Valerie Gardner Smith

Survivor | Founder| PRESIDENT

Valerie’s journey is truly inspiring. Her resilience in overcoming stage 3 colon cancer not only transformed her life but also ignited a passion to help others facing similar challenges. Through her non-profit, Crusaders for Colon Cancer, Inc., she’s dedicated to educating communities about the importance of screening and early detection, especially in underserved areas.

Valerie’s motto, “Live to Live,” embodies her commitment to turning her trials into triumphs, motivating others to embrace life and take charge of their health. By fostering awareness and providing support, she’s making a significant impact in the fight against colorectal cancer.

Her call to action, encouraging everyone to wear navy blue in March for Colon Cancer Awareness Month, is a powerful reminder of the collective effort needed to combat this disease. Valerie’s story underscores the importance of screenings—highlighting that early detection can dramatically increase survival rates.

Regenia Washington-Redmon

medical advisor & patient navigator

Regenia, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, AOCNP®, is an Oncology Clinical Education Coordinator for Genentech, Inc. in the North Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and North Louisiana territories. She is an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Oncology Nursing Society Chemotherapy and Biotherapy provider course instructor. Mrs. Washington-Redmon began her nursing career as an oncology staff/charge nurse working with gastrointestinal, thoracic, and head and neck medical/surgical oncology patients and as nurse practitioner in the department of G.I. Surgical Oncology at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Her transition to the biotechnology industry began as a hospital clinical specialist at Hoffman La Roche. She joined Amgen as an Oncology Clinical Specialist and later returned to clinical practice, assuming the role of Oncology Clinical Educator/nurse practitioner for the Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics.

Mrs. Washington-Redmon is a member of the National and Greater East Texas chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society, and she frequently volunteers with the American Cancer Society. Her passion is educating peers and her community on colorectal and other solid-tumor cancers with her focus being on prevention and early detection. Her desire to educate others on colorectal and related cancers stems from a long family history colon cancer including her beloved father, grandfather, as well as a host of aunts, uncles, and extended family members dating back three generations.

Mrs. Washington-Redmon earned a Master of Science in nursing degree from Texas Woman’s University in Houston, Texas and board certification as a family nurse practitioner.

Dr. Jacquelyn Carter

DIRECTOR OF community EVENTS & OUTREACH

Dr. Jacquelyn K. Carter is a seasoned educator with over 25 years oexperience in the field. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Science from the University of Houston-Downtown, her Master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University, and her Doctorate from Walden University. Dr. Carter has a diverse background, having taught English Language Arts in both middle and high schools. Her leadership experience includes serving as a building principal at both elementary and middle school levels.

 
In addition to her role as a principal, Dr. Carter has contributed to academia as an adjunct professor at Lone Star College and the University of Houston System. Her career has also encompassed roles such as a secondary curriculum coordinator and testing coordinator. Currently, she works as a Campus Academic Specialist.
 
Dr. Carter is the founder of her own educational consulting business, which provides tailored one-on-one consultations and on-demand professional development training for K-12 teachers. Her extensive background and commitment to education makes her a valuable resource for educators seeking to enhance their skills and practices.

Patricia Craft 

SECRETARY

Patricia Craft represents flexibility and a deep commitment to advocating for those affected by cancer. Having faced the profound loss of her aunt to leukemia, her grandfather to colon cancer, and her beloved mother to pancreatic cancer, alongside supporting a surviving aunt that battled breast cancer, Patricia has transformed her grief into a driving force for positive change.
Her determination to overcome these challenges led her to pursue higher education, by pursuing an Associate degree, a Bachelor of Science, and a Master’s degree. This academic journey reflects her dedication to understanding and improving healthcare.
Beyond her education, Patricia actively participates in initiatives that support cancer patients and their families. Whether it’s through cancer walks, fundraising efforts, or educational seminars, she firmly believes in the reality of the cancer battle and is ready to contribute meaningfully.
As a member of “The Crusaders for Colon Cancer,” Patricia collaborates with like-minded individuals to raise awareness and provide support. This partnership underscores her commitment to collective action in the fight against cancer.
 
 
 

Andrea Gardner

TREASURER

With a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Lamar University and a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, I have dedicated my career to education since 1998. Currently teaching second grade, I have a passion for nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning.
This is my first year serving on the board of the Colon Cancer Committee, but I have been a dedicated supporter from the very beginning. While I prefer to work behind the scenes, my commitment to the cause is unwavering. I am a strong advocate for every event hosted by our organization, and I pride myself on being a reliable ally to our committee president, my sister.
You can always find me with my sleeves rolled up, ready to contribute wherever needed. I am excited to bring my skills in organization and collaboration to further our mission in the fight against colon cancer.