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.

Kamorin Samson

RDN, LDN

Nutrition has always been a passion of mine. Becoming a Registered Dietitian felt like the
natural progression, as I continued through higher education. I received my Bachelor of Science
in Nutrition from La Salle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, graduating Summa Cum
Laude. I then completed my internship through ARAMARK at Riddle Hospital in Media,
Pennsylvania. In 2013, I began working as an oncology dietitian at Cancer Treatment Centers of
American (CTCA).

Over the course of 7 years, I worked in coordination with an integrated team of clinicians,
providing nutrition counseling and support to patients and caregivers throughout the journey of
cancer treatment. At CTCA, I provided meaningful, customized nutrition care plans that fit
specific needs, with extensive experience managing aggressive nutrition support. I obtained a
Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition credential, which I held for 5 years while practicing at
CTCA.

I currently offer oncology nutrition counseling for symptom management, guidance on maintaining a
healthy weight through treatment, and serve as a resource for evidence-informed knowledge
regarding the relationship between food and cancer. The information in the field is always
evolving, and staying up-to-date with all the current data can be a monumental task for
patients and their families. I am driven by the desire to take that burden from patients and
caregivers to support them through their cancer journey.

Chef Patty DeGeorge

Professional Chef & Culinary Instructor

I developed a love for cooking around the age of 10, when watching cooks at a local fair create funnel cakes. There was something magical about the thick batter being poured into a hot fryer, the delicious airy treats that emerged really piqued my interest. I figured, since I was tall enough to reach the stove, I could create my own version at home. In the process, I almost burned my house down!

Years later, with the family house still intact, I decided it was best to put forth my efforts into culinary education. Off I went to Le Cordon Bleu, in Miami, Florida, to learn the methods and secrets of the kitchen. I have never looked back! Over the past 15 years, I have been so fortunate to work with some of the industry’s best chefs, learning the trade in plant-forward cooking and developing my own delicious recipes to share with others. With the encouragement of friends, I went on to obtain a Master of Science in Hospitality Management, from Drexel University. This allowed me to focus more on teaching others the importance of customer service, compassion, and care, while working in a service environment.

In 2019 my mother was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer. I watched her struggle with treatment while navigating a new lifestyle, and dietary restrictions. In support of this, I developed simple and nutritious meals and foods that she could enjoy and create on her own, all while staying on her new meal plan. She gave me a different perspective on what it means to “eat the rainbow”, that simple food is good food, and eating a plant-forward diet during, and after, treatment is possible.

When I’m not working or teaching, you can find me competing in the “Toddler Olympics”, chasing after my 2-year-old son, or tasting a variety of international snack foods that my husband, a commercial pilot, always brings home from his travels. I also love to read the latest in cooking and home trends, in my endless collection of magazines, and explore new culinary concepts when traveling. I hope to have the opportunity to work with you and introduce you to the world of food that I am passionate about, and find the best meal solutions given your preferences and lifestyle.

Jenny Spencer

RN, BSN, OCN, CPT, CETI CES
Cancer Exercise Specialist

“Hi! My name is Jenny Spencer. I am an oncology certified nurse, certified personal trainer and cancer exercise specialist. My background in oncology nursing is widespread as I have worked in a variety of oncology settings. I have experience with different primary cancer types, chemotherapy and biotherapy administration as well as management of oral anticancer treatments. My passion to exercise myself and get the patients I cared for moving more eventually led me to be principal investigator in an exercise oncology study involving the neuro-oncology population. I was very fortunate to have this opportunity. The improvement in quality of life, cancer-related fatigue and physical fitness measures of the participants was powerful and encouraging. From there, I fell even more in love with the field of exercise oncology because I saw the power and potential that exercise had in improving quality of life and decreasing cancer-related fatigue.

I started Fight the Fatigue® to continue to practice as a cancer exercise specialist. There is strong evidence that exercise combats cancer-related fatigue, anxiety and depression and improves physical functioning and overall quality of life throughout the entire cancer care continuum. My passion is to improve the quality of life and empower those living with cancer through exercise programming. I also enjoy practicing what I preach and find joy in being active outdoors with my husband, friends and family, running, practicing yoga, dancing to great music and exploring different exercise classes!”

Jenny Spencer, RN, BSN, OCN, CPT, CETI CES
Founder and Owner
Fight the Fatigue®, LLC
http://www.fight-the-fatigue.com
Empowering those living with cancer through exercise.