EMPOWERING PATIENTS: The Critical Role of Advocates in the I-SPY 2 Breast Cancer Trial

Keeping the Momentum Going - Following the success of our May Breakfast Benefit, which featured the inspiring stories of Dave Dravecky and patient advocate Joan Venticinque, thesecondopinion is proud to announce a new quarterly feature in our e-newsletter. Each quarter, we will spotlight a patient advocate who is making a difference in the lives of cancer survivors and contributing to advances in cancer research and funding. These stories will celebrate resilience, advocacy, and the power of community in the face of cancer.

By Joan Venticinque, Patient Advocate, TSO Volunteer

I am excited to introduce the first quarterly feature in our e-newsletter spotlighting patient advocates. These individuals are making a real difference in the lives of cancer survivors and contributing significantly to advancements in cancer research. In this article, I will highlight how a dedicated group of advocates has been essential in ensuring the patient’s voice is heard in one of the nation’s largest adaptive breast cancer trials.

Having faced two breast cancer diagnoses five years apart, I learned a vital lesson: treatment decisions are rarely simple or straightforward. When seeking answers, I realized there was a gap between the questions I was asking and the information I received. While my caring physicians provided a “risk percentage” for cancer recurrence within five years, I wondered about the basis of that number. Was it derived from studies of people truly like me? How similar were their tumors to mine? How will the recommended treatments stop the cancer

from returning? How would we know if they were working? What about side effects? Are there other treatment options? These questions are common—most patients need this information to make informed decisions.

Click here to read more about advocate contributions to the I-SPY 2 Trial.

NEW VOLUNTEER PHYSICIANS

We are please welcome David Baer, M.D.

I grew up in Niagara Falls NY, home of frigid winters and the Western New York snow belt. After attending college at the University of Michigan, and medical school at UCSF, I completed a residency program at Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco and advanced training in hematology and oncology at UCSF.

While I practiced general hematology and oncology for much of my career, for the last decade, my practice was limited to malignant hematology with a focus on multiple myeloma and related plasma cell disorders.

I spend as much time as I can with my daughters, their partners, and my grandsons, and I enjoy outdoor activities including hiking and skiing. In my spare time, I struggle to play jazz piano.

Welcome Stefan Haller, M.D., DTMH

Physician & Diagnostic Imager | Global Health Executive Director, Life Matters International (LMI)

We are excited to announce that Dr. Stefan Haller has joined thesecondopinion! Over the past year, Dr. Haller has generously volunteered his time as a diagnostic radiologist. He brings a vast amount of expertise and a global perspective to our medical team.

Dr. Haller currently serves as the Executive Director of Life Matters International (LMI), a global health initiative dedicated to reducing maternal and infant mortality in rural regions of low- and middle-income countries.

Prior to his retirement, Dr. Haller served as Chief of Department at Kaiser Permanente. His academic and clinical training is extensive and international, including:

MD Anderson Cancer Center – UT Health Houston, Vascular & Interventional Radiology
University of Regensburg
National University of Singapore, Obstetrics & Gynecology
Technical University of Munich, Doctor of Medicine
Universidad de Costa Rica, Tropical Medicine
University of Texas, Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

We are incredibly grateful to have Dr. Haller as part of our dedicated team of volunteer physicians.

MEANINGFUL WAYS TO SUPPORT THESECONDOPINION

BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR

A recurring monthly gift is an easy and impactful way to support our mission. It helps us plan ahead and ensures we can continue providing free, life-changing second opinions to cancer patients across California.

Monthly giving is the backbone of our organization—consistent, reliable support that keeps our doors open and our services strong.

Click below, enter your donation amount, and under "Select Donation Frequency," choose Monthly. You can also opt to give Weekly, Quarterly, Semiannually, or Annually—whatever works best for you.

Click Here to sign up for recurring montly donations.

JOIN OUR LEGACY CIRCLE

Our new Legacy Campaign is a vital initiative designed to ensure that the work we’ve started together continues for generations to come.

By including thesecondopinion in your will, trust, or other estate plans, you help secure the long-term sustainability of our medical outreach, patient care, and health equity programs.

A legacy gift is not only a reflection of your personal values—it is a lasting testament to your belief in equitable access to compassionate care. Whether large or modest, every gift carries forward a shared vision of health, dignity, and hope.

Click Here to fill out a 'Bequest Intention' form and become a part of thesecondopinion's Legacy Society.

Thrivers & Survivors Charity Golf Tournament

Support Cancer Patients. Expand Access. Make a Difference.

We are absolutely thrilled to announce our upcoming charity golf event benefiting thesecondopinion! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 15, 2025, as we gather at the iconic TPC Harding Park San Francisco.

In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this year's event is dedicated to honoring and supporting breast cancer patients. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to make a difference, and drive hope forward!

Click Here for more information and to register.

thesecondopinion | www.thesecondopinion.org