PFAC Members

Patient and Family Advisors

Emily Bakaj, Advisor

My journey began with Fox Chase when I wanted a second opinion for my breast cancer diagnosis and then transferred my health care. No one explained to me what was happening within my body as clearly as Fox Chase. My surgeons drew pictures and spoke to me in language I could understand. And from there, through my surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, additional surgeries, and lymphedema, I knew I had found a home that was nurturing and supportive while giving me the best medical care I could hope for. I am seven years out from my diagnosis and when I walk into Fox Chase, I feel enveloped with a sense of peace and well-being. I know that sounds odd, but I believe that speaks volumes about this facility and those who work here.
My mother passed away from breast cancer when I was in my early twenties and helping her through her journey, and then living my own, definitely changed me as a person—kinder, stronger, more giving and open. Support groups, peer support, and PFAC give me a chance to make a difference.
In my day to day, I am the facility and property manager for an engineering consulting firm. I have been married for 23 years to a wonderful man, Myron, and without his support and love, and the support of friends, family, and Fox Chase Cancer Center, I would not be where I am today.
Donna McAllister

My journey at Fox Chase Cancer Center began in September 2014, when I was diagnosed with Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer. I received three rounds of dense dose neoadjuvant chemotherapy over six weeks and had ileal conduit urinary diversion surgery in January 2015 to remove my bladder. I have just celebrated my fourth anniversary of being cancer free.
From my first visits with my surgeon, Dr. Alexander Kutikov, and my oncologist, Dr. Elizabeth Plimack, I knew I was a part of their collaborative care approach to my treatment. I was treated with compassion, given hope, and kept informed on every facet of my treatment.
After my surgery and recovery, I mentored other bladder cancer patients referred by my doctors. Also, in 2016, I was invited by my doctors to attend a Continuing Education Symposium in San Antonio, Texas. The topic was: Clinical Convergence: New Management Approaches in Bladder Cancer. I participated in a patient panel discussion about my treatment and recovery.
Since 2018, I have been a member of the Patient to Patient Network. Over the next two years, I will be participating in a research study on Recovery Support for Bladder Cancer Patients and Caregivers. For my own well being, I attend monthly Ostomy Support Group Meetings and participate in weekly Oncology Yoga classes. These programs at Fox Chase provide wonderful support for patients and caregivers.
On a personal level, I taught high school, pre-school and pre-kindergarten for twelve years. After leaving teaching, I worked in retail for many years as a floral department manager, before retiring in 2014. I am the proud mother of a daughter and son and the loving Nonna of three granddaughters.
As a member of the Patient and Family Advisory Council, I hope to contribute positively to hospital programs and organizations. I will do whatever I can to provide hope and compassion to patients and their caregivers.
Annie Miyazaki-Grant, Advisor

In April 2022, I was diagnosed with bilateral triple-positive breast cancer. I received intensive treatment over the next 14 months. It was a trying time, but the Fox Chase care team provided tremendous and empathetic care from day one. The physicians were knowledgeable, understanding, and accessible. The nurses and clinical assistants became a family for me, ever caring and attentive. And the rest of the Fox Chase team consistently supported me and my caregivers. While I dreaded many aspects of treatment, I never dreaded walking into Fox Chase because I knew I was getting the best possible care there.
I am grateful to still be here and to be thriving, thanks to Fox Chase and my amazing community. My light shines ever brighter, relishing time with my wonderful daughter, husband, two mini Goldendoodles, and loving family, colleagues, and friends.
Since 2007, I have worked in health care law and regulatory positions, currently as the Chief Compliance and Privacy Officer of a large not-for-profit provider and health plan services organization. I always had a passion for health care, but the COVID-19 pandemic and my cancer battle have given me a new perspective of what is at stake—and especially the importance of advocating for better access to high-quality care.
Being a part of PFAC and our shared patient and caregiver community is a gift. I am committed to being an active member of this community and helping others in all the ways I can.
Mike Phillips, Advisor

Professionally, I have over 45 years of consulting and corporate management experience in several industries. Through my consulting company, I have served clients in healthcare, manufacturing, food service, and retirement community development and management.
I have been the COO of three food service brands and for the past 12 years, I have been a consultant to the senior housing industry and to the largest Taco Bell franchise organization.
On a personal level, I have survived bilateral kidney cancer and advanced prostate cancer. In 2015, I underwent a kidney transplant. Details of my medical story can be found under Dr. Robert Uzzo’s patient testimonials on the Fox Chase website.
My treatment experience at Fox Chase Cancer Center led me to want to volunteer here, where I serve on two advisory boards as well as participate in the Patient-to-Patient Network, which pairs current patients with survivors of the same cancer. In addition, I am a volunteer mentor with Score, a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)-funded national organization that provides free consulting services to small businesses. I also continue with my private consulting practice.
I reside in Warminster, Bucks County, PA.
Larry Risch, Advisor

