Jori Phillips

Jori Phillips was impacted by cancer when she was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer at the age of 35 and soft tissue sarcoma at the age of 41.

She’s thankful for advances in cancer research and medications that have had her thriving for more than 11 years! As a mother of four children, Jori shared what a blessing it has been to watch them grow up into adulthood.

She appreciates the American Cancer Society as the largest non-profit, non-government donor to cancer research and is enthusiastic about treatments being available that will not only one day be curative but will help patients live well.

Jori has been living well as a Recovery Room Nurse at University of Michigan Health-West, and as a Nursing Instructor at Davenport University. She is also attending graduate school to become a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

“It’s been a privilege to serve as a consumer reviewer for the Department of Defense, reviewing research grant proposals and helping decide how breast cancer funding will be allocated,” she said. “I’ve also spent time in Washington, DC as an advocate for breast cancer funding and legislation that will benefit the cancer patient. I have an incredibly supportive husband, family, and friends, but I know not every cancer patient has that kind of support system.”

Jori said she has also experienced first-hand the amount of financial toxicity living with cancer brings each year. She appreciates the support that the American Cancer Society provides for cancer patients, including rides to treatments, financial assistance, support groups, education, and patient navigation. As a nurse and patient, she understands the services the American Cancer Society provides are crucial in the mental and physical health of the patient, giving them the best opportunities to thrive with a cancer diagnosis.