PFAC Members

Patient and Family Advisors

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  Emily Bakaj, Advisor, Co-Chair

  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 seventeen (17) 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.  I have also been a caregiver to my father and husband when they were treated for cancer at Fox Chase and both their lives were saved as was mine.  Support groups, peer support, speaking engagements, and PFAC gives me the opportunity to make a difference.    

  In my day to day, I am the Facility Manager -US Region for a global engineering consulting firm.  I have been married for 32 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. 

• 

  Tim Carroll

  I was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012 at age 55. What could have been a very different outcome was shaped by early detection. During a routine annual physical, my primary care physician noticed a rise in my PSA levels, which led to further testing and biopsies. At the time, my wife and I were looking ahead to retirement and a slower, more relaxed pace of life. Instead, we found ourselves navigating treatment and uncertainty. After undergoing care, my cancer became undetectable, and I experienced four years of remission. 
  
  In 2018, my cancer returned in a more advanced form, requiring additional treatment. Around the same time, I was also being monitored closely for lung cancer due to having COPD. That same year, a spot was detected on my lung. I was ultimately diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent surgery followed by chemotherapy. Facing two cancer diagnoses in such a short span of time reshaped my perspective and strengthened my commitment to staying engaged in my care and supporting others through similar experiences. 
  
  I first learned about the Patient and Family Advisory Council through a publication from Fox Chase. As an existing Patient-to-Patient member, I visited the Resource and Education Center to learn more and was connected with the Office of Patient Experience. I have been a PFAC member since July 2025. I actively participate in multiple committees and help facilitate the Every Moment Matters training program. This is patient experience training that presented to all new employees at Fox Chase. I enjoy sharing my experiences as a patient to contribute to meaningful improvements in care for patients and families.

• 

  Eddie Graham

  Eddie T. Graham, Esq. is a retired corporate attorney and risk management director, community advocate, nonprofit leader, and mentor with decades of experience in law, civil rights, public policy, and community development. Throughout his distinguished career, he has combined legal expertise with a lifelong commitment to advancing equity, justice, and opportunities for underserved communities.

  Mr. Graham serves on the executive board of H. O. P. E., Inc., and K. A. T. I., Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing behavioral health, homelessness, substance use disorders, and community wellness through collaborative partnerships and innovative programming. He also serves as a patient advocate with Fox Chase Cancer Center, where, as a kidney cancer survivor, he works to improve patient-centered care, case studies awareness, and promote mental health awareness in cancer treatment.

  A respected civic leader, Mr. Graham is a former President of the Montgomery County (PA) NAACP and made history as the first African American President of the Springfield Township Board of Commissioners, reflecting his longstanding commitment to public service, civil rights, and effective local governance. He currently serves on the Montgomery County Public Defenders Advisory Committee, where he contributes his legal and community expertise to advancing fairness and innovation within the criminal justice system.

  For more than 40 years, Mr. Graham has dedicated himself to mentoring young people as a counselor, football coach, baseball coach, and youth advocate. His work has focused on empowering Black and Brown youth by promoting academic achievement, character development, leadership, and positive life choices. Through coaching, mentorship, and community engagement, he has inspired generations of young people to overcome barriers and realize their full potential.

  Known for his collaborative leadership style, Mr. Graham continues to mentor emerging leaders, advise nonprofit organizations, and advocate for initiatives that strengthen families, improve community health, and expand access to justice. His work is guided by his Christian faith, integrity, and a steadfast belief that lasting change is achieved through service, compassion, and partnership.

• 

  Jennifer Hillemann

  My connection to Fox Chase Cancer Center and PFAC is deeply rooted in both my personal and professional life. My family’s cancer journey began when I was in high school with my grandfather’s colon cancer diagnosis, which influenced my decision to attend Drexel University so I could support him during treatment in Philadelphia. Since then, cancer has remained a part of my story—at 32, tumors were discovered in my colon/rectum, my father was later diagnosed with (and is now cancer-free from) prostate cancer, and at 38, I was diagnosed with kidney cancer. I am grateful to now be three years cancer-free. Professionally, I work in biopharmaceutical research and have contributed to the development of cancer therapeutics, further strengthening my commitment to this community. I joined PFAC to bring both my lived experience and scientific perspective to help improve care, communication, and the overall experience for patients and families navigating cancer.
   

• 

  Donna McAllister

  My journey at Fox Chase began in 2014 when I was diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Throughout my chemotherapy and surgery, my oncologist and surgeon treated me with compassion, provided hope, and kept me informed every step of the way. Their care inspired me to give back to Fox Chase in a meaningful way.

  The Patient and Family Advisory Council has provided that opportunity. Our goal is to support patients and caregivers while strengthening collaboration with the health care team at Fox Chase. We serve as the voice of the patient.

  I have been a member of PFAC since 2019, and served as co-chair for four of those years, and also participate in the Patient to Patient Network, the Fox Chase Board of Associates, and the PAWS for the Cause annual charity walk committee.

• 

  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

  I have been a patient since 2003. I was in the process of slowly winding down my professional pursuits and moving toward part time consulting when I received care at Fox Chase. That experience was the catalyst for my desire to volunteer. I have been a member of PFAC since 2017.

  My professional background includes serving in C suite roles with several chain food service organizations. In the decade before joining Fox Chase, I managed a portfolio of senior living facilities spanning independent living through skilled nursing care.

  I believe the work of PFAC has a ripple effect that extends from patients to their loved ones, friends, and broader communities. I feel that I have received much more from this experience than I have given.

• 

  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.

   

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  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!