We and our partners at the American Indian Cancer Foundation, Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board and Roswell Park explore how colorectal cancer screening rates can be improved in Indigenous communities.

Meet the Presenters:

Eugene Giago Jr.

Eugene Giago Jr., Program Manager, Great Plains Colorectal Cancer Screening Initiative.

Eugene Giago is an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Business Management at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas. Since working under Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board (GPTLHB), Eugene has served under numerous programs, assisting with all tribal communities and facilities throughout ND, SD, NE and IA. In 2017, Eugene was awarded with the Area/Regional Impact Award under the National Indian Health Board (NIHB). Since working under the health board, Eugene has acquired certifications as a Health Coach in Nutrition under the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute, certified personal trainer and medical exercise under the Native American Wellness Council, and a certified patient navigator under Dr. Harold P. Freeman, MD. Currently, Eugene is a Program Manager for the Great Plain’s Colorectal Cancer Screening Initiative (GPCCSI) which assists 19 tribal facilities/communities across the great plains region to reduce the high colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality and incidence rates by implementing evidence based interventions , and CRC education and screening. In his personal time, he pursues his passion for Lakota traditions by mentoring Lakota youth, and engaging in traditional Lakota ceremonies.

Misha Loeffler

Misha Loeffler is the Cancer Equity Coordinator for the American Indian Cancer Foundation. This role gives Misha the honor of working with cancer survivors, caregivers, and many community members on initiatives across the cancer continuum, including prevention, screening, early detection, survivorship, and health equity. Misha dedicates her work at AICAF to her grandmother, who was a colorectal cancer survivor, and all of our relatives who are affected by cancer.

Will Maybee

Will Maybee is of the Onödowa’ga:’ (Great Hill People), also known as the Seneca Nation. The Seneca are one of six nations that compose the Haudenosaunee (They made the house) Confederacy. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburg in rehabilitative medicine. Later he went on to become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Before joining the Roswell Park Center for Indigenous Cancer Research as a community relations coordinator, he worked for seven years as a clinical exercise specialist for the Seneca Nation Health System. His current work includes cancer prevention research, cancer screening interventions, as well as exploring the impact ancestral lifestyle has on contemporary disease. Will seeks to revitalize traditional Indigenous activities to compliment current prevention, treatment, and survivorship cancer interventions.

Lindsey Petras

Lindsey Petras is an experienced nurse and is the Cancer Programs Manager at the American Indian Cancer Foundation. She received her Masters in Nursing Education from Western Governors University in Utah. She takes pride in promoting the importance of  health equity on a national level and her goal is to reduce the cancer burden in Indigenous communities. She hopes to accomplish this goal through education and patient advocacy. Lindsey feels honored to work on these important issues and is committed to improving Indigenous health outcomes.

Thank you to our sponsor!