Here to Serve is female founded, led, and supported.

As we step into March, we’re not only embracing the arrival of spring but also commemorating a significant global event – International Women’s Month. At Here to Serve, we believe in the power of women and their unwavering dedication. This month, we want to recognize their pivotal role in shaping Here to Serve’s mission–supporting families as they navigate the complexities of pediatric cancer.

International Women’s Month is a time to honor the achievements and contributions of women throughout history and across cultures. It’s a moment to recognize their indomitable spirit, their tireless efforts, and their invaluable presence in every aspect of society. From advocating for change to providing care and support, women have been at the forefront of countless movements, driving progress and instilling hope in communities worldwide.

At Here to Serve, women play a central role in our efforts to make a difference in the lives of families facing the daunting challenges of pediatric cancer. They are the heart and soul of our organization, bringing compassion, empathy, and expertise to every interaction. From our dedicated volunteers to our passionate staff members and courageous caregivers, women embody the spirit of resilience and solidarity that defines our mission.

We wanted to shine a light on a few of the remarkable women who help make Here to Serve a beacon of hope for so many families. Their stories inspire us, their dedication motivates us, and their presence enriches our organization in countless ways.

Katie Quintas, Founder

Katie is our fearless leader and the reason why Here to Serve exists today. Both her son and husband were diagnosed with cancer six months apart; her son with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and her husband with leukemia, and were treated in two different hospitals across town from each other. The magnitude of her personal crisis allowed her to experience the physical, spiritual, intellectual and emotional toll it takes. After experiencing the lack of support outside of in-patient treatment, she understands how critical wraparound care and services are for families with children navigating cancer.

Prior to founding Here to Serve in 2011, Kathleen Quintas designed and managed the local, national and international fundraising programs of over 100 nonprofits through her work with two of the largest marketing/communications and fundraising agencies in North America. She also was responsible for the philanthropic and volunteer initiatives of a California nonprofit serving children and families in crisis with social and mental health services, and has served in the field of nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and communications for nonprofits and corporate philanthropy programs since 2000.

From running and growing the Here to Serve organization to providing hands-on support to patient families and so much in between, her tireless effort and commitment to supporting families at every step of the cancer journey is nothing short of inspiring!

Srushti Wagh, Social Media Volunteer

Like many of our volunteers, Srushti has been personally impacted by cancer, which inspired her to get involved.

“My Grandpa, a mountain of a man with a booming laugh, had shrunk under the weight of cancer. He always believed in the power of community, in sharing the burden and lifting each other up. The disease ultimately claimed him, leaving a gaping hole in our lives. And, unfortunately, I couldn’t see him due to my visa situation as I had moved to the States after my wedding so I felt an overwhelming urge to do something, anything, to honor his memory.

That’s when I navigated Here to Serve where I (virtually) met Katie. Her youthful enthusiasm and positively radiant smile uplifts everyone around her, so I joined the team. Volunteering at HTS allowed me to make a tangible difference while bringing in a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It provided me with firsthand exposure to the challenges faced by kids and young families affected by cancer, fostering empathy and understanding. Through my time at Here to Serve I’ve acquired new skills and knowledge, met new people, built connections, and gained a deeper understanding of cancer.’

Srushti is an invaluable part of the Here to Serve team, helping ensure that our mission and message reach the masses through her work creating content for our social media. From fundraising to engagement ideas and more, her efforts have helped so many families get the support and care they need.

Brianna Matz, Board Member                                             

Brianna is a marketing leader who was looking to make an impact beyond the corporate world and found a home supporting Here to Serve. Using her experience in brand-building and strategic communications, she’s working with Katie and the board at Here to Serve to help drive further organization and cause awareness, strategic partnerships, and fundraising.

“When I was younger, I wanted to become a pediatric oncologist, because no child deserves to go through cancer without an ally. While that did not end up being my path, I’ve always wanted to find a way to use my skill set and network to support children and their families going through their cancer journey. After meeting Katie, hearing her story, and learning about the lack of resources dedicated to helping families through this challenging time, it was an easy decision to get involved.

My goal is to bring broader awareness to the needs that families have, encouraging and securing more widespread support, as well as working with the board to further codify Here To Serve’s strategic roadmap that will allow us to take the necessary steps toward achieving our goals.”

Brianna’s impact has already been felt and her contributions will continue to add significant value throughout her tenure on our Board.

Helping more families with more hands

There is no shortage of incredible women who are giving their time, energy, services, and expertise to Here to Serve and we are grateful for everything they do to help us give more families with children battling cancer more time to focus on the ones they love. But there’s always room for more. If you’re interested in volunteering for our organization, we’d welcome your support. Learn more about the different ways to get involved here.

Here to Serve

At Here to Serve, our unwavering mission is to support families with children battling cancer throughout every step of their challenging journey. As the only national organization providing comprehensive support and services to families with children navigating cancer, we intimately understand the value of a strong support system. Our dedicated family care coordinators provide invaluable resources directly to families and caregivers, including access to physical, financial, and emotional options, so that you have the tools and support to face this unexpected challenge. If you or someone you know is dealing with a recent cancer diagnosis, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for comprehensive, tailored care and support. We are committed to building a future where all families with children going through cancer have access to the support and resources they need to focus on what matters most during this journey – caring for their loved ones. 

About the Author

Emily Rogalin is a copywriter in healthcare advertising in NYC. Having lost multiple members in her family to cancer, she is honored to help bring support to families on this difficult journey.

Information on the Here to Serve website is for educational and informational purposes only. Please consult a medical professional for specific medical guidance.