Alpharetta mom joins ACS ResearcHERS to fight back against cancer

Back in the 1990s, Susan “Susie” Pease was an elementary school student when her oldest brother was diagnosed with cancer. Thanks to a double bone marrow transplant, he is cancer-free and celebrated his 50th birthday last year. But that experience ignited a passion in her to help others, and it sparked a desire to work in the healthcare field.

“At the time I asked myself, ‘What can I do that’s helping?’” Pease said. “That question lead to working as a hospital volunteer for four years. I was interested in nursing, but it was emotionally taxing.”

After college, she landed an entry-level position at a pharmaceutical company. For 14 years she was employed in various areas of clinical research, but all the while her interest in health promotion and workplace wellness soared.

“One in three Americans will battle cancer in their lifetime, which means we all know someone we love or care about that has been impacted,” Pease said. “My family is no exception.”

Now, the Alpharetta mother of two young sons and regional engagement lead at Cigna has accepted a challenge – one where her careers in research and health promotion, and her interest in healthy living, diversity, equity, and inclusion intersect. Pease has signed on to become an American Cancer Society (ACS) ResearcHERS ambassador.

ResearcHERS is an initiative that calls on the community’s most influential female leaders to raise funds that directly support women-led cancer research. Through ResearcHERS, ACS can bolster the careers of female investigators and help sustain a robust pipeline of talent, engaging those in the field to impact the number of women in cancer research leadership roles – an area where women are consistently underrepresented.

“I have worked in clinical research and health promotion my entire career and have always had a particular interest in cancer research and prevention given my family history,” Pease said. “I’m excited for this opportunity to rally together to make a difference. I know that funding just one research breakthrough or one study with the right outcome could potentially save countless lives.”

Pease, who is a certified mental health first aid instructor at Cigna, finds relaxation in dancing, cooking, and fitness activities. Though fundraising during a pandemic has been difficult, she recently hosted an event, “Dancers Fighting Cancers,” that raised $1,315 toward her ResearcHERS goal of $2,500.

“I’m a hugger,” Pease said. “People are craving connection right now. I’m participating in ResearcHERS to inspire hope for those facing the disease and to save lives from cancer.”

For more information on the Georgia ACS ResearcHERS program or to support Pease, visit acsresearchers.org/atlantaga.