Fight CRC unpacks research presented at GI ASCO with Dr. Smitha Krishnamurthi, a hematologist at the Cleveland Clinic, Reese Garcia, Fight CRC's Senior Manager of Research Advocacy, and Fight CRC research advocate and stage III survivor, Wenora Johnson. This panel brings a wide array of perspectives and insight to better understand where the research is headed, and what matters most to patients.

Meet the Speakers

Dr. Smitha Krishnamurthi

Smitha Krishnamurthi, MD is a medical oncologist at Cleveland Clinic specializing in the care of patients with gastrointestinal cancers. She has 20 years of experience in caring for patients and conducting clinical trials, She is the Chair of the Committee on Disparities in Clinical Research for the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. She is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Colorectal Cancer Committee and the Southwest Oncology Group GI Committee.

Reese Garcia, MPH

Reese joined Fight CRC in August of 2017. As the Senior Manager of Research Advocacy, she is passionate about working with cancer survivors and those that empower survivors. She currently oversees the Research Advocacy Training and Support program, the Fight CRC clinical trial finder, and helps coordinate Fight CRC’s research efforts nationwide.

Reese earned her Master of Public Health at the Colorado School of Public Health at the University of Colorado Denver and spent a majority of her time working with disadvantaged global and rural communities to overcome health disparities prior to joining Fight CRC.

Wenora Johnson

Wenora Y. Johnson is a three-time Cancer survivor, Volunteer Fight CRC  Research/Patient Advocate, caregiver/provider and U.S. Navy veteran. Wenora began working closely with  Fight Colorectal Cancer as a Research  Advocate following her diagnosis of stage 3b colon cancer in 2011.  

As a Lynch Syndrome patient, Wenora advocates for genetic testing and awareness. She serves on various panels and review boards to provide extensive feedback on her  role as a patient and research advocate with several organizations. She has written various patient advocate blogs and participated as a guest speaker for the Powerful Patient Podcast.  

Wenora works in administration in the greater Chicagoland area and enjoys riding her motorcycle, reading and traveling with her family.