Board, Staff: About Us at AWWWF

*The people who keep the Foundation running* Officers - Brenda M. Rider - Karen S. Stilgenbauer - Janeen A. Williams Board of Directors - Deborah H. Dashko - Diane Folkwein - Karyn Frederick - Thomas E. Himes - Charlotte Labuda - Alan Matavich - Dorothy Mattson - William G. Reeves - Brenda M. Rider - Karen S. Stilgenbauer - Janeen A. Williams - Christopher Yambar Administrative Staff - Kimberly Dietz	Sponsors \| Contributors \| Volunteers \| Become a Volunteer WHO WE ARE : Board Members and Staff The A Way With Words Foundation exists to give a voice and a means to action to people who are concerned about cancer in children. Whether someone serves as an official of the 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, as a sponsor, or as a volunteer, they all seem to get involved beyond a single classification of their contribution. The Foundation is a 'hands-on' supporter of cancer survivors and cancer research, a fact that enhances the experience of the contributors and benefactors, and that all that matters to those who make the Foundation work. All officers, board members, and administrative staff serve without salary as their contribution to the efforts of the Foundation, permitting the highest amount of the donations to go to cancer agencies that assist cancer survivors and fund cancer research.		"It's not about how much time you have here, it's what you did with it that counts" -- Diane Folkwein

		DEBORAH H. DASHKO Deborah has worked with cancer patients and their families for over 20 years in the Mahoning Valley, Ohio. A Registered Nurse, Deborah is known all over the valley as a cancer counselor, and she is responsible for organizing many of the group therapy meetings still in existence today. Deborah is a cancer survivor herself, who has experienced the disease from both sides of the bed, making her an amazing advocate for every cancer patient and their related families. Out of her own experience, Deborah recognized the need for sharing personal experiences with others and created "I Can Cope" classes for cancer patients and their families. The success of Deborah's ideas have proven that by sharing the fear and little victories with a 'Circle of Friends,' each patient and their supportive network becomes stronger. Deborah has served and continues to serve on various cancer-related organizations, including as the President of Mahoning County Board, American Cancer Society from 2005-06; as a member of the CancerCare Client Advisory Committee in 2004; as a member of state and national American Cancer Society Boards; and as a member of other Boards within Mahoning County. She received the Nurse of Hope award in 1990. Currently she is the CEO of the Select Specialty Hospital of Youngstown, Ohio. Return to top

		KIM DIETZ is the Recording Secretary for the A Way With Words Foundation, Inc. (AWWWF). Equally noteworthy is that Kim is always there helping with the R.O.C.c.K. Children's Choir performances, the annual spring Charity Golf Scramble, and the ever-changing auctions. Return to top

		DIANE FOLKWEIN is retired from a shop in Canfield she owned called "Present Company." Her dedication to the community had reached far beyond the average person. Before ever becoming a cancer survivor herself, she was a volunteer for Hospice of the Valley for many years. In addition to serving as a board member of the A Way With Words Foundation, Inc., Diane finds time to serve on the boards of the Silver Lining Cancer Fund, the Forrest Lawn Memorial Park, and The Bummer Fund. She states,"It's not about how much time you have here, it's what you did with it that counts." With all her community work, her two children, five grandchildren and one great grandchild are still the center of her attention. Return to top

		KARYN FREDERICK Karyn is most well known as a key editor of the annual books of poetry and stories published annually by the A Way With Words Foundation, Inc. In addition to the various volunteer tasks Karyn performs for the A Way With Words Foundation, Inc., some of Karyn's other important accomplishments include: Executive Director - Mahoning County Medical Society Board member - Silver Lining Cancer Fund, A Way With Words Foundation Elder and past Board Chair - Canfield Christian Church 2007 Athena Award Nominee Volunteer - American Cancer Society, Relay for Life Member - American Association of Medical Society Executives Born in Western Pennsylvania, Karyn grew up in Canfield, Ohio and attended Mary Washington College in Virginia. Karyn is proud of her 6 years as Executive Director of Ohio Academy of Nursing Homes. As Director of Training & Development for Northeast Ohio Adoption Services, Karyn served from 1999 through 2001 before joining the Mahoning County Medical Society in November of 2001. Return to top

