Welcome to Trials of Color, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization

Our mission is to bridge the gap between underserved cancer patients and their healthcare providers; and to encourage inclusive clinical trials and other cancer research. This will be achieved through advocacy, education, and support for the breast cancer community.

The Start Of Our Journey

Saving Pennies 4 A Cure

Saving Pennies 4 A Cure journey is inspired by our founder Sharon Rivera-Sanchez who underwent a roller coaster of emotions when she was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Her diagnosis was a result of a routine mammogram that left her stunned. The chemo and radiation therapy, though put her in remission, took a considerable toll on her physical and mental health.

Rivera Sanchez knew at the very moment that she had a huge battle ahead of her, and during that time, she decided to give back to the community by spreading awareness and advocating for underserved patients. Today she is a part of research looking for ways to detect recurrences.

Mission

End The Disparity In Cancer Community
Trials Of Color advocates on behalf of African American and other underserved minority communities that have resource-deprived cancer survivors. The sole reason behind this initiative is that many minority communities are not sufficiently represented in critical clinical trials, and do not have equal access to quality care.

Vision

Access to Quality Cancer Care for Everyone
Until we achieve our Vision, we will do public speaking, education and advocacy on behalf of all cancer patients.

Meet our founder

Sharon Rivera Sanchez, Founder of SP4AC & TOC

Clinical Trials Participant Diversity Advocate Community Impact

A Voice of Diversity

Sharon became voice of diversity in medical research

A Routine Mammogram

A mass turned out to be triple-negative breast cancer

Struggle of Clinical Trials

I faced the barrier of Transportation in participating Clinical Trials. The majority of cancer trial participants were white women

Steps Closer to her calling

Saving Pennies 4 a Cure & Trials of Color were established

“Turning pain into purpose—so every woman can be seen, heard, and helped.”

Sharon Rivera Sanchez

Founder of SP4ACure & TOC

The founder, Sharon Rivera, is a triple-negative breast cancer survivor who turned her fight into a burning desire to empower other breast cancer patients.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a rare form of breast cancer where the tumor doesn't have any of the three most common receptors that fuel breast cancer growth. This makes TNBC difficult to treat since the tumor can't be directly targeted.

Sharon Rivera took part in clinical trials with the Pink Lotus Foundation and the University of Pennsylvania's Abramson Cancer Center to help detect recurrences sooner for other breast cancer patients.

Meet our team

Board Members

The panel of Volunteers who are part of Trials of Color

Victoria G. Moore

Treasurer

Victoria G. Moore has over 39 years in the public and private sector in various financial roles including over 35 years of management experience. She currently serves as the Operations Accounting Supervisor of the Virginia Retirement System. Victoria received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Averett University and is a certified Internal Controls Auditor; Association of Government Accountants member; Notary Public and Officer of Election.

She enjoys volunteering and currently serves as a Money Management volunteer with Senior Connections; Financial Wellness and Life Skills Coach to transitional housing families; Saving Pennies 4 a Cure volunteer as well as meeting other community needs. Victoria is married to her wonderful husband for over 27 years and they have 2 adult children and 2 grandsons.

Akia M. Smith

Patient Advocate

Akia M. Smith is a highly accomplished IT professional with two decades of experience supporting high-security government agencies, military sectors, and private corporations. Smith's expertise lies in managing and troubleshooting network infrastructure, voice and data systems, and providing executive-level IT support.

Throughout their career, Smith has demonstrated a proven ability to lead teams, enhance system efficiency, and optimize network performance. Their professional background includes a role as Voice and Data Supervisor at Dominion Energy, where they supervised network technicians and oversaw network installations and upgrades. Smith has also served as an IT Support Specialist for the U.S. State Department, managing accounts with Active Directory and maintaining secure communications. Additionally, Smith has a background in the military as a Supply Systems Analyst with the United States Air Force.

Smith's core competencies include network administration, team leadership, network security, and project coordination. They hold an Associate Degree in Networking from the University of Phoenix Online and have an Active Secret Clearance along with a Security+ Certification.

Katrina Frails

Secretary

I started my career as a nurse over 20 years ago. My compassion for the care of others started early in life leading me to pursue a profession as a caregiver. I currently work as a dialysis nurse in an acute setting. I earned both an ADN and a BSN. Prior to becoming an RN I had worked as an LPN. I have experience in geriatrics, mental health, and OB/GYN.

Saving Pennies/Trials of Color became near and dear to my heart after losing a family member to cancer. I joined the board in hopes of giving back to the community. This organization has presented me with a great learning opportunity and afforded me the additional tools to educate my fellow peers in hopes of making a difference in the war against cancer.

