Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Jones.
Hi Jessica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I never expected a position as a breast cancer research nurse to completely reshape my life’s purpose. In 2016, I walked through the doors of the University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Center carrying both hope and heartache – the kind that comes from watching family members battle breast cancer, some emerging victorious, others leaving us too soon. Those personal experiences, though painful, had only scratched the surface of what I was about to learn about this disease.
The learning curve was steep, and I’ll never forget those first days, my heart racing with each new patient interaction. But there was magic in that environment. Robin Holmes, Catherine Rudloff, Drs. Amy Clark and Angela DeMichele didn’t just supervise – they created a space where questions were welcomes. My colleagues became mentors, guiding me through the complexities of cancer research with patience and wisdom.
What truly transformed my perspective were the women I met in clinic. I’d braced myself for rooms heavy with sadness, but instead, I found warriors. These weren’t just patients – they were mothers racing from chemo to their kids’ soccer games, executives leading virtual meetings from treatment chairs, community leaders organizing fundraisers between appointments. Their resilience wasn’t just inspiring – it was revolutionary.
But as months turned into years, I noticed patterns that kept me awake at night: younger and younger women receiving diagnoses, African American women facing drastically different survival odds. These weren’t just statistics on a page – they were faces, stories, lives. Each disparity I witnessed became a call to action I couldn’t ignore.
This calling led to the birth of Starting Point Pathways (originally Stand Up 2 Breast Cancer) in May 2022. We started small but dreamed big. Every health fair we joined, every awareness event we organized, every newsletter we sent out carried one message: clinical trials and cutting-edge treatments shouldn’t be privileges – they’re rights.
What moves me most is the community connection. When I’m at events, listening to people share their fears about research participation or their struggles accessing care, I’m reminded of why we started this journey. These conversations, sometimes whispered, sometimes tear-filled, always honest, fuel our mission to create a navigation program that will help guide people through the clinical trial process.
Today, Starting Point Pathways is seeking to move beyond its initial focus on breast cancer, but our heart remains the same – creating equal access to research and treatment for everyone. Each time I meet someone new at our events or hear a success story from our program participants, I’m transported back to those early days at Abramson Cancer Center, learning from the women who showed me what strength really looks like.
This isn’t just a nonprofit – it’s a promise to those women who taught me so much, to my family members who fought this disease, and to every person who deserves a fighting chance at the best possible treatment. We’re building bridges to better care, one relationship at a time, and watching hope grow in places where it once seemed impossible.
Every day, I’m reminded that this work isn’t just about clinical trials or research access – it’s about people, their stories, their fears, their hopes, and their futures. And as Starting Point Pathways continues to evolve, we’re not just opening doors to clinical trials; we’re opening doors to possibility, to equity, and to a future where everyone has access to the care they deserve.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like many transformative journeys, this path has been beautifully imperfect – filled with unexpected turns that have shaped both me and our mission. Coming from a healthcare background where protocols and procedures were second nature, diving into the non-profit world felt like learning an entirely new language. I found myself navigating unfamiliar territories – from understanding complex IRS requirements and board governance to building sustainable funding strategies.
What began as one of my biggest challenges – distinguishing ourselves in a landscape of established organizations – evolved into an unexpected strength. My background in healthcare research, combined with a deep personal connection to our cause, offered a unique perspective that resonated with our community. I learned that authenticity isn’t just about being yourself; it’s about leveraging your distinct experiences to serve others in ways that only you can.
The most profound revelation came when I realized the power of collective impact. Initially, I approached this venture like a solo mission, carrying the weight of every decision and task on my shoulders. But building a non-profit is more like orchestrating a symphony – it requires diverse talents, perspectives, and strengths working in harmony. From our dedicated board members to our passionate volunteers and supportive community partners, each person brings an essential element to our mission.
These challenges haven’t just been obstacles to overcome; they’ve been crucial chapters in our story. They’ve taught me resilience, humility, and the art of adaptive leadership. Looking back, I see how each struggle has refined our vision and strengthened our foundation. And truthfully? These ‘imperfect’ moments have created something far more meaningful than any smooth road could have offered.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Starting Point Pathways?
Starting Point Pathways transforms the way patients navigate serious health challenges by providing personalized education and advocacy, with an initial focus on breast cancer patients. Drawing from our founder’s seven years of experience at a leading academic cancer center, we specialize in bridging the critical gap between complex medical knowledge and patient understanding.
What sets us apart is our unique expertise in demystifying clinical trials and cutting-edge treatments. We don’t just provide information – we translate complex medical concepts into clear, actionable insights that empower patients to make confident decisions about their care. Our insider knowledge of the healthcare system and clinical research landscape allows us to guide patients through treatment options that they might otherwise never know about.
We’re particularly proud of our holistic approach to health navigation. While many organizations focus solely on medical aspects, we recognize that a health journey encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions. Our personalized educational support prepares patients for doctor’s appointments, helps them understand treatment plans, and connects them with tailored resources that address all aspects of their well-being.
Our mission is deeply personal: we believe that every patient, regardless of their background or resources, deserves to be an informed and active participant in their healthcare journey. Looking ahead, while we’re starting with breast cancer patients, we’re excited to expand our impact to support patients facing other serious health conditions.
When you work with Starting Point Pathways, you’re not just getting information – you’re gaining a knowledgeable ally who understands the complexities of the healthcare system and can help you navigate it with confidence. We’re here to ensure that no patient feels lost or overwhelmed in their health journey, and that everyone has access to the education and support they need to make informed decisions about their care.
Starting Point Pathways offers comprehensive support services for those affected by breast cancer, operating at the intersection of research, education, and patient advocacy. Through their Research Opportunities program, they connect patients with cutting-edge clinical trials and research studies, enabling individuals to both access innovative treatments and contribute to advancing breast cancer research. Their Public Speaking Engagements division features expert-led panels and social media sessions that foster understanding of clinical trials and patient advocacy, while delivering powerful presentations to diverse audiences about breast cancer research developments. Additionally, their Consulting & Support services provide vital guidance to newly diagnosed patients, offering personalized consultation that includes detailed education about treatment options, managing side effects, and navigating survivorship, along with connecting patients to essential emotional support resources and coping strategies.
What’s next?
While our journey begins with transforming the lives of breast cancer patients, our vision extends far beyond. We’re building a foundation of expertise and impact that will soon touch the lives of patients facing various serious health challenges. By starting with breast cancer – where our team’s deep experience can immediately make a difference – we’re creating a powerful model of patient education and empowerment that will evolve to serve diverse medical communities.
This strategic expansion reflects our unwavering commitment to meet patients wherever they are in their health journey. As we grow, we’ll bring our signature blend of personalized support, clinical trial expertise, and comprehensive educational resources to new patient communities, ensuring that no one faces their health challenges alone. Each step forward allows us to refine our approach, deepen our impact, and ultimately fulfill our vision of a healthcare landscape where every patient feels informed, supported, and empowered to make confident decisions about their care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.startingpointpathways.com
- Instagram: startingpointpathways_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14t6SJvDuS/?mibextid=wwXIfr
