Join Us at Tee Up for Brain Tumors Sunday, May 22, 4 pm-7 pm at Topgolf VA Beach

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    • Programs
      • Encouraging Nods Support
      • Eye Opener
      • Empathy in Action
    • Donate
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      • Tee Up For Brain Tumors
      • WINKS Challenge
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      • Volunteer
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      • Webinars
      • Resources
    • About Us
      • Who We Are
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About Us

WINKS - Founded by a Brain Tumor Survivor

After diagnosis with a brain tumor, meningioma on right frontal lobe, in late 2015, Samaria truly realized the importance of her faith, family, and friends. She was surrounded by people who provided support – spiritual, emotional, medical advice, and physical labor if needed. As a military retiree, her affordable medical copay did not leave her torn between paying the incidentals of care and household expenses.  

WINKS - Fulfilling a Need

Through interactions with other patients at treatment facilities and social networks, she knew not all patients are in the same fortunate position. She saw the need for an organization to support others devastated by an unexpected brain tumor diagnosis. Never alone in her brain tumor journey from diagnoses through recovery, she decided she wanted to pay it forward. 

WINKS - An Evolving Organization

 Initial Programs:

  • Encouraging Nods -supports brain tumor patients ad caregivers through compassion, sharing, and understanding 
    • Hosted bimonthly online via Zoom
  • Eye Opener - provides awareness and access to relevant information for patients and caregivers to better understand and endure the journey
  • Empathy in Action - provides income-based grants to patients and caregivers for incidentals – meals, lodging, transportation  

Future Programs:

  • Envisioned Healing -  contributes funds to other 501 (c)(3) organizations, which further our exempt purpose through research to improve patient outcomes and help find a cure.

Board of Directors

Samaria Hunter

Dr. Allan Thornton

Dr. Allan Thornton

Founder and President

 Brain Tumor Survivor

Executive MBA, PMP

Dr. Allan Thornton

Dr. Allan Thornton

Dr. Allan Thornton

Chairperson

Radiation Oncologist

Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute

Dr. Odell McCants

Dr. Allan Thornton

Dr. Odell McCants

Vice Chairperson

Staff Physician

Health Center

Hampton University

Brittany Abbott

Brittany Abbott

Brittany Abbott

TREASURER

Deputy Director of Finance

City of Hampton

Brittany Abbott

Brittany Abbott

Jana Allen-Bishop

Brittany Abbott

Jana Allen-Bishop

SECRETARY

Chief Recruiter, Executive MBA Program

College of William & Mary

Jaime Tyler

Jaime Tyler

Jana Allen-Bishop

 LEGAL COUNSEL 

Attorney/Shareholder

Ganderson Law, P.C.

Susan James

Jaime Tyler

Susan James

VOLUNTEER & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR 

Chief Administrative Officer

Tidewater Community College

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Let's Encourage Each Other

 No journey is traveled alone!  

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