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Joseph Abraha, BS, MT (ASCP)

I received my Bachelor Science Degree in Biology and Chemistry from Metro Politian College at Denver, Colorado in 1992 and pursued my Medical Technology degree from University of Colorado in 1993. I have worked various positions in the clinical laboratory. Currently I am working in Histocompatibility and Immunogenetic field as a laboratory Supervisor. I have been in the field for more than 17 years and serving the need of organ and bone marrow transplant patients.  I belong to the ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology), ASHI (American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunology) and CLMA (Clinical Laboratory Management Association) professional societies. I am CAP (College of America Pathology) and ASHI (American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunology) inspector and conduct unannounced inspection for both agencies through the country. I am currently serving as board member for CLMA and RJ Children’s Haven. 

Goldie Benz, RN, DNP, FNP-BC, CDE, CPN

She has been a Family Nurse Practitioner in the Hematology-Oncology department since 2009 at which time she began to work with RJCH.  Goldie’s education includes a baccalaureate degree in Nursing from the University of Iowa, and Master’s degree in Family Nurse Practitioner and nursing doctorate degree, both from the University of Kansas.  She is a collaborative team member managing patients with bleeding and thrombosis disorders and vascular anomalies. Her accolades as an APRN include research investigator, Pediatric Manager of the APRN-Led Anticoagulation Clinic, Chairperson Annual Advanced Practice Nursing conference, Member APRN Advisory Council, Scientist member of the Internal Review Board, Hospital liaison to the SPS HAC- VTE Pediatric Safety Program, Preceptor graduate level nursing students and newly-hired APRNs, Chairperson APRN Mentoring Program and member of Advanced Practice Review Council for APRN clinical advancement.  Her licensures include Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Certified Pediatric Nurse, Certified Diabetes Educator, and Kansas and Missouri State Board of Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner Licensure.  She is a member of the American Nurses Association, American Association of Diabetes Educators, and Association for Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses writing professional manuscripts for patient education.  She has been a principal investigator for multiple research projects and leads in quality improvement initiatives to enhance pediatric care outcomes.  Goldie just completed her (DNP), a Doctor of Nursing Practice. DNP is a terminal professional degree in nursing practice, an alternative to the research focused doctoral degree. We are so proud of you Goldie!

Pat Brown, MS, FT

She received a B.S. from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, a Masters in Family Therapy, from Friends University, Wichita, KS, and a Death and Grief Studies Certificate through Colorado State University, after 150 hours of study in Ft. Collins, CO. She began her career at CMH as the Oncology Clinical Services Coordinator and later became a Family Centered Specialist after receiving her Master’s Degree.  During her tenure in the Hematology/Oncology Division she was an active member and past Director of the Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers.. She initiated the Oncology Parent to Parent Volunteer Program, the Family Room on the Hematology/Oncology inpatient unit, various inpatient and outpatient groups for newly diagnosed oncology families, siblings, and teens, an annual picnic for Hem/Once staff and patient families, a bereavement follow-up program with parent volunteers, an annual bereavement memorial service with the chaplaincy service for Hem/Oncology families, as well as an ongoing bereavement group. Pat was a founding board member and officer of the Children’s Mercy Cancer Center, a board member of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, The Ronald McDonald House, a Friends of Children’s Mercy Hospital member, and a consultant for the American Cancer Society.

Jignesh Dalal, MD

Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist with the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant program at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland.  When the concept of a children’s cancer daycare was first discussed, Dr. Dalal not only believed it could be done but he believed it should be done. From the beginning, he was a force that encouraged us to continue for the children of Kansas City and beyond.  He served as Associate Division Director, Section of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, and Kansas City, Missouri from 2011 to 2015 and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Director from 2008 to 2015 where he pioneered various transplant techniques.  He received his Medical Degree and completed a Pediatric Residency at State University of Gujarat, India, and a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and BMT Residency at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.  Dr. Dalal has been active in research with many published articles. He has served on many hospital committees and professional societies in the Kansas City region. A few Honors and Awards include: Best Teaching Attending for Fellows and Best Doctor, Kansas City

Jesse Daniels, MBA 

Army Corp of Engineers, Kansas City, MO

Maureen Furlong Wall

Vice President/CFO at Carter Broadcast KPRS, Broadcasting & Media Production Company

Regina Higgins, BS

Aftermarket Sales Manager at Smith & Loveless Inc.

Parent of Weston Funk, bone marrow transplant recipient Regina Higgins, co-founder and mother of childhood cancer survivor Weston Funk, is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of other families who have a child battling cancer.

Kathy Hopfinger

Mother raising 6 children the last 40 years. Childhood Cancer Mom/caregiver/advocate the past 18 years to son Joe, survivor! Serves with the Parent to Parent, Peer to Peer Program at Children’s Mercy Cancer Center for 16 years. And an advisor board member & volunteer for RJ Children’s Haven.

Christopher Jones

Chris has been an IT Director within healthcare for over 9 years. He has helped healthcare companies become more cost efficient through technology innovation and automation. Chris is the President of 531 Digital LLC, a technology company he started that helps companies tackle IT strategies in this fast-moving digital age. Chris has a Bachelor of Science in Management currently pursuing his Master of Information Technology. 

Chris would like to help RJ’s provide kids with the best environment for normality in tough times. Through technology, kids can have to ability connect and go places otherwise seemed impossible. Chris understands the need for this as much as anyone. In May 2009, Chris lost his son 5-year-old son CJ to Brain Stem Glioma.  Because of this devastating loss, he has been devoted to helping other families understand and cope with various illnesses and hardships.  Chris has dedicated his life to ensure that families and children have the resources necessary to overcome life’s obstacles. He is also a member of the Kappa Alpha Phi fraternity and KCPMI. A native of Columbus, MS, Chris is married to Shanta and the proud father of 20-year-old Alise, 10-year-old Logan, and 4-year-old Aidan.

Sue McCalley, PhD

Professor, Education and Psychology Department at Avila University

Sue Ellen McCalley, Ph.D. is a professor of Special Education and Psychology at Avila University, teaching in both the undergraduate and graduate programs.   She has traveled internationally to consult on special education and the development of treatment programs for children with special needs.  In recent years, she has traveled to China, Russia, India, South Africa, and Singapore.  She is a member of the Oxford Round Table on Children with Disabilities, Oxford University, England.  Dr. McCalley has served on several local Board of Directors.  She has served as a board member of the Missouri Association for Colleges of Teacher Education.  She is the chair of the Truman Distinguished Lecture Series at Avila University.

Polly Pendegrast