The FOCUS Team
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Our Advisory Panel
The FOCUS team has had the opportunity to work with a panel of 5 advanced cancer survivors. This wonderful group has tested the FOCUS app and has given us invaluable feedback to improve this intervention! Scroll to learn more about each of our panel members.
Donn Young
Donn Young is the former director of the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Biostatistics Unit where he spent 32 years designing, conducting, and analyzing cancer research studies. He was principal investigator of a special National Cancer Institute grant to increase the enrollment of minority patients on clinical trials. When he was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in 2006, he knew that a clinical trial was his best bet. With multiple bone metastases and a PSA of 80, but no symptoms, he immediately began treatment with hormone ablation therapy. While advanced disease gave him less than a 50-50 chance of living three years, his PSA quickly dropped to normal, his bone scan cleared, and now, 18 years later, he’s an active 78-year old. Donn still continues his treatment and fits visits with his James oncologist, Dr. Steven Clinton, into his busy schedule. He spends his time with his daughters, Amanda and Rachel, helps care for his grandsons, almost 3-year-old James Patrick and 9-month-old Lincoln, travels with his sweetie, makes pottery, plays pickleball (gold medal in the 2020 Arnold), kayaks, plays his ukulele (John Prine’s his favorite), and watches birds.
Lisa Robinson
Lisa is a dedicated case manager who has spent over two decades working in the social services field. With a passion for helping others, she supports individuals with developmental disabilities in leading meaningful lives through person-centered care. Lisa is 55 years old and was diagnosed with stage 3 metastatic multiple myeloma at age 47. She received a stem cell transplant in December 2017 at The James and continues to receive chemotherapy and immunotherapy as part of her treatment. She is married to her wonderful husband Todd and is the proud mother of four amazing children. Lisa finds strength through the love, support, and prayers of her family and friends. She enjoys traveling, garage sales, weekly family gatherings, and date nights with Todd. She also loves reading books on health, finances, and personal growth. Lisa starts each day with a grateful heart and is committed to living life to the fullest.
Allie Bartee
Allie is a retired nurse with 40 years of service, including 15 years in the emergency room—a role that shaped both her strength and compassion. She has been married for over 43 years, and together she and her husband have built a life rooted in faith, family, and resilience. Allie is a mother of four and grandmother of nine. As a Christian, she draws daily strength and grace from her faith.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 40 and later with metastatic disease at age 60. Now, six years into that journey, she continues long-term treatment with aromatase inhibitors and Xgeva at The James. Through it all, she has learned to find beauty in small things and to greet each day with gratitude.
At home, Allie is happiest when surrounded by family and their four lively dogs. She enjoys biking, gardening, sewing, playing pickleball, reading, and exploring her latest baking passion—sourdough. (She’s still discovering just how many things she can make with it!) Living in a rural setting, Allie finds peace outdoors, soaking in nature’s quiet beauty.
John Olmstead
John enjoyed a successful career in professional sales and sales management with high-tech companies. He’s an avid cyclist and golfer who also loves chasing after his grandkids and three energetic Labrador retrievers. In 2012, John had a cancerous mole removed from his scalp, which was diagnosed as melanoma. In October 2020, he was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma, with tumors in his brain, lungs, and adrenal gland. After undergoing immunotherapy and a stereotactic radiation treatment, John completed his treatment in spring 2023 and there is no evidence of disease!
Brooke Chute
Brooke is a 6th-grade math teacher who is passionate about gardening and spending time with her family. She is a Christian who enjoys reading, solving puzzles, and going for walks. At age 47, Brooke was diagnosed with stage 4 non-smoker lung cancer, which had metastasized to her brain, abdomen, and various other parts of her body. Today, she is elated to share that she has been in remission for five years!