I have experienced cancer from both the patient and family perspectives. In 2001, my first wife passed away from breast cancer when our daughter was two-and-a-half years old. In 2017, I was treated at Fox Chase for stage 4 squamous cell cancer of the mouth with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation over a seven-month period.
Cancer's impact on patients and their families can be devastating, and I would like to do anything I can to help alleviate that. It is why I have joined PFAC, the Patient-to-Patient Network, and the Caregiver Network at Fox Chase. The level of care I received here went above and beyond what I have experienced at other hospitals while being an advocate/caregiver for family members. I have joined these groups to do what I can to keep that going.
Professionally, I am retired after having worked in IT and as a mortgage broker. I have been remarried for 12 years to my wife Sharon and my daughter, who I mentioned previously, is currently attending the University of Pittsburgh.
Scott Shaffer, Advisor

I was introduced to Fox Chase in October of 2021 when my wife, Cathy, and I were uncertain of the treatment direction presented by another facility. From the first phone call and throughout the journey, we were impressed with the culture and care of the entire staff.
I would often describe Fox Chase as “empathy carries.” Even when a patient is not exactly receptive to empathy, the entire staff continues to present it. During my hospital stay, I began asking questions about the source of this culture. Delinda Pendleton, who chairs the Patient and Family Advisory Council, stopped by my room one day and I was able to ask several questions.
I learned about a culture that presents respect, service, and quality every day of the week. I listened to the shift change in the hallways as hospital staff greeted one another and said goodbye in a way that they could have been brothers and sisters. The empowerment of all employees from leadership is impressive. The way patients are heard and validated would often bring a smile to my face.
They call it “Fox Chaseness” – a place where people want to work; a place where training for customer service builds relationships and teamwork.
I am pleased to be invited to be part of PFAC. Cathy and I see retirement in our near future and Fox Chase could be a volunteer place for the 4th quarter of our time on Earth.
Elaine Spangler, Advisor, Co-Chair

I came to Fox Chase in April 2022 after receiving my metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. I religiously have yearly mammograms, so while this diagnosis came as a complete shock, I am grateful to have landed at Fox Chase to join an immunotherapy clinical trial. I am also so honored and proud to be a part of PFAC.
I’ve worked within the cancer research field for more than 25 years, focusing mostly on prostate and breast cancer epidemiological studies. My work has involved investigating cancer disparities, which led me to not only see the cancer burden in the Philadelphia region, but also internationally, through collaborations in Africa, specifically in Senegal, Tanzania, and Nigeria.
My favorite part of my work has always been interacting with cancer patients. I learned so much about resilience and hope as folks joined in our studies and looked to contribute to the future. Right before the pandemic, I moved within the University of Pennsylvania to my present position as a senior clinical research monitor, focusing mostly on oncology trials.
Given my career, I must say it feels like a true irony to become a cancer patient myself! However, becoming a patient at Fox Chase has been truly life-changing. It feels like a family atmosphere and I am very blessed to have such a caring clinical team (Shout out to the nursing staff in the Clinical Research Unit and my trial nurses!). Since I bring both the professional and personal perspectives, I am inspired to give back to Fox Chase in any way I can through my involvement with the PFAC team.
My family, including my wife of 33 years, Mary Beth, our son Matthew, our dog Daisy, our siblings and their families, and our friends, have all been great supporters in this journey. Though there are many things to navigate, we are all still able to enjoy many events and activities together, including hikes, cycling, hanging at the shore, and rooting for all of the Philly sports teams.
I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the Fox Chase PFAC team as we continue to strive for excellence for Fox Chase patients.
Elaine Ward Sykes, Advisor

I first came to Fox Chase 20 years ago when my husband needed radiation for a prostate cancer recurrence. His treatment was successful, but later he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. We confronted this terrible disease together for three years. Taking care of him was the most challenging thing I’ve ever done, but with the incredible support of so many at Fox Chase, it’s also the best thing I’ve ever done. Our team dramatically prolonged his life, and I am very grateful for the compassionate care he received.
I was treated compassionately as well after he died. Fox Chase provided meaningful bereavement counseling, which helped me move forward with my life. Wanting to give back, I volunteered on a hospital committee that explored how to emotionally support grieving families.
Then in 2014, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I chose Fox Chase for my own treatment, undergoing major surgery and chemotherapy. My wonderful medical team has given me my life back and, once again, I am very grateful. I was particularly pleased to be able to address Fox Chase’s Laurel Society about our family’s journey with cancer. To express my appreciation publicly was indeed an honor and privilege.
My roles as caregiver, patient, and volunteer have been instructive and have inspired me to strengthen my commitment to Fox Chase by serving on PFAC. I hope my voice will enhance the patient and caregiver experience for years to come. To that end, I also volunteer in the Patient-to-Patient Network to mentor new patients who are facing a disease like mine.
My work experience includes a 25-year career at a major law firm focusing on recruiting and communications. In my retirement, I’m pursuing my interest in interior design and am trying to improve my golf game!