I am a native of Augusta, GA. Passionate and dedicated nurse with over 20 years of healthcare experience in a variety of medical settings, including private practice, emergency room trauma, OBGYN, and kidney dialysis. I have vast experience dealing with a very broad range of medical conditions. I believe in giving back to the community, especially in the fight against cancer. I joined Saving Pennies 4 A Cure / Trials of Color after losing a family member to cancer. I love learning and being involved in research when I am not utilizing my nursing and research skills. I am fond of dancing and exercise.

Jackie Dickerson

Outreach Committee

Jackie Dickerson was born and raised in Bridgeton, NJ. She attended Knoxville College in Knoxville, TN where she majored in Political Science. She moved to Richmond, VA in 1998 where she worked in the banking industry for over 18 years. She is currently working for a law firm as a Post-Closing Title & Survey Coordinator. After watching a family member go through cancer treatment, she decided to join Trials of Color and Saving Pennies 4 A Cure to be a voice for the voiceless.

Meet Our Team

Advisory Board

Panel of medical experts/advocates on Trials of Color Board

Haley Smoot

Policy Professional and Caregiver(Board Chairman)

Haley Smoot is a seasoned public policy professional with over a decade of experience advancing public health policies and programs at the federal, state, and local levels. She has led strategic initiatives and advocacy efforts across a range of public health issues, including tobacco prevention, cancer care, and access to social services. She is deeply committed to improving health outcomes and building healthier, more equitable communities.

Haley currently serves as Associate Director of Federal Government Relations at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, where she works to reduce tobacco use through strategic advocacy, relationship-building, and policy change. Previously, she served as Director of Public Policy at the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, leading federal advocacy efforts to improve cancer survivorship care. She also brings experience from Texas Health and Human Services, the American Heart Association, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the U.S. Senate.

Haley’s passion for cancer policy and advocacy is deeply personal. Her father passed away from colon cancer in 2017, and her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. As a caregiver for both of her parents, she witnessed firsthand the challenges of the current healthcare system and the importance of quality cancer care.

She holds master’s degrees in Global Health Policy and Material and Visual Cultures of the Past from the University of Edinburgh and a bachelor’s degree in History from Rhodes College. In her free time, Haley enjoys live music, hiking with her dog Remi, and traveling with her family.

Saanika Mahashetty

Cancer Biology SURP Scholar (Secretary)

Saanika Mahashetty is a graduate of General Biology and Business Management, a double major at the University of Maryland, College Park. She is a 2023 National Cancer Institute Division of Cancer Biology SURP Scholar and a student in the Honors College and Global Fellows Honors program at the University of Maryland. Saanika graduated high school with an International Baccalaureate diploma and was named a 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholar. She also has a strong passion for music and has been nationally and internationally recognized by distinguished leaders and organizations, including the late former President of India.

Growing up in a family of healthcare professionals, Saanika has always been interested in pursuing a career in medicine and intends to go to medical school to become a surgeon. She has consistently been pursuing her passion by volunteering at local hospitals and clinics, working in clinical research laboratories at the FDA, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Maryland, and being an active member of health advocacy clubs on campus. Saanika met Sharon at an NCI Division of Cancer Biology conference in July 2023 and was inspired to found the first collegiate chapter of Trials of Color at the University of Maryland. Her experience in cancer research has helped her recognize the importance of the Trials of Color mission, and she hopes to continue to spread the Trials of Color message throughout the University of Maryland campus.

Douglas W. Arthur, MD

Chair, Department of Radiation Oncology

Douglas W. Arthur, MD, is professor and chairman of the Department of Radiation Oncology at VCU Massey Cancer Center and associate director of clinical affairs. In 2016, he was named the Florence and Hyman Meyers Endowed Chair. Dr. Arthur earned his MD from Wake Forest University’s Bowman Gray School of Medicine in 1989, completed residency in radiation oncology at the VCU School of Medicine, and a clinical fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center before joining VCU faculty in 1994.

His research focuses on clinical trials for the treatment of breast cancer, with special interest in the development and use of accelerated partial breast irradiation. He has a long history of clinical-trial development and is recognized nationally for trial accruals. Dr. Arthur is a breast committee member of the NRG Oncology cooperative group and co-chair of its locoregional subcommittee, among other clinical-trial leadership roles.

Jennifer Burns

Breast Cancer Survivor

Jennifer Burns is a 12-year breast cancer survivor. With over 30 years of experience in the banking industry, she combines professional leadership with a deep commitment to cancer advocacy. Jennifer has been actively involved in fundraising walks, community awareness efforts, and support initiatives through The Hawthorne. As a dedicated wife, mother of two, and grandmother, she is passionate about supporting her family, friends, and community members facing cancer.

