Name
Kathryn Vera
Company/Organization
Spectrum Health Lakeland High Risk Cancer Program
What Does Your Company/Organization Do?
At the High Risk Cancer Program, I see women and men that are at high risk for breast cancer due to personal history and family history. I educate women and men on diet and lifestyle modifications to decrease risk for breast cancer, as well as how to be hypervigilant in screening for breast cancer. Early detection saves lives!
When a person is diagnosed with breast cancer, our team facilitates their care. The diagnosis of breast cancer can be scary and overwhelming. Our team works to create an individualized plan of care with a treatment team so that the patient feels supported and informed of their care.
Age
33
Accomplishments
My biggest accomplishment is my smart, funny, and thoughtful son, Vincent.
Professionally, in collaboration with many other disciplines, I worked to develop the High Risk Cancer Program, which opened in June 2020.
What else do you hope to accomplish by the age of 40?
By the age of 40, I hope to have made an impact in Berrien County by decreasing the incidence of late stage breast cancer diagnosis through increased breast cancer screening and awareness.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
- Master of Science in Nursing, The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice, Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN, anticipated graduation in August 2022.
Residence
St. Joseph, MI
Where were you born?
Detroit, MI
What was your first job?
Kilwins of St. Joseph
Best advice you ever got?
“Yesterday is gone, tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today, let us begin.” – Mother Teresa
Who inspires you most?
My family! My husband, Alex, has a passion for helping underserved communities through medical services. He is a wonderful husband, father, and friend. My parents have always supported me and set an example of hard work as well as kindness to others. My sister, Susanne, inspires me through her innovative ideas and thoughