Nathaniel Curran

Ventura, CA
Been With Foundation Since: 02/15/2009

Position at Foundation

Co - Founder and Executive Director

Past Work Experience

I spent 15 years as a professional surfer on the Asp World Tour tour. I currently work at Channel Islands Surfboards as a team manager for the worlds best surfers.

Current Occupation

Global Team Manager for Channel Islands Surfbaords

Why the Young and Brave Foundation?

In 2009 someone close in my life was diagnosed with CML and at the time had no insurance. This moment changed my life forever. We wanted to create something that would help the individual and family that are struck by the enormous financial burden that cancer brings. We started with one fundraiser to raise money for one friend, and 10 years later we have raised almost a Million dollars directly to our warriors. Not only have we helped families with fundraising but we have created a community of support, love and some of the strongest survivors I’ve ever seen.

Vision for the Foundation

To provide a community of support for families of children and young adults that are battling with cancer. Along with creating a positive brand and message for our youth to get behind.

Joshua Curran

Oxnard, CA
Been With Foundation Since: 2011

Position at Foundation

Chief Financial Officer

Past Work Experience

I was a professional surfer since the age of 18 til I was 24 years old. I got to travel the world and experience a life that only the few get to experience. I am very grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given over the years and the education you learn while traveling. From there I dabbled in various careers to end up in the motion picture industry where I have stayed for the last 16 years. I have always been one to be organized and eager to learn new things. Joining the foundation and becoming the CFO has come with some learning curves, but it’s been great learning a new trade. We have the best mentors and nothing but the best intentions for the foundation and families we support. I am always looking forward to the next exciting chapters in life.

Current Occupation

Studio Grip - Jimmy Kimmel Live

Why the Young and Brave Foundation?

When the idea first came about and we raised money for a friend in need of financial help we all saw how amazing this foundation could be. To be able to help families and young adults with the financial struggles that arise from the fight with cancer is a great feeling. I love that we are able to offer Free Fundraising Warrior pages that generous donors can donate and know their donation is going directly to the individual or family. All donations to our Warriors are instantly processed to their personal Paypal accounts. I am so excited for the future of the foundation and bigger things to come!

Vision for the Foundation

I’d Love to see the foundation grow bigger and be able to help thousands of Warriors across the country. There are so many families out there struggling to make ends meet, we can be that helping hand. We have so many great ideas for the foundation moving forward but it takes the kind hearts of all the people believing in what we are doing to make that vision a reality. I hope we can continue to grow the following and support for The Young and Brave Foundation.

Sarah S Kelly

Ventura, CA
Been With Foundation Since: 01/01/2020

Position at Foundation

Secretary - Board Member

Past Work Experience

24+ Years experience in oncology marketing and sales management. 10 years at Amgen in various marketing and sales management roles in the Oncology Business Unit. Experience includes marketing numerous Amgen supportive care medicines in oncology, launching a hematology medication for immune thrombocytopenia, and managing a sales team in Southern California and Hawaii that was responsible for the entire oncology portfolio. 1 year as an Executive Director in Marketing at Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, with experience launching a medicine for a rare form of lymphoma, PTCL. 11+ years at DAKO / Agilent Technologies working in various marketing and business development roles with Companion Diagnostics for cancer therapeutics. Experience includes launching the first companion diagnostic, HercepTest, used to help identify patients for Herceptin, and most recently launching the PD-L1 test to help identify patients for PD-1 targeted immunotherapies. Current role with Centrexion is developing the commercial foundation to launch the company’s first product to help reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Current Occupation

Senior Director of Marketing at Centrexion Therapeutcs

Why the Young and Brave Foundation?

I have been passionate about helping cancer patients for a long time. When I was asked to consider this role, I felt that it was a perfect fit to combine my knowledge and passion in oncology and my desire to help a great cause. I am also fortunate enough to know the founders of this organization and want to help them with their goals. Cancer is an indiscriminate disease and when it affects young people, it is truly unfair. I am happy and proud to help this organization support young cancer patients and their families in any way possible.

Vision for the Foundation

My vision is to help support the Young and Brave to be a well functioning and successful non-profit organization. The ultimate goal is to help the Young and Brave reach as many patients and families in need as possible and support them in a multitude of ways. Having worked in the industry for a long time, I am acutely aware of the support programs that exist from pharmaceutical companies and other organizations. However, the Young and Brave are filling a niche to help support the non-obvious ancillary gaps such as helping parents get childcare for other loved ones, helping with as hotel costs and gas when patients must be hospitalized away from home, and so much more. This organization and the support it gives can make a world of difference for families struggling to support their young loved ones fighting cancer.

William James Ackerman

Ventura, CA
Been With Foundation Since: 2014

Position at Foundation

Board Member / Volunteer

Past Work Experience

Retired Firefighter / 39 years

Why the Young and Brave Foundation?

Joining The Young and Brave Foundation in 2014 was the perfect transition to another type of service for others. I feel so fortunate to join a team of amazing people ensuring that our Warriors are never alone during their heroic battle with Cancer.

Vision for the Foundation

My vision is that The Young and Brave Foundation continues to reach to our community of Warriors and their families. Additionally, our strength is our education of others of our critical mission. This includes informing our youth how powerful support and compassion for our Warriors is during their difficult and courageous battle! Love Beats Cancer

Lori Frontino

El Segundo, CA
Been With Foundation Since: 06/01/2018

Position at Foundation

Board Member

Past Work Experience

Branch Manager Savings and Loan
Assistant Executive Secretary for Private Eye Records
Manager of Food and Beverage Department at River Ridge Golf Course

Current Occupation

Owner / President of Direct AV a commercial sound and communication Co.

Why the Young and Brave Foundation?

I believe in giving back to our community and The Young And Brave Foundation does a very good job doing that!! I love the idea of Helping young children and their families get through the process of battling cancer. This process takes a village and were here to be that. The founders of this foundation are very humble and dedicated to that cause.

Vision for the Foundation

To see it grow and to Help as many families as we possibly can .

Garry Eberhardt

Hollywood Beach, CA
Been With Foundation Since: 03/01/2018

Position at Foundation

Board Member

Past Work Experience

Local Paramedic and wildland firefighter.

Current Occupation

Realtor at RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors

Why the Young and Brave Foundation?

In 2014 I left my career as a Paramedic to purse my goal of being a successful Realtor. I have always had a passion to help people in need and those who were less fortunate than me. After leaving my paramedic career I noticed that I still had that passion to help others. The Young and Brave has given me the ability to help bring an awareness about the organization by using Real Estate as a platform. Through the Young and Brave Real Estate Program and special events, we are able to not only raise money for the Warrirors but also gain support from our local business and community.

Vision for the Foundation

I believe that the Vision for the foundation is to continue to grow the organization with the mindset of always putting the Warriors and their families first. To continue to grow the organization through high school programs and education. We will continue to recruit those who share the same passion and compassion for others that we do. Love Beats Cancer

Andraé Robinson

California
Been With Foundation Since: 04/01/2019

Position at Foundation

Advisory Board Member

Past Work Experience

Founder and Director of Love Los Angeles, Richmond and Vallejo
Founder of Youth For Orphans
Executive Director of Safe Families for children and Families
Pastor of Cornerstone Church of South Los Angeles
Associate Pastor of Student Ministries Shiloh Metropolitian Church
Associate Pastor of Student Ministries Ventura Missionary Church

Current Occupation

Executive Director-Safe Refuge for Children and Families

Why the Young and Brave Foundation?

I accepted being on the foundation because I believe in being apart of the community that surrounds individuals and families in a crisis.