About
Hi, we’re Shay’s Warriors-life after cancer.
Our Mission.
because living life after cancer is tough…
To inspire, inform, empower and help heal cancer survivors and their families through health, fitness and the mind-body connection.
Our Vision: That no cancer survivor should lack ongoing support from a community that understands and helps each other in the healing process.
Our Purpose: Shay's Warriors Life After Cancer is a community for men and women to share their experiences and support each other in overcoming the trauma and PTSD from cancer, whether after treatment or during ongoing diagnosis, with those who truly understand.
Our story.
Simply put, Shay’s Warriors is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that was formed in the Coachella Valley to help the cancer survivorship community.
But like any other non-profit, there’s a story. Shay was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2016. She fought for her life until the day she was told that her cancer was gone. Too-da-loo, cancer!
But those lucky enough to experience those words know that cancer never truly leaves you. Physically, yes. Emotionally, never. Your body acts differently now. There’s often guilt, fear, loneliness and an overwhelming sense of what in the actual hell did I just go through? Is it fair to have confusion with a clean bill of health? Of course, it is.
This will come as a shocker to no one: women struggle to ask for help. Shay’s a woman, she gets that. And after her own (very quiet, of course) struggling search for local resources, Shay had a passion to do more. So with that, Shay’s Warriors was brought to life in hopes of providing a healthy, inspiring, and safe space for all cancer survivors to thrive and connect.
Our team.
Shay’s Warriors runs on female power generated by women who have been affected by cancer in one way or another and a few awesome men. Please say hello to our board of directors, ambassadors and advocates.
Shay Moraga, ERYT-500, Trauma Informed, Breast Cancer Health Coach
WARRIOR FOUNDER-VISIONARY
Career field: Entrepreneur & Cancer Survivor.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: To connect. During my treatment, I knew that if I were given a second chance at life, I would spend the rest of my days helping others affected by cancer and life after. I want to help change the cancer mindset: death to life. By building community, connection and authentic conversation around what life after cancer is so that fellow warriors know they are never alone on this never-ending journey.
Amy HetheringtON, D.N.P
WARRIOR SECRETARY
Career field: Nurse Educator, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Alchemist.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: I seek opportunities to educate, empower, embrace, encourage, and elevate others. A nurse by trade, I am perpetually humbled by my front row seat to the human condition, and the many moments of powerful healing and strength that I’ve witnessed with this organization. As a Latina, I am eager to help build and strengthen even more support for my fellow Latinos.
REBECCA CURTRIGHT
WARRIOR TREASURE KEEPER
Career field: V.P. Financial Analyst.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: To prepare for service and learn the nobility of serving..." Being a part of Shays Warriors and the good it does for our community, I get to live this creed...helping those I know and those I haven't even met yet. There's nothing more rewarding than working with an organization that brings smiles and support to those who need it.
CHRISTINA MILLER
WARRIOR OF CRAFT AND SURPRISE
Career field: Cosmetology.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: I’ve been personally inspired by Shay to help create a community to support cancer survivors across the valley, state and country! This organization will help not only survivors, but those who surround them daily as well.
ANGELA PRESCOTT
WARRIOR OF VOLUNTEER FUN
Career field: Physical Therapist & Cancer Survivor.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: As a cancer survivor, I want to give back to my community by helping survivors. It’s my goal to provide assistance, support and interactions for those completing cancer treatments on a local scale and in the future on a county, state and national level.
Dr. Sonja Fung
WARRIOR OF EDUCATION
Career field: Naturopathic Doctor.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: I have a strong family history of cancer and I’ve experience firsthand the difficulties of cancer care. Shay’s Warriors fits in with what I strongly believe in, which is education, eradicating misinformation and supporting our Coachella Valley community.
MARISA RIVERA
WARRIOR OF BEAUTY
Career Field: Business Managing Partner & Licensed Medical Esthetician.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: I treasure moments in my life that I can give back and make a difference. Being a part of Shays Warriors allows me to give from my heart while also educating and being there for those who need it the most. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful organization ~ we are stronger together!
Jeanne Perafan, NP
WARRIOR EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Career Field: Family Nurse Practicioner.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization? My father was diagnosed with glioblastoma in March of 2019. He passed in May of 2019. Even being in healthcare, I was left devastated and confused at how quickly this disease can change the life of the person with cancer and those that love them. Having attended a few of Shay's Warrior's events, I found an opportunity to not only grow in my own awareness, but, also to have the opportunity to be of service and help empower others during their cancer journey.
Maddy Botello
WARRIOR OF CONNECTIONS
Career Field: Restaurateur & Hospitality Management.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: I'm part of this organization because I lost my mom to cancer, and I've experienced firsthand the transformative power of a positive and healing journey. I believe in the strength of human connection and our collective purpose to support each other in living life to its fullest. My goal is to provide people with the opportunity to discover new perspectives, build community, and foster connections, adding vibrant colors to life's canvas even in the face of adversity.
JASON PARR
WARRIOR GRANT WRITER
Career field: Professor of Law & Accounting.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: To recognize that certain things in life are more important. To offer my skills and help in areas that work towards Shay's Warriors life after cancer successfully reaching its mission and goals.
VICTOR LAMKAY
WARRIOR GRANT ADVISOR
Career Field:Retired Educator & Administrator, Grant Researcher.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization? I have been motivated by Shay's dedication and enthusiasm for this cause. I value so much the mission and the goals of Shay's Warriors, and I am inspired to contribute in all ways that I am able.
