Erin C. Gilbert

RDN, CSO, LDN

As a dietitian, I strive to help clients nourish their bodies in a way that is adequate, sustainable, flexible, and enjoyable! I was fortunate to discover the unique role of oncology dietitians during my dietetic internship through La Salle University in Philadelphia. Shortly after graduation, I immersed myself in the oncology nutrition field, gaining experience at MD Anderson Cancer Center as well as the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center (via Jefferson Health). At Jefferson Health I worked closely with people battling pancreatic, esophageal & hematological cancers. Hungry to expand my knowledge, I became a certified specialist in oncology nutrition (CSO) in 2019.

Next, I set out to bring my skillset to the Hawaiian Islands, following my (now!) husband who was stationed at Pearl Harbor with the US Navy. I had the unique opportunity there to expand the role of nutrition care within the outpatient treatment center at Straub Medical Center in Honolulu. I was also proud to present the first virtual nutrition education presentation for oncology patients and caregivers there during the COVID pandemic.

I’m excited to be back on the East Coast now and working with Cancer Nutrition Care. I find it very fulfilling to help patients learn about the power nutrition holds in feeling their best, staying strong, preventing complications, and improving overall quality of life through cancer treatment and beyond.

Outside of work I love exploring new cities, breweries & foods (of course!) and hiking with my husband & rescue dog, Whistler.

Madelyn Wilcox

RDN, CSO

Growing up, I always knew that I loved all things food: eating it, cooking it, sharing it. However, it was not until I accidentally bumped into a nutrition professor in college, that I realized that I could make a career of it! I started my professional studies in the fall of 2011 at Central Michigan University, and by spring 2014, I had earned my Bachelor of Science Degree, majoring in Dietetics. I was accepted into Graduate School at Central Michigan University where I completed my clinical rotations and passed my board certification exam to officially be credentialed as a Registered Dietitian.

I started practicing as a dietitian in the summer of 2015. I worked briefly as a Clinical Nutrition Manager, for a long term care facility, but quickly transitioned into a role as an outpatient oncology dietitian, and I have never looked back. I earned my CSO credential in the fall of 2019, and to this day, I am even more certain that the field of oncology is exactly where my heart resides.

Working with oncology patients and their loved ones has provided me so much more than a paycheck, but a sense of purpose, belonging and community. It is true when they say, “you will never fight alone,” and I know that I am beyond blessed to be a part of so many peoples’ journeys and to be by their side as they fight the good fight.

My husband and I live in a small town west of Traverse City, Michigan. We share our home with 100 pounds of pure fluff and love, our dog Murphy. When we are not working, we can often be found exploring local beaches, hiking, following a wild hair, or road tripping through the back roads of Northern Michigan.

Lori Bumbaco

MS, RDN, CSO, LDN

Oncology nutrition is my passion, and this is something that I discovered almost twenty years ago, and I have not wavered. My career path has provided me with tremendous opportunities to serve the cancer community, including working in hospitals, non-profit wellness, research studies, and culinary collaborations. Naturally, my journey has led me to join the CNC team, because I believe that every single person diagnosed with cancer should have a dietitian on their team. Our virtual reach will afford this opportunity to more patients and caregivers.

Upon learning the fact that not every cancer patient has the chance to work with a dietitian, I felt inspired to pursue a Master’s Degree to improve the current situation. Statistics have shown a lack of access to oncology dietitians. I believe that anyone affected by cancer should have the opportunity to work with a dietitian who is a board certified specialist in oncology nutrition. The CNC team, comprised of dietitians who have earned this specialty credential, are a passionate group of dietitians that are eager to empower patients with the advantage of nourishment through all stages of their cancer care. Because there has been an increased awareness in the
critical value of nutrition for all cancer patients, this is an exciting time!

My approach, when working with patients, is to partner with them to make decisions together, rather than telling them what to eat or not eat. Some refer to me as the “Permission Dietitian.” One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been witnessing the transformation a person makes when exploring the potential of optimal nutrition. Nutrition promotes health in every aspect of their life! Yes, food is essential for life, but deciding what to eat is an act of
self-care, it connects us with others, and it empowers our lives. I believe that food is more than just nutrition.

I am an East Coast transplant living in Chicago’s North Shore, where I still reap the benefits of vast farm markets in the summer, and I begrudgingly manage the winter with sips of warm tea and steaming bowls of soup. As a former semi-pro soccer player, I maintain my need for activity by running with my dogs, golfing with my husband, and riding bikes with the kids.

JoAnna Hazard

MS, RD, CSO, LDN

JoAnna Hazard is a Registered Dietitian (RD) who holds a Master of Science in nutrition and dietetics. She has practiced nutrition for over ten years in a variety of settings, but found her passion while working at a major integrative cancer center in Philadelphia. While there she obtained board certification in oncology nutrition (CSO). She spent several years working in a stem cell transplant center which allowed for further specialization in hematological cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.

JoAnna is an active member of the academy of nutrition and dietetics and is a member of the oncology and nutrition support practice groups. She has presented both nationally and internationally on the topics of health and wellness as it relates to cancer and has made multiple media appearances to do the same. After acquiring a certification in culinary nutrition, JoAnna started providing cooking classes and lecturing on the simplicity of using real foods in daily life.

In her free time JoAnna volunteers at a local cancer wellness center and fosters kittens for the local SPCA.