Kimberly Richardson - seven year cancer survivor of ovarian cancer, Granulosa Cell Tumor, Stage 3A. Prior to diagnosis, Ms. Richardson has 25 years of urban planning and community economic development experience. Accomplishments included creating a TIF district for the development of a major hotel and restaurants; rehabilitation and new construction of single family and multi-family housing units; and revising suburban business and housing code enforcement zoning ordinances. Ms. Richardson has been active since treatment in various forms of advocacy. As an advocate leader for the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA), she speaks with legislators on the importance of funding for ovarian cancer research, has crafted state legislation for an Illinois gynecologic cancer commission and has spoken at the national conference on patient advocacy. In her advocacy role with DoD/CDMRP/OCRP, she is both a pre and peer reviewer and contributing writer to the agency’s patient advocacy blog GLOBELTHON. She shares her perspective on disparities in genetic testing and clinical trials through multiple platforms and hosted citywide events in partnership with FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence and CISCRP to increase minority participation. Ms. Richardson currently works with local elected officials and community based groups on health equity surrounding COVID19 and has shared her perspective as a cancer patient and advocacy partner with WCG. She has developed a program model called Survivors Advising Scientists that include training modules on basic scientific inquiry for survivors and new patient advocates that will be showcased at this year’s virtual ASCO conference.
