Meet Our Board: Melissa Jacoby

We are thrilled to welcome Melissa Jacoby, our newest Board member, as this week's guest blogger. Melissa is the Chief Operating Officer at First Financial Trust and was featured in our spring e-newsletter. We are grateful to have her "on Board" and are excited to introduce her to you, our faithful blog readers!

How long have you served on the Board of The SAMFund?

I am the newest member of The SAMFund Board, gratefully accepting my position in 2012.

There are more than 1.2 million charities in the country. What attracted you to The SAMFund?

Samantha, of course. The idea that someone who has been through such a significant obstacle has identified a need and dedicated themselves to making things better for future survivors is a wonderful quality in a person and part of Sam’s appeal. She is the strength and hope behind the organization. I was attracted to the idea of becoming part of it because of the promise this organization can offer young adult survivors and the hope it can foster. I am excited to help the SAMFund increase its scope and maintain its strength by offering my personal assistance and professional skills in a meaningful way.

What does your background bring to your role?

I am an attorney who has spent the last 12 years working in estate planning with a specialty in trust administration and philanthropic planning. I enjoy connecting people and organizations in a meaningful way to help both entities achieve their goals.

What are the biggest challenges you see facing young adult survivors today?

This is a challenging economy for young adults looking to find a job and live an independent life. For those who have medical bills, gaps in their resumes, personal struggles and health to worry about, the challenge becomes greater. As a country, we have so many programs aimed at helping people who have other types of struggles, but no one really helps young adult survivors get back on track.

How is The SAMFund growing to address these challenges and what makes you excited to be a part of it?The SAMFund continues to evolve and generate ways to address the current needs and desires of young adult survivors. Our programs help foster connections and provide resources that may not otherwise be apparent.

What impact do you think The SAMFund has in the cancer community today?

The SAMFund has had such a wonderful and meaningful impact on young cancer survivors by letting them know that they have not fallen off the radar screen because they are on the road to living cancer free. We strive to help them gain traction and become prosperous, successful and self-fulfilled people by demonstrating that with just a little help, they can easily achieve their dreams and go on to do great things. The more people we help, the more people will advocate for the SAMFund to let people know we are here and we can help! The fun has only just begun!