Committee members

The WYCC Steering Committee is responsible for making key operational decisions in conjunction with the coalition to guide cancer prevention and control efforts and accomplish the mission set forth in the Wyoming Cancer Control Plan. They focus efforts on developing priorities and increasing the visibility of the coalition and monitoring and evaluating the plan for progress on outcomes. They support the implementation of practices to help sustain WYCC efforts and monitor the progress of the WYCC, ensuring timely action on issues raised during meetings. The committee is also responsible for attending steering committee meetings as well as coalition meetings, recruit new members and organizations, appoint committees, as necessary, and communicate the mission and vision of the coalition.

Steering committee members meet at least quarterly, with two face-to-face meetings held in conjunction with the bi-annual WYCC meetings and two conference calls. Additional meetings or calls may be scheduled based on work projects. Members are also asked to serve a two-year term, which may be renewed.

WYCC Steering Committee Members

Joe Grandpre, Phd, MPH

Chronic Disease and Maternal Child Health Epidemiology

Wyoming Department of Health

Joe became interested in cancer prevention and control because cancer is the second leading cause of death in Wyoming and because it sucks. He joined the WYCC because Chris Thomas asked him to join in 2002. Joe would tell individuals interested in joining the WYCC that while there have been many strides in treating cancer in the last decades we still need to work on prevention. We will never prevent all cancers but delaying cancer as long as possible is a worthwhile and noble goal for all of us.

John van Doorninck, MD

Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist

Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children

Dr. John van Doorninck is a pediatric hematologist/oncologist with Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. He became interested in cancer prevention and control because as a pediatric oncologist practicing in the state of Wyoming, he is committed to minimizing cancer burden for the residents of this state, both adult and pediatric. This goal includes initiatives aimed at cancer prevention, early detection, and increased support for those diagnosed with cancer.

He first became involved in the WYCC to help promote pediatric cancer policies and initiatives in the state’s cancer control plan. However, as his involvement grew, his role expanded to become a member of the steering committee, and later as one of the three co-chairs of the organization.

He believes cancer will inevitably affect our lives, be it through a personal diagnosis of cancer or a loved one being diagnosed with cancer. Joining the WYCC allows one to take a proactive approach to cancer’s inevitable presence in our lives. Its members create and implement the state’s Cancer Control Plan. In so doing, WYCC members have a voice in caring for themselves, their loved ones, and members of their community.

Val Walsh-Haines

Prevention & Wellness, Cancer Prevention Specialist, Wyoming Cancer Resource Services Region III Coordinator

Cody Regional Health

Val is the Wyoming Cancer Resource Services Region IV Coordinator. She became interested in cancer prevention and control because she believes most of us have been touched by cancer in some way and the impact of a cancer diagnosis can be devastating for the patient, their friends and family and the community. She also believes promoting cancer screenings and early detection is important to improving the outcomes of any cancer diagnosis. Although Wyoming provides free screenings to qualified residents, the state still trails behind most states in regards to recommended cancer screenings. Education is key to increasing Wyoming’s screening rates.

She joined the WYCC because she believes the group does great work providing valuable information to all of its members regarding, not only statewide initiatives, but also national resources and training opportunities. The coalition meetings and trainings are invaluable to keeping up with new priorities in cancer prevention and control. The networking is very worthwhile as our membership is representing the entire state.

She would encourage interested individuals to join because in our rural state, the importance of having a statewide organization to educate stakeholders about the trends, trainings, and advancements in cancer care are imperative. The coalition offers many ways to support their efforts – joining a workgroup centered on your area of interest, providing opportunities to share your trainings and events, and access to toolkits and data on a variety of cancer topics.