Jennifer spent many years in respiratory distress and searching for answers. Ever heard of the saying “Cobbler’s children have no shoes”? This was Jennifer. Here she worked in the medical profession,  yet suffered with significant symptoms, and no answer as to why.

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 During Jennifer’s years of searching for a diagnosis and treatment options, she felt extremely isolated,  afraid and confused with her health. She hit several roadblocks along the way, including being told she was “the only one in the country with this, and nothing could be done”.  Think about that for a moment.  How would you feel?

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Chances are you are here because that IS how you feel.  Either for yourself, or as a caregiver for a loved one. Like you, Jennifer refused to accept the answer that nothing could be done to help her.  Jennifer persisted in her search, and found Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston, MA.  Here, she received a team of doctors and surgeons, willing to help her breathe easier. Her team gave her a diagnosis of Tracheobronchomalacia and treatment options.  As a result, Jennifer underwent three surgeries to help her breathe easier.

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Since receiving the care and treatments needed at BIDMC,  Jennifer has devoted her life to reaching patients throughout the world who are misdiagnosed, or under diagnosed.  As a result, Jennifer founded CureTBM as a means to spread awareness of Tracheobronchomalacia and the resources available. Jennifer works diligently to bridge the gap in care, which so many patients and families fall into. Jennifer, along with the CureTBM Board of Directors work to raise funds to support research, symposiums, and educational material to advance the medical field.

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In addition to Cure TBM, Jennifer also hosts an informal, Facebook support group where patients and caretakers can collaborate. Prior to founding Cure TBM, Jennifer was a registered nurse with a focus in trauma. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys working with children and animals. Jennifer’s main passion is helping those who are in need.

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Read more about Jennifer below:

1.   Woman headed for hospice finds hope at Boston hospital 

2.  Saved in Boston: Jennifer Champy

3.  Setting out to Cure TBM

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John and Debbie joined CureTBM as the founding Chief Financial Officers in 2016.  

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John spent four years after college in the British Merchant Marines, traveling the world as a Communications and Electronics Officer.  He then joined an American management consulting group in Europe, transferring to USA operations in 1976.  John retired in 2016 after spending forty-three years as a Management Consultant working with clients in all types of industries, including Financial Institutions, in eleven countries.                         

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He is committed to helping find ways to cure TBM and is dedicated to spreading the word that TBM is indeed a disease that needs to be properly diagnosed by doctors nationwide and around the world. 

John's hobbies and pastimes include, international and domestic travel (having visited forty-seven states and one hundred and four countries), playing tennis and golf, theatre and most of all, grandkids.     

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Debbie was raised in a banking family and worked there in high school and college.  She has a Masters in Education and taught children in elementary school, retiring in 2010.  She also owned and operated three small businesses including an art supply store, a restaurant and a preschool/daycare center.  In her spare time, she sold real estate and rehabbed houses.

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She was diagnosed with TBM in 2015 and luckily found Jennifer, and in turn the doctors at BIDMC.  Debbie and John were thrilled to help Jennifer recognize her dream of starting a foundation to bring awareness of, and help to those suffering with TBM.  She has learned so much through the foundation and is excited to see how it's grown.

Her hobbies have changed since being diagnosed, but through the years she has enjoyed riding and showing her American Saddlebred horses, playing tennis and golf, bowling, traveling and crafting.  She loves spending as much time and she can with her four grandchildren and watching them play their many sports.

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Michelle joined the CureTBM Board of Directors in July 2020.  She is a nurse practitioner and brings a wealth of clinical knowledge to help Cure TBM!   Michelle has more than20 years experience as an Emergency Department RN and Nurse Educator.  She obtained a Masters degree in Nursing/FNP in 2012 from the University of Medicine and Dentistry School of Nursing in New Jersey.  Michelle currently working as a Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Director in a private pediatric practice in Randolph, New Jersey caring for newborns to young adult.

Michelle sincerely believes in giving back to her profession.  She actively serves as a preceptor and mentor to nursing, nurse practitioner, and physician assist students.

Michelle enjoys spending time with her family.

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Charlene has compassionately served CureTBM as the secretary since it's establishment in 2016.  Charlene also donates her time to manage the CureTBM online shop and distribution.  She enjoys cooking, baking, playing with her dog Molly Rose, attending church, and socializing with her friends. 

Isabella is thrilled to volunteer with CureTBM as the Social Media Manager.  Isabella manages the online content for Facebook and Instagram posts. She was diagnosed with TBM at the age of 17 and is passionate about spreading awareness of TBM. 

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If you have any feedback for the CureTBM social media channels, she would love to connect via direct messaging.  You can message Isabella on Instagram at @curetbm. 

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Learn more about Isabella's experience with TBM here! 

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