BEST OF HEALTH Survivors Taking Back Their Lives After Cancer with Judy Pearson and Andrea Evans
Recognizing that helping is healing, A 2nd Act supports and celebrates women survivors of all cancers who are using their gifts of life and experience to give back to the greater good. Funds raised via our live storytelling performances, book sales, donations and grants allow us to fund our programs and make annual micro grants to women survivors ready to launch or grow their 2nd Acts.
A graduate of Michigan State University, and a Triple Negative Breast Cancer survivor, award- winning writer Judy Pearson has millions of published words to her credit. This includes three books, with another in the works.
Judy’s survivorship led her to found A2ndAct.org. An organization of survivors helping survivors take back their lives after cancer, their work includes: live story telling performances as fund raisers, published books, workshops for survivors and micro grants to other women ready to launch their own 2nd Acts.
A resident of Phoenix, Judy was featured for her work in survivorship in the 2014 Cancer Progress Report of the American Association of Cancer Research, named one of Chicago’s most inspirational women, and was a finalist as a 2018 Phoenix Healthcare Hero.
Follow A 2nd Act on Facebook and Twitter.
Frontdoors Media is a publication company dedicated to celebrating the people and groups who give generously and work to build the future of our community. Frontdoors content is delivered through several platforms, including Frontdoors Magazine each month, The Knock newsletter each week, FrontdoorsTV with Carey Pena and the annual Tax Credit Giving Guide.
Andrea Evans is the Publisher of Frontdoors Media, which was founded in 2001 and acquired by Andrea in 2017. Prior to the acquisition of Frontdoors, she was the Principal of Event Planning for Evans Communications. Andrea launched her event consulting business in September 2003, following a successful career as the event planner for two of the Valley’s largest nonprofit agencies. She has served as a political fundraising expert as well, with a distinguished list of clients on the local, statewide and national level.
Andrea is a proud Arizona State University alumni and a graduate of Valley Leadership Institute. She volunteers with a number of nonprofit organizations that help women, children and the arts in our community. Andrea is married to Tom Evans and mom to Thomas, Ellie and their rescue kitty, Sally.
Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn, and follow Frontdoors Media on Twitter and Facebook.
WHY BEST OF HEALTH?
I am a Physician Assistant who has been caring for patients for over 20 years and Family Practice (cradle to grave) is my specialty.
Following the footsteps of three generations of family practice physicians (my father, grandfather and great grandfather) this was a natural and genetic calling that I do not regret.
Given this, I have a unique perspective and it’s time to share that perspective through Ask the PA. As a health care provider, teacher, business owner, patient, and advocate for my family and friends throughout the years, it has been painfully apparent there are disconnects within the current state of health care in the US and throughout the world. It can be confusing and frankly very scary.
It is my goal though this series, Best of Health, to bring people together that are passionate about their roles in the business of health care… and yes, whether or not you want to hear that it’s a business, it is — and that’s the fact. I will introduce to you great, dedicated practitioners and people with a passion for getting the word out about their personal journeys and causes. I will provide information about navigating through a confusing system, asking the right questions and share ways for saving money and time along the way.
It’s time to create change by partnering, empowering, and focusing on the patient, their families and their providers of care. It’s time for you to take the driver’s seat rather than leave your health care solely in the hands of entities such as insurance companies and the pharmaceutical industry.
Stay tuned. Here’s to your Best of Health.
~ Barb
ABOUT BARB
Barb is a Physician Assistant (PA) and a primary care provider with a passion for education and advocacy. Prior to becoming a Physician Assistant (PA), Barb was an accomplished musician and teacher. In 1992, Barb made the conscious decision to leave teaching and her musical career in pursuit of a career in medicine. She graduated from AT Still University’s first PA class in 1997 with a Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.
Barb has spent several years working in clinics and family practices. Currently, Barb works for Premise Health at Insight Enterprises in Tempe, AZ as a solo practitioner providing primary care to employees and families on campus. She was also a partner in Renaissance Medical Group and Renaissance Medical Properties in Chandler and Maricopa, AZ and had a dual role of Chief Operations Officer and practicing PA for 14 years.
Along with being a PA, Barb is the author of the book Surviving the “Business” of Healthcare, Knowledge is Power! She is a certified Medical Professional Legal Consultant and Patient Advocate, speaker and influencer for change in healthcare for the patient, provider and family members. Barb is also certified by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants and is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
In her spare time, she loves to travel, maintaining an active lifestyle that includes running, biking, swimming. She loves to spend time outdoors with her family and friends, whether it’s walking on the beach or hiking in the desert.
For more information about Ask the PA and to connect with Barb:
