Virginia Gilpin is a mother to her son, Huff (5), who remains her greatest source of joy. In September 2024, at age 37, she was diagnosed with Stage II Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in her abdominal lymph nodes. As a parent navigating cancer, Virginia faced the dual challenge of enduring six rounds of chemotherapy while continuing to show up for her family. She has been cancer-free since February 2025.

Virginia is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and Licensed Professional Art Therapist (LPAT), working with children, teens, and young adults in a group practice. Her personal experience with cancer has deepened her understanding of resilience, especially the strength and presence children bring to difficult moments. She reflects on the unrelenting drive to survive as a parent and the ways her role as a mother shaped her journey through treatment and recovery.

In her free time, Virginia enjoys being with her husband, son, and dog, and has found unexpected comfort and joy in baking sourdough bread.

Tracy Steffek is the Founder of Remedy & Root, LLC, where she focuses on closing one of the most persistent gaps in health care: the systemic disconnect between clinical treatment and the real life community-based supports people need to live through and beyond illness.

Tracy’s work is both professional and deeply personal. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at just four months postpartum and then faced a second diagnosis of tongue cancer the following year. With nearly two decades of experience across public agencies, national non-profits, and cross-sector community coalitions, she builds the partnerships and infrastructure that make whole-person, family-centered care actually possible.

She serves on the Board of the Patient Empowerment Network and the Parent Advisory Board of Bright Spot Network, where she facilitates Healing Circles for Parents with Cancer. She lives in Virginia with her husband and two daughters (now ages 8 and 4).

Nate Edwards is a testicular cancer survivor, advocate, and father of two who is passionate about supporting others navigating cancer and parenthood. Just one day after his 34th birthday in July 2020, Nate discovered a lump and quickly sought medical care, advocating for himself through diagnosis. Within weeks, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent an orchiectomy. Although his initial scans and bloodwork were clear, the presence of lymphovascular invasion led to a difficult decision between chemotherapy and surgery. In November 2020, Nate underwent an RPLND procedure, narrowly avoiding chemotherapy, with all 23 lymph nodes returning clear.

In the months that followed, Nate faced additional health challenges, including appendicitis, and began navigating the long-term impacts of treatment, including retrograde ejaculation and infertility. After experiencing multiple miscarriages and uncertainty about growing their family, Nate and his wife ultimately welcomed their second child in 2023, joining their daughter born in 2018.

Since his diagnosis, Nate has become a dedicated advocate in the cancer community. He works with organizations like Testicular Cancer Foundation, Kickin Cancer, and Stupid Cancer, sharing his story through speaking engagements, podcasts, and peer support. He is also the founder of Coffees for Cancer, an initiative focused on creating meaningful connections and support through small acts of kindness

Lisa Orr is the Brand Director at Elephants and Tea and a seven-year triple-negative breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed when her children were just 1½ and 3 years old, and navigating cancer during early motherhood has deeply shaped her passion for supporting other young adults facing similar experiences. Through her work, she is dedicated to creating spaces where patients, survivors, and caregivers feel seen, heard, and less alone.

This panel will be moderated by Brigid Frasquillo, MS, is the Program Manager with Stupid Cancer. Brigid has spent nearly 20 years of her career in the nonprofit world developing and implementing evidence based psychosocial programming to young adults, children, and families impacted by cancer and bereavement. Her heart lies deeply in this space and always will. Brigid lives in Seattle, WA with her husband Daniel, their puppy Griffey, and two cats who prefer to remain anonymous, as most cats do. 

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