Meet the Board Members
Anastasia Alton, Co-founder
Anastasia is one of three founding members of MommysWithCancer. She was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer in 2010, when her daughter was only 20 months old. She became a member of the Board of Directors when MommysWithCancer became a non-profit in 2011. Anastasia says that the MommysWithCancer Group is the sisterhood you’re infinitely grateful to have, but would never choose to be a part of.
Marta Blum, MSW, Co-founder
Marta is a two-time cancer survivor and the co-founder of MommyswithCancer, which she launched in 2010—just one month before her daughter Ella’s first birthday.
Driven by strength and purpose, Marta is passionate about inspiring other moms and empowering those facing cancer to keep fighting with hope and courage. When she’s not working to uplift others, she cherishes time spent with her husband, daughters, and extended family.
Seana Amador
My name is Seana and I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. My daughter was just 16 months old at the time. I was referred to MommysWithCancer by a childhood friend who knew one of the founders, Marta Blum. What a great group therapy scenario to be able to get help and to be able to bring your child to therapy. In 2011, group was at Marta’s home and amazing childcare was offered during session. From the moment my daughter and I started attending the group therapy sessions, I knew I had found a place to reflect, share, understand and offer help to other Mommies experiencing the beast of breast cancer. I am now a proud Board Member of MommysWithCancer. Some unfortunate experiences have silver linings. The relationships that I have built over the past 14 years have been life changing and I hold them dear to my heart.
Maria Chua
Maria was diagnosed with breast cancer during the pandemic in February 2021. She went through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation when the norm was to isolate and distance oneself especially when immuno-compromised. The incredible support of MommysWithCancer during that time provided a lifeline and continues to be a loving community of which she proudly serves as a Board Member. Her passion is advocating for cancer survivors, thrivers and their loved ones to have support in every way possible.
Nancy Flores, RN, BSN, OCN
I recently retired from a fulfilling career as an outpatient oncology nurse at UCLA. It’s been a truly humbling journey that has spanned over 30 years. As I enter this new chapter in life, I value the importance of health and well-being. My spouse and I plan to enjoy the opportunity of travel, staying active, and spending more time with family and friends. My true dedication and blessing will be to continue caring for my 96 year-old father whose resilience inspires me.
Leslie Friedman
Leslie is native Ohioan whose career in the Los Angeles nonprofit sector has included managing programs that serve low-income seniors, overseeing a network of food pantries serving people experiencing hunger and homelessness, and raising funds to bring arts education into classrooms in underserved communities. As a long-time supporter of MommysWithCancer — and as someone whose own life has been touched by cancer — Leslie cares deeply about MWC’s mission. She’s dedicated to using her skills to help MommysWithCancer expand its capacity to support the well-being of more moms and their families.
Karyn Palmer
I may be one of the luckiest women on earth. I have wonderful children, amazing grandchildren, the two best pups and friends that make my life complete.
I am very fortunate to have had a very interesting and meaningful professional life, working for non-profits and city government.
My involvement with MommysWithCancer, since its inception, is the cherry on the cake. The work we do in supporting women with cancer can not be over-stated. We are a lifeline and I am very proud to be a part of it.
Maryhelen Torres
A 10 year breast cancer survivor, Maryhelen has transformed her personal journey of struggle into a lifelong mission to uplift and inspire others. As a mother of two daughters and an educator with over 40 years of service, she has balanced courage and compassion both in her personal life and in the educational community . Her experience with cancer deepened her empathy and fueled her passion for advocacy, not only for student rights, but also for health awareness and empowerment. Known for being outspoken, supportive, and unafraid to stand up for what’s right, she continues to champion hope, education, and the power of perseverance in every aspect of her life. Maryhelen has turned a challenging chapter of her life into a source of strength and hope for countless others.
