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