Join Us for our 2nd Annual Tee Up for Brain Tumors Charity Event, Sunday, May 7, 2023

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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 
  • Eye Opener - provides awareness and access to relevant information for patients and caregivers to better understand and endure the journey
  • Empathy in Action - provides need-based support for ordinary and necessary living expenses, resource connections, and other tangible assistance. 


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, President, and Vice Chairperson

 Brain Tumor Survivor

Executive MBA, PMP

Dr. Allan Thornton

Dr. Allan Thornton

Dr. Allan Thornton

Chairperson

Radiation Oncologist

Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute

Brittany Abbott

Dr. Allan Thornton

Brittany Abbott

Treasurer

Deputy Director of Finance

City of Hampton

Tiffany Arguello

Tiffany Arguello

Tiffany Arguello

Secretary

Court Appointed Special Advocate, Development Manager 

City of Virginia Beach

Jaime Tyler

Tiffany Arguello

Tiffany Arguello

 Legal Counsel

Attorney/Shareholder

Ganderson Law, P.C.

Susan James

Tiffany Arguello

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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Copyright © 2021 WINKS - All Rights Reserved.

EIN:  82-4028546

ADDRESS: PO Box 5186, Suffolk, VA 23435 

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