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Dr. Eggen's career is unique and, fortunately for RRP, offers the perfect blend of experiences for the role. These experiences include roles and professional education in cancer research, community engagement, patient advocacy, information technology and social and cultural psychology.

Before joining RRP, she was Research Director for the Cancer Health Disparities Initiative within the University of Wisconsin-Madison Carbone Cancer Center, directing community-engaged cancer research development with underserved populations. She led community-academic partnership development, creating forums for researchers, patients and community members to co-design research that meet the most important cancer-related needs as defined by community members.

She entered the world of cancer while completing her Ph.D. in Social and Cultural Psychology at UW-Madison, serving as her father’s advocate through his cancer journey.

She went on to train as a patient advocate – and then educate as Clinical Faculty – with the UW’s Center for Patient Partnerships. Dr. Eggen’s RRP role working with patients and clinicians on RUNX1-FPD education, awareness, research development and advocacy engages both these varied experiences and her personal passion for supporting families affected by life-changing diagnoses.

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Catherine Pelton holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Communication from Drake University. Her career began at Blank Children's Hospital, Iowa's largest children's hospital, where she served as the Public Relations and Special Events Coordinator. In this role, she managed over 500 volunteers and orchestrated the hospital's largest annual fundraising event, The Festival of Trees and Lights.

Catherine then grew her expertise in strategic communication at the advertising agency Strategic America as a Senior Account Executive. Here, she managed a diverse portfolio of clients across various industries, shaping and implementing their marketing and PR strategies. Additionally, Catherine dedicated several years of service on the Board of Directors for Central Iowa Shelter and Services, Iowa’s largest emergency homeless shelter. She spearheaded the strategic communications for a $14M capital campaign to build a new shelter.

Following a move to Seattle, Catherine assumed the role of Managing Editor/Producer for an education advocacy blog and podcast. Later, she relocated to Camarillo, California, with her husband, Christopher, and joined RRP.

Motivated by a personal commitment to cancer research following her father’s untimely death from a rare blood vessel cancer, Catherine is deeply passionate about contributing to the RUNX1 community. She is committed to leveraging her communication skills to advance RRP’s mission to prevent and ultimately eradicate blood cancer.

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Lydia Harper earned a bachelor’s degree in Strategic Organizational Communications from Brigham Young University - Idaho and is currently pursuing her master’s in Marketing Analytics from Western Governors University. 

Lydia began her career as a Communications Specialist at Bryghtpath LLC, a consulting agency specializing in crisis management, crisis communications, and business continuity. In this role, she developed strategic communications, supported client engagements, managed marketing content, and contributed to product development. 

She then expanded her community engagement and healthcare marketing expertise as a Practice Liaison at Wright Physical Therapy. She led outreach initiatives to strengthen relationships with referring physicians, analyzed referral trends to drive strategic improvements, and organized community events to enhance brand visibility. She also implemented internal referral programs to optimize patient transitions and collaborated with marketing and clinic leaders to execute high-impact campaigns, increasing awareness and patient engagement.  

As RRP’s Communications and Operations Coordinator, Lydia channels her passion for helping others into fostering collaboration and driving impactful initiatives within the team. She is thrilled to fulfill her longtime dream of working with a nonprofit dedicated to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Mary Silverstein – Financial Consultant

Mary joined the RRP team in Sept 2019. In close collaboration with the team, she provides ongoing financial reporting, HR support and strategic planning services.

Ms. Silverstein is the co-owner of RMG, LLC. In partnership with her husband, Richard Ginsburg, their boutique consulting firm provides Relevant Management Guidance to a core group of private and public organizations.

Previously, she was the founding CEO of a community foundation—based in San Pedro, CA—formed to mitigate environmental impacts from the Port of Los Angeles. During her tenure, the foundation awarded nearly $10 million in grants for research and projects designed to improve the health and safety of the neighboring communities. Ms. Silverstein is the recipient of the 2015 Port of Los Angeles - Angels Gate Light Award, from the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners.

A move to Florida with her spouse in 2015 prompted the formation of their consulting company.

With an MBA from UC Berkeley and a BBA from the University of Alaska, she has more than 30 years of experience in finance, non-profit management, and strategic planning.

With a personal history of cancer within her family, Ms. Silverstein is honored to support the growth of her favorite client, RRP.