Paula D. Bos, PhD

Assistant Professor & Cancer Biology Program Co-Leader

Paula D. Bos is Assistant Professor and Cancer Biology Program Co-Leader at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Massey Cancer Center. She obtained an M.S. in Genetics studying HPV infection in cervical cancer (National University of Misiones, Argentina), a Ph.D. from Weill Cornell studying tissue-specific metastasis biology, and completed postdoctoral training in cancer immunology at Sloan-Kettering Institute.

Her laboratory investigates tumor microenvironment (TME) interactions that drive breast-cancer progression and tissue-specific metastasis. Using genetic models, her team delineates the function of stromal cells—particularly regulatory T cells—in primary and secondary organs, with the goal of identifying novel TME targets.

Her work has been funded by METAvivor, Susan G. Komen Foundation, the V Foundation, the American Brain Tumor Association, the American Cancer Society, and the National Cancer Institute. She serves on the AACR Tumor Microenvironment Steering Committee and on NIH, ACS, and DOD study sections.

Sharry Black-Goode

Survivor / Patient Advocate

Sharry Black-Goode is a Breast Cancer Thriver and survivor, mother of two, and grandmother of eight. She is a lifelong fitness & wellness enthusiast with certifications including Black Belt in Karate, Yoga Instructor, Group Exercise Instructor, Personal Trainer, and Massage Therapist.

She teaches yoga classes at the University of Richmond (VA) and presents master classes and workshops internationally. Favorite destinations include Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. Three quotes she loves: “Find something you like to do, and you’ll never have to work another day in your life.” “When Adversity Strikes, God Strengthens.” “God’s Perfect Plan Is Perfect.”

Chris Chipko

Radiologist Oncologist

Dr. Chipko is a longtime Richmond resident who has dedicated his schooling and training to the greater Richmond area. He received his B.S. in Neuroscience/Psychology from the University of Richmond and his M.D. with residency training at Virginia Commonwealth University.

He serves the Richmond community at Radiation Oncology Associates, treating malignancies across many sites including prostate, breast, lung, GI, brain, and head & neck cancers. An active member of the Richmond Academy of Medicine (Young Physicians Committee), he also participates in national trials through the NCI. He is committed to working with underserved populations, educating the community on the importance of cancer screening, and increasing participation in clinical trials.

Ryan Hannon

Medical Student

Ryan Hannon (he/him) is a medical student in his final year at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine interested in medical oncology, cancer survivorship, and palliative care. His work lies at the crossroads of intersectional cancer care, LGBTQIA+ health equity, and health policy. He has contributed to cancer immunotherapy research across academic, government, and biotech settings, including developing cell immunotherapies at bluebird bio and optimizing CAR-T cell manufacturing through the National Cancer Institute at the NIH. He is currrently studying disparities in access to palliative care services at his home institution.

Ryan is passionate about creating inclusive clinical learning environments and co-leads DEI initiatives at his medical school, developing culturually informed curriculum and precepting the clinical training of first year students. He has advocated nationally for equitable cancer survivorship policy through Cancer Nation (formally the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship) and helped develop queer health programming and mentorship networks across Connecticut’s medical schools. Outside of medicine, Ryan is a vocalist, poet, and nature enthusiast. You can find him going on a jog, enjoying a coffee at a local cafe, or tucked into a book at the park.

Clinical trials are very important for the development of treatments for ongoing care. Clinical trials are a way to make a difference for yourself and our community. Every step we have taken in the fight against cancer has come from these trials. We do not have a cure, but these scientists are working to save our lives.

Clinical trial placements suffer from a lack of enrollment due to a number of barriers, including financial, logistical and geographical constraints. A recent study showed that 85% of patients were either unaware or unsure that participation in a clinical trial was an option at the time of diagnosis; and 75% of these patients said they would have been willing to enroll had they known it was possible.

Sharon first heard about a specific trial for breast cancer patients on the Good Morning America morning show. She learned she was a match. There was only one problem: the trial was in California and she was in Richmond, Virginia.

Calculating how much it would cost for two visits, flights, and hotels, Sharon was able to raise the money she needed, but once she arrived in California for her trial she was told she would need treatment for at least two years. Instead, Sharon advocated aggressively for a similar study in Pennsylvania. Now, she drives eight hours to participate in a “closer” trial, and has been doing so for two years.

Get Involved – stay tuned to learn how you can take action to ensure diversity in clinical trials.

Trials of Color translated complex medical terms into clear steps. Because of them, my mom enrolled in a trial fast—and finally felt hopeful.

Alva Edision

Market Researcher (Caregiver), Philadelphia, PA

I wasn’t sure where to start after diagnosis. The team gave me a screening plan, a ride, and a kind voice. That changed everything.

Kristin Watson

Software Engineer (Survivor), Richmond, VA

Welcome to Trials of Color, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization

Saving Pennies 4 A Cure

Mission

Vision