Our Mission
Saving Pennies 4 A Cure is, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to improving the lives of breast cancer patients by providing custom care packages for those undergoing chemotherapy. These packages provide helpful information on the adverse effects that accompany this treatment, easeing patient anxieties. We also provide resources that emphasize the importance of self-care and self advovacy. Our goals are to educate, advocate, public awareness and give back to the Cancer community.
Trials of Color
We advocate for diversity in clinical trials.
Did you know that only 5% of minorities are included in clinical trials?
Yet, the human body differs across races. For example, breast tissue was found to be different in Black women in comparison to White women. Trials of Color, a sister organization, was created to ensure diversity in clinical trials and broaden the research needed to find a cure for ALL people.
"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together."
Vincent Van Gogh
Our Founder
The founder, Sharon Rivera, is a triple-negative breast cancer survivor who turned her fight into a burning desire to empower other breast cancer patients. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a rare form of breast cancer where the tumor does not have any of the three most common receptors that fuel breast cancer growth. This makes TNBC difficult to treat since the tumor can't be directly targeted. Sharon Rivera took part in a clinical trials studies with the Pink Lotus Foundation and University of PENN, Abramson Cancer Center to detect recurrences sooner for other breast cancer patients.
When they told me it was Triple Negative, I thought that was good thing. I was excited. I thought,
"I'm negative, that's great."
Sharon Rivera
Founder's Note
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Sharon Rivera
Many people have never heard of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and I was one of them until I was diagnosed with it. As mentioned before, TNBC is a difficult-to-treat form of breast cancer since it does not have any of the three common receptor sites. When they told me it was Triple Negative, I thought that was a good thing. I was excited. I thought "I'm negative. That's great." And the surgeon shook his head and said "No, that's not good." I was diagnosed after a routine mammogram in 2015. I never missed my annual appointment and had no family history of breast cancer. TNBC is known to be aggressive, which I learned early on. When I was initially diagnosed, my lump measured one centimeter. Five weeks later, it was two centimeters. So already, within a five-week span, the tumor had grown. I underwent surgery and completed my chemo and radiation Later that year, but it took a toll on my body. I definitely had days where I didn't want to fight. My fight is far from over. TNBC has the highest recurrence and lowest survival rates of all the breast cancer subtypes, according to the Pink Lotus Foundation.
Board Members
Victoria G. Moore
Treasurer
Victoria G. Moore has over 39 years in the public and private sector in various financial roles including over 35 years of management experience. She currently serves as the Operations Accounting Supervisor of the Virginia Retirement System.
Victoria received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Averett University and is a Certified Internal Controls Auditor; Association of Government Accountants member; Notary Public and Officer of Election.
She enjoys volunteering and currently serves as a Money Management volunteer with Senior Connections; Financial Wellness and Life Skills Coach to transitional housing families; Saving Pennies 4 a Cure volunteer as well as meeting other community needs. Victoria is married to her wonderful husband for over 27 years and they have 2 adult children and 2 grandsons.
Katrina Frails
Secretary
I started my career as a nurse over 20 years ago. My compassion for the care of others started early in life leading me to pursue a profession as a caregiver. I currently work as a dialysis nurse in an acute setting. I earned both an ADN and a BSN. Prior to becoming an RN I had worked as an LPN. I have experience in geriatrics, mental health, and OB/GYN.
Saving Pennies/ Trials of Color became near and dear to my heart after losing a family member to cancer. I joined the board in hopes of giving back to the community. This organization has presented me with a great learning opportunity and afforded me the additional tools to educate my fellow peers in hopes of making a difference in the war against cancer.
I am native of Augusta GA. Passionate and dedicated nurse with over 20 years of healthcare experience in a variety of medical settings. Including private practice, emergency room trauma, obgyn and kidney Dialysis unit. Vast experience dealing with a very board range of medical conditions. I believe I giving back to the community, especially cancer. I joined Saving Pennies 4 A Cure / Trials of Color after Losing a family member to cancer. I love learning and been involved in research when I am not Utilizing my nursing and research skills. I am off dancing, exercise.
Jessica Savage
Committee Chair
A native of Delaware, Jessica Savage-Jones (MSN, RN) fell in love with research while working as a clinical research nurse at the University of Pennsylvania. Inspired by working with individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, Jessica quickly developed a passion for patient advocacy and increasing awareness and diversity in clinical trials. This dedication to advocacy is reflected in her educational background. Jessica holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from Temple University, a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Master’s of Science in Public Health Nursing (MSN) from Johns Hopkins University. She decided to join Saving Pennies 4 A Cure due to the organization’s dedication to closing the gap in cancer care disparities. Jessica provides support to Saving Pennies 4 A Cure with her expertise in clinical research and passion for representation in clinical trials. In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, reading books, and traveling.
Jackie Dickerson
Outreach Committee
Jackie Dickerson was born and raised in Bridgeton, NJ. She attended Knoxville College in Knoxville, TN where she majored in Political Science. She moved to Richmond VA in 1998 where she worked in the banking industry for over 18 years. She is currently working for a law firm as a Post-Closing Title & Survey Coordinator. After watching a family member go through cancer treatment, she decided to join Trials of Color and Saving Pennies 4 A Cure to be a voice for the voiceless.
The panel of Volunteers who are part of Saving Pennies 4 A Cure
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