Shaun Murphy
WARRIOR ADVOCATE
Career Field: Attorney at Law & Cancer Survivor.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization? As someone who survived the diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma, I want to help people adjust to and make the most of their life post diagnosis and treatment so they can maximize their enjoyment and not let their cancer define their lives.
ADVISORS - ADVOCATES - AMBASSADORS
Malia Botello
WARRIOR ADVOCATE
Career field: Health and Wellness Industry.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: the answer is simple: honor. On the day when my mother was finally freed from her suffering of cancer, I made a solemn commitment to dedicate my entire life to honoring her memory, through every high and every low. Upon joining Shay's Warriors, my list of motivations expanded, and hope became an even more profound driving force in my life. Now, I live by the principles of hope and honor, and I can't think of a better place than this organization to make a meaningful impact.
FRAN ESPINOSA
WARRIOR AMBASSADOR
Career field: Retired Admininstation Assistant & Cancer Survivor.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: I am a part of Shay' Warriors because the retreat brought me back to life. I went through breast cancer during the pandemic when everyone was still scared and working from home. Shay's Warriors, Life After Cancer Retreat made me realize I had gone numb as a survival mode my retreat sisters and the amazing work of the retreat team brought me back to life. I want to be able to help support Shay's so we can send more women to this amazing retreat and help them grow and heal.
Annissa Ceja, ND
WARRIOR ADVOCATE
Career field: Naturopathic Doctor & Cancer Survivor.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: am part of Shay’s Warriors because I am deeply committed to health equity and transforming the cancer care continuum for all cancer survivors to become cancer thrivers. My personal journey with cancer revealed the vital importance of addressing the emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of healing, both during and far beyond treatment. I hope that my clinical knowledge as a doctor and my lived experience as a cancer survivor can help provide support and resources that others need to thrive.
ADVISORS - ADVOCATES - AMBASSADORS
Alison Mayer Sachs, MSW, CSW, LSW, OSW-C, Chair PAC
WARRIOR ADVISORY COUNCILCareer field: Certified Oncology Social Worker and Educator.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: Cancer changes your life, Shay’s Warriors is about embracing life and finding new meaning after surviving cancer and I am happy to be a part of that along with them.
Elizabeth Ayala
WARRIOR AMBASSADOR Career field: Riverside County Veterans Services Office Assistant III.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: The journey after active cancer treatment ended left me lost, alone, and struggling to navigate day to day, Everything changed after I attended the "I Am Hope" Retreat. This experience not only changed my life but gave me a renewed sense purpose! Inspiring me to return to school to pursue a degree in Sociology and Social Work. It's an honor and privilege to serve this beautiful organization with joy, love and HOPE so I can also give back to others.
Emily Schmookler ERYT-500, Ayurvedic Health Counselor & Yoga Trainer
WARRIOR AMBASSADOR Career field: Health & Wellness & Cancer Survivor.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: I had the privilege to attend The I AM HOPE Survivors Retreat in 2023. It only felt natural to become apart of this organization that is motivating thrivers and survivors to be a thread throughout this healing journey, which at times can feel lonely, messy and overwhelming. I am inspired to be apart of the impact of support for others, using my talents that I have done for over a decade, but also to learn and heal with my community becaue of my own cancer journey.
HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS
Lindsey Wright
WARRIOR CHIEF CREATIVE
Career field: Illustration & Design.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: Becasue I beleive that women helping women is everything. And I want to contribute bright and colorful art that brings a smile, even if for one small moment, to someone who is on a difficult journey.
Aileen Alvarez
Honorary Board Member & Co-Founder
Career field: Lawyer & Cancer Survivor.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: I am honored to be part of this wonderful organization. I am a survivor. Oftentimes, survivorship means that one’s relationship with family, friends, loved ones, and colleagues is not the same. Oftentimes, one can no longer live as they did before and are impacted in very unexpected ways. Sometimes, survivorship means having to fight this beast again. This is only understood by other survivors. Shay’s Warriors help us all help each other live life after cancer.
A very special thank you to Our 2023-2024 Shay’s Warriors VOLUNTEERS
Bianca Ventura/ Thea North/ Cary Chrisco/ Keturah Chisholm/ Autumn Brewer/ Eileen Gianguzi/ Debbie Walkins warrior fundraising and special event ambassadors
Elli Tourje/ warrior podcast producer
Rosemary Flaherty, Retired BSN, RN / Bobye Gould Diekmann/ Elizabeth Ayala/ Alison Mayer Sachs, MSW, CSW, LSW, OSW-C, Chair PAC, warrior education committee
Nathan Manderfeld/ warrior technology volunteer
Jesscia Hallett / Emily Schmookler NorCal ambassadors Cardinal Ambrose / IA ambassador Jaelyn Moraga/MI ambassador Amanda Nemec / midwest ambassador
Stella Adams/ Jenny Gold/ Ken Zaikowski/ Erica Abarca/ merchandise advisors & shay swag committee
Jaelyn Moraga/ Alyxx Marie warrior social media guru of love and reels
Dejia’s View Photoraphy/ warrior of everything captured on the shay shop page
***Shay’s Warriors Life After Cancer, consists of 100% volunteer powerhouse oooomazzzing humans that have huge hearts volunteering their time and talents for our mission. We are so blessed to have this privilege, and thank them and their families for this honor. ***