		*THOMAS HIMES* quietly fills in the blanks as the A Way With Words Foundation, Inc. (AWWWF) volunteer accountant and board member. Tom donates his tax services for all the projects the Foundation sponsors. Tom's dedication to others started when he was young and continues to this day. After he served in the US Army, Tom went to college. While attending college, he began working in the family business of Himes Tax Service. As part of that same business, Tom has been the Finance officer for the American Legion for the past 20 years. He also contributes to his community by serving on the committee for the Columbiana Project Playground at Firestone Funland park, and on the committee for the Columbiana Street Fair. When he is not helping someone, Tom enjoys collecting cars and gardening. Return to top

	Charlotte Labuda directing the R.O.C.c.K Children's Choir at a Barnes & Noble Book Fair, October 2007. Courtesy Karen O'Malia	*CHARLOTTE LABUDA* Hello, as choreographer and associate director of the R.O.C.c.K. Children's Choir, it has been a long journey to reach this point, but it is a place of great personal significance and satisfaction to me. As one of six children raised in Youngstown, Ohio, others may say that I grew up poor, but because my home was always filled with people, love, laughter, music, and creativity, I never really noticed. I remember being taught to appreciate a wide range of music from honky-tonk, country, rock and roll, classics, gospel, hard rock, funk, jazz, and everything in between. In 1980 I lost my father to a long battle with diabetes and that same year I dropped out of college to take a job with Fred Astaire Dance Studios. As a dance instructor, I competed professionally in Ohio, Florida and Canada. A high moment for me was when I, with my partner and 5 other professional instructors, performed as an opening act for Manhattan Transfer. Another keystone event happened in February, 1993, when I won my first song-writing contest with the song, “No Time Is Better.” I wrote the song for my soon-to-be husband. In 2000 my mother was diagnosed with cancer. During this time I met Brenda Rider, who was a major support to me and my family through this crisis. During my mother’s last days, my family’s love of music gave us the strength to cope. Months after my mother passed away, I joined Brenda Rider's Relay For Life team. At that time, Brenda had just lost her uncle to cancer. The following year I joined the 2002 Relay For Life team to pay tribute to the amazing fight my mother put up during her bout with this disease. In 2003, Brenda asked me to help choreograph some dance moves to accompany songs that the R.O.C.c.K Children's Choir were performing. I have been with the choir ever since because I love working with the kids. The children are amazing: always happy and silly. I think I get along with the kids because I myself am a big goofy kid! I deeply enjoy spending time with family and friends singing, dancing, and sharing their love of music. Brenda has shown me I can write poetry, another personal milestone which I still pursue. Return to top

		*ALAN MATAVICH* Alan started in private practice as a lawyer the year he graduated cum laude from Ohio State University with a law degree. He enjoys being challenged by complex cases and has over 25 years experience in general civil, criminal, and business law. Alan donates his expertise, time, and money to the A Way With Words Foundation, Inc. (AWWWF). Under Brenda Rider's encouragement, Alan has become an accomplished poet and song writer. Recently his song "How'd Ya Get To Hyder" ( The "Gift" of Giving (March 2006), page 38) was featured in a TV documentary of Hyder Alaska. Alan's latest songwriting adventure, "Dumb as Dillon" was put to music by Brenda Rider, sung by Mike Talanca, and published in December 2007. He has generously donated the song and all proceeds to the A Way With Words Foundation, Inc. When he gets a chance, Alan pursues his other passion: sports. He is a fan of Ohio State football, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Cleveland Indians. Return to top

		DOROTHY MATTSON Dorothy retired from the Tallmadge Police Department after more than 30 years of service. With her liberated time, she became an important part of A Way With Words Foundation, Inc. Dorothy volunteers her time to assist with the annual Charity Golf Scramble and various auctions. In between events, Dorothy puts her editing skills to use, assisting the Foundation's publication efforts by keeping the grammar and spelling up to standard. Dorothy is a passionate fan of the Foundation's projects and in whatever task she does, she leaves a lasting trail of uplifting enthusiasm. Return to top

		WILLIAM G. REEVES, M.D. As an Oncologist and Hematologist, Dr. Reeves is a full-time warrior against cancer, and he brings that wisdom to the Board of the A Way With Words Foundation, Inc. (AWWWF). Ever since he witnessed first hand the healing power of expression through the creative projects of the Foundation, Dr. Reeves has been a staunch supporter of the Foundation's work. Dr. Reeves graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in biology from Texas Christian University and obtained a medical degree from State University of New York (SUNY) - Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York. He came to Youngstown for his internship and residency in Internal Medicine. When changes in the medical care system happened in the Warren-Youngstown, Ohio metropolitan area, Dr. Reeves joined with four other doctors to form The Hope Center for Cancer Care. Dr. Reeves is a member of numerous associations, including American College of Physicians, American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Ohio State Medical Assn., the Mahoning County Medical Assn., the Southwest Oncology Group, and the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP). The doctor is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at NEOUCOM and he also serves as a principal investigator for research protocols. Dr. Reeves has written numerous articles and abstracts on cancer-related topics. His hobbies include scuba diving, hiking, bicycling, golf, gardening, snow skiing, and reading. His latest endeavor is learning how to fly an airplane. Return to top

		*KAREN STILGENBAUER* Born in Canton Ohio, Karen was a professional singer and dancer before she married and had children. She performed with the Canton Playhouse for several years. She has three children and four granddaughters, the "Light" of her life. She's worked as an office manager for over 25 years at Glorious Homes, Inc. She's a volunteer at the A Way With Words Foundation, Inc. (AWWWF) and Relay For Life. Among her other tasks, Karen keeps everyone up to date as the information coordinator for the R.O.C.c.K. Children's Choir. Her hobbies include her grandchildren and whatever they are involved with, music, dancing, and watching football. Return to top

Elissa Matthews, drew this "Flower of Hope" when she was 5 years old and a member of the R.O.C.c.K. Children's Choir. The drawing was published in the book The "Gift" of Giving (March 2006), page 35. Elissa also wrote the poem, "The Rocck Choir", on page 11.		JANEEN WILLIAMS From childhood, music and charity has always been a part of Janeen's life. Janeen, with her brothers Eric and James McClenand, performed as children in church and for every and any worthwhile cause. Through the years she and her brothers have done numerous concerts to raise money for many local causes. They truly have a gift and share it with the world. It was through her work as a committee person for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life that Janeen first met Brenda Rider. As a result of their collaboration, Janeen recorded Brenda's first song called "Rainbow of Ribbons." Today Janeen is still a professional singer and songwriter. Working together, Janeen and Brenda created the Foundation and the R.O.C.c.K Children's Choir. In another joint project, Janeen and Brenda designed the A Way With Words Foundation, Inc. logo of the guitar, ribbon and plume --- tying together all they hoped to accomplish with this foundation. Janeen continues her charity work with Life Banc, an organ donation company, and Weight Watchers, again helping others in a difficult time. Although Janeen is currently between cities, her heart and voice is with the A Way With Words Foundation, Inc. Janeen is married to the Reverend Mark Williams and has two grown children, Andrew and Janna. Return to top

	Chris Yambar at launch of new LIVEMAXX™ cancer survivor comic book. Courtesy Tasha Agustin	*CHRISTOPHER YAMBAR* Chris Yambar is an internationally-recognized author, artist, and comic character creator who has been enthusiastically supportive of Brenda Rider and the A Way With Words Foundation, Inc.'s work with cancer survivors. As a sponsor of the Foundation, Chris created the LIFEMAXX™ and related cancer-survivor-story comic book characters. With the help of graphic artist George Broderick, Jr., Chris launched the first copies of the new comic book concept in November 2007. He has just increased the level of his involvement with the Foundation by becoming a new Board Member in January 2008. View his full biographical statement on the LIFEMAXX™ Headquarters site at http://www.lifemaxxhq.org/bios.htm Return to top

A Way With Words Foundation, Inc. (AWWWF) is a non-profit 501(c)3 foundation dedicated to raising money for cancer research and for the support of kids touched by cancer. All donations are tax deductible.

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Page updated 26 August 2008 ca