Dr. Kelly Manahan – Board President Founder

Why WORD?

I learned very quickly in my training that I hated cancer so much I had to do something about it.  I needed to help women fight and beat cancer, I needed to do everything possible to save lives."  This is why in the fall of 2005 I had the idea to start WORD.  "I knew that women knew too little about the cancers we treated and we were not doing enough research to cure the cancers.  I thought WORD could serve women and help catalyze research.  I am proud to be part of a team looking to totally change the outcomes of gynecologic cancer.

What are your day-to-day responsibilities?

Though I think my role is continually evolving, I am currently the chief recruiter of scientific experts and the scientific advisor to most projects.  I meet nearly weekly with WORD staff to analyze current scientific strategy and help provide medical perspective.  I also look forward to speaking on behalf of WORD and educating women about these diseases.

Tell us a little more about you.

I love sports, and especially college football (go Wolverines!).  In fact, I'm proud of the fact that I've been able to train or work at 3 Big Ten schools.  Aside from being a surgeon, I am also an accomplish pianist.  And, I love being a soccer moon in every sense of the word.