Oncology Patient and Family Advisory Council

Kathy Geehreng, Patient, Infusion Center Volunteer

Kathy Geehreng is a current patient, diagnosed with breast cancer in September of 2014, retired travel agent, and longtime volunteer at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center. Kathy had been a volunteer in the ER for over 15 years and just months prior to her diagnosis, she was reassigned to the Infusion Center which ended up putting her "in the right place at the right time." Kathy became very familiar with the staff and the procedures associated with cancer treatments, which helped when she became the patient. She continued to volunteer during all phases of her treatments - chemo, surgery and radiation, and still volunteers at the Infusion Center every Friday. Serving on this council gives Kathy an opportunity to help make the journey easier for others who are facing a cancer diagnosis.

Lisa Gross, Cancer Survivor

Lisa Gross is a recent survivor (and "thrive-or") of breast cancer. She is committed to supporting this council because of the outstanding treatment and care she received through MedStar Montgomery Medical Center and MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute. Lisa profoundly believes that cancer was a gift in her life and is deeply grateful to MedStar's highly skilled medical professionals, state-of-the-art care, and to equally skilled complementary practitioners. Personally, Lisa is passionate about meditation, mindfulness, and working with others to make things better, even in small ways. Her hobbies include spinning, learning golf, and being a beach bum! Medication and meditation were both key to Lisa's healing journey and she hopes to share that with others through this council.

Mew Rattanawatkul, Caregiver

Mew Rattanawatkul is currently a caregiver at MedStar Mongomery Medical Center. She is a part of this council to give back to a community that has offered so much help to her family when they were going through cancer treatments, to work with passionate patients and families, to provide input on issues that impact care, and to ensure that any future patient's journey is not so difficult. Mew looks forward to being a part of the roll out of the New Patient Handbook, completion of the OPFAC webpage, and possibly the initiation of the MedStar Montgomery Health and Wellness Center. When she is not working or volunteering, Mew enjoys laughing out loud with her family. She also likes traveling the world, playing tennis, and learning how to cook and eat delicious food.

Martha Steinbock, Patient

Martha Bair Steinbock is currently being treated for carcinoid cancer at Medstar Montgomery Medical Center. She also serves as a patient representative on this council to help all cancer patients receive support and compassionate, cutting-edge care. Martha is retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and received her Master's Degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. Since her retirement, Ms. Steinbock served as the Assistant to the Operations Director of the Combined Democratic Campaign for the State of Maryland. She devotes many happy hours to enjoying her family including seven grandchildren, traveling, attending modern art exhibits, and watching Major League Baseball, especially the San Francisco Giants.

Jennifer Macdonald, Patient

Jennifer Macdonald is a current patient at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, invited by her medical oncologist, Dr. Dilawari, to be a patient representative on this council. Jennifer hopes to inform cancer patients of the great treatment and resources available at MedStar Montgomery. While being a part of this council, Jennifer would also like to create real connections with other cancer patients and their families. She understands how to make a difficult time better with wonderful treatment and a positive outlook and she plans to accomplish that as a part of this council. In her spare time, she likes to volunteer at St. Peter’s Parish and Olney Mill Swim Club, and she also enjoys cooking and gardening.

Steve Mowrey, Patient

Bio coming soon