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Our Team
Katherine Brown
Founder & Executive Director
Katherine Brown has seen first hand the struggles of the young adult cancer fighter. Her identical twin, Susan, was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer in June 2015 as a 31 year old wife and mother of two young children. Susan’s cancer is stable now, in large part thanks to the support from her family and friends, who enabled her to enroll in a clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.
Katherine repeatedly found herself asking, “What do cancer fighters do without this support system?” That, coupled with Susan’s desire to connect with other young survivors who have walked the young adult cancer path, inspired Katherine to create The Boon Project for Young Adults Fighting Cancer. Katherine is passionate about this cause and excited to connect with and support young adult survivors in the Lowcountry. Katherine lives in Summerville with her husband and children.
2024 BOON PROJECT BOARD
Katherine Brown
President & Executive Director
Katherine is founder of The Boon Project, twin sister of a Stage IV survivor, as well as a wife, mom, and teacher. Katherine is passionate about the mission of The Boon Project and hopes to see it serve as a source of information, support, and community for young adults diagnosed with cancer in the Lowcountry. Katherine lives in Summerville with her husband, Justin, a pharmacist, and their four children, Kinley, Caroline, Anderson and Thomas.
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Dr. Joseph Mathews
Vice President
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Dr. Mathews was born and raised in South Carolina and underwent his medical training in Charleston at The Medical University of South Carolina. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism. He has also received additional training at The Mayo Clinic, concentrating on treatment for thyroid cancer. He currently serves as the Director of Endocrinology for Palmetto Primary & Specialty Care Physicians, the largest independent group of physicians in South Carolina.
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The Boon Project is a passion for Dr. Mathews, having been touched by cancer on multiple levels. He was diagnosed with thyroid cancer while undergoing his fellowship training for Endocrinology. He also supported his wife through her diagnosis of breast cancer at the age of 32. Professionally he provides care for patients dealing with their own thyroid cancer diagnosis or from the endocrine related side effects of treatments for other cancers. He is a frequently invited speaker at national conferences across the country regarding various endocrine related conditions, but his heart and home remains in the Lowcountry with his wife, two children and golden retriever in Charleston.
Sarah Lithgow
Secretary
Sarah moved to Charleston to attend graduate school in 2007 and loved the city and its community so much she never left! Working as a project manager in the tech sector serving nonprofits for most of her career, she has had the honor of working with countless organizations serving incredible causes; however, the Boon Project has become closest to her heart. She first teamed up with the Boonies as part of a joint effort with the Ulman Foundation's Cancer to 5K program and has cherished being part of their many events and programs in the years since. She calls West Ashley home with her husband, two sons and (wildest) four-legged child.
Carson Davis
Treasurer
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Carson uses his accounting and finance education from USC to expand The Boon Project's programming and strengthen its ability to serve the young adult cancer fighting population. He lives in Charleston, frequenting the beach and many locally-owned restaurants while working as a CPA for a broad range of tax clients. Carson shares, "The Boon Project is making a difference in the lives of our friends, family, and neighbors. The organization’s community has built bonds and provided resources necessary to support young adult cancer fighters.”
Patrice Felder
Mental Health Representative
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Patrice Felder was born and raised in South Carolina where she attended Webster University and obtained a master’s degree in counseling. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a private practice in Summerville, South Carolina. Patrice has several years of clinical experience working with children, adolescents, teens, and young adults in the public and private sector to include Department of Juvenile Justice, Alcohol and Drug and providing In-Home Individual and Family therapy. Her belief is that you don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant. She resides in Ridgeville, South Carolina with her Husband and four children.
Torie Dingler
Survivor Representative
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Torie is a 26-year-old Charleston, SC native. She was diagnosed originally at 16 with osteosarcoma before relapsing at 18. She has a unique perspective of both pediatric and young adult cancer patients and survivors. Torie has been apart of The Boon Project since day one and has loved watching the organization grow. She serves as a nurse here in the Lowcountry working throughout the Roper system. She is looking forward to serving this organization that has given her so much!
Hannah Neimy
Survivor Representative
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Hannah is a Hodgkins Lymphoma (Stage III) survivor, She was diagnosed at age 20 while pursuing a degree in biology at The College of Charleston in 2016. Hannah is passionate about helping other young adults navigate the complicated, and often times overwhelming, cancer fight. Hannah is currently a student at the Medical University of South Carolina. She shares, “As a board member of The Boon Project, it is my goal to share my story with the hopes of helping, inspiring, and encouraging other young adults whose lives have also been touched by cancer. I hope to help create a tight-knit community of advocates, survivors, and fighters with stories of their own."
Blair Grass
Young Adult Cancer Guide
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The Boon Project is fortunate to be able to offer the services of a volunteer nurse as our Young Adult Cancer Guide. Blair is available via phone, email, or scheduled appointment to meet with young adults facing cancer (and their caregivers.) She does not give medical advice but rather helps navigate what can be a very confusing and overwhelming process. Please contact Blair through our Boon Project Director, Katherine Brown at katherine@boonproject.org or (843) 754-1879.
Jenna Baskin
Survivor Representative
Jenna joined the Boon Project in 2017 after being diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer at the age of 28. She attended Boon's very first survivor meeting and has been singing their praises ever since. The Boon Project supported her and her family through her diagnoses, treatment, and even now as a survivor. Jenna is excited to join the Board so that she can help continue their mission and make sure their message is heard.