and image-processing tools for her research.

She is applying her knowledge of medical-imaging technology to understand how the imaging appearance of normal breast tissue may be used to assess the likelihood of developing breast cancer in the future. Her research is useful to the clinician in selecting appropriate screening strategies and guiding clinical management of patients, particularly for women who have breast tissue that appears dense on mammography.

Krystal Tyndall is the Co-Founder, Past President, and current Board Member of Fishin’ for a Cure, which is a passionate, grassroots nonprofit organization raising funds through fishing, fun, and fellowship to support breast cancer awareness, early detection, and research. earlier.org is honored to be one of the beneficiaries of their incredible fundraising efforts — and in 2025, they donated an amazing $55,000 to support our mission!

Powered almost entirely by dedicated volunteers, Fishin’ for a Cure has raised more than $1.6 million over the past 12 years - with almost a quarter of that benefitting earlier.org! What began in 2013 as a small “Pokerfish” tournament in Emerald Isle, NC, has grown into a statewide movement, with events held in Greensboro, Archdale, Emerald Isle, Cape Carteret, Wilson, Dobson, and Mount Airy.

THIS WEEKEND - ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH!! ------ FFAC's annual BRRAAmingo Plunge and Flamingle returns to Emerald Isle — and our very own KARA MCBURNEY has (wisely? insanely?) agreed to participate and take the icy plunge into the Atlantic Ocean! Be sure to follow our social media on Saturday for photos and updates, and if you’d like to cheer Kara on and support the BRRAAmingo Plunge click here: An Ocean PLUNGE for breast cancer! | Friends for An Earlier Breast Cancer Test Inc