Our Mission
The Journey Fund assists those affected by cancer who are facing social, financial, or emotional obstacles on their courageous journey with dignity. By addressing barriers through acts of kindness and dignity, The Journey Fund ensures that no one should feel alone on the journey.
Our purpose is to provide services ranging from transportation to daily needs, physical and mental wellness, and program development.
Diversity Statement
The Journey Fund is committed to equity for all people and systems in our communities. We welcome and serve all, regardless of race, nationality, religion, faith, gender, sexual orientation, cultural background, and ability.
Meet the Board
Sibel Blau, MD
Founder & President
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Blau has been in clinical practice since 2001. She is also very involved with clinical research program at Northwest Medical Specialties where she is the Medical Director for Hematology-Oncology division and is the head of the Precision Medicine program.
Laureen Skirvan
Vice President
President of Wren & Willow, Inc
Laureen Skrivan is President of Wren & Willow, Inc. a design-build general contractor. She began the company in 2008, has been a board member of the Master Builders Association of Pierce County for ten years, and served as their president in 2014.
Donna Banks, RN
Secretary
Oncology Nurse Navigator
Donna Banks is a nurse navigator/case manager at Northwest Medical Specialties. She has been an oncology nurse for over 20 years and couldn’t imagine working with any other patient population. Donna created several patient assistance programs over the years and is very excited to serve on The Journey Fund’s board. “What a blessing it is to me to help a cancer patient in their greatest time of need.”
Abra Kelson, LICSW, DSW Treasurer
Social Worker
Abra Kelson, a licensed independent clinical social worker, has served as an oncology social worker for nine years and has been on the board of directors with The Journey Fund since its founding. Abra has continually served in leadership roles working to promote psychosocial oncology, advancing programs and services related to practical, social, and emotional aspects of cancer care. Additionally, Abra is a passionate advocate in state and federal arenas, advocating for improvements in cancer care, including access, quality, and cost.
Kate Dobson
Board Member
VP, Industry Development & Communications, ONCare Alliance
Coming soon….
Blair Irwin, MD
Board Member
Medical Oncologist
Blair Irwin, MD, MBA, is board certified in oncology, as well as internal medicine. She is passionate about improving the delivery, quality, efficiency, access and cost-effectiveness of cancer care. Her clinical and research interests include solid tumor cancers and palliative care. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling and playing racquet sports.
Mary Stumph, Co-Founder
Past Executive Director
Application Committee
Mary Stumph graduated with a degree in Pharmacy from Washington State University. She recently retired after a 30 year career in pharmaceuticals with Eli Lilly & Co. Mary is a breast cancer survivor and passionate about helping patients with their journey through cancer.
Meet the Executive Director
Melanie Junio
Executive Director
MBA Candidate
Melanie graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Social Work and is currently completing her Master of Business Administration. Her commitment to The Journey Fund’s mission is deeply personal, serving as a caregiver for both of her parents during their cancer treatments, she understands firsthand the emotional and financial challenges families face. As Executive Director, Melanie brings both professional expertise and compassion to the role, with a vision to support and uplift even more cancer patients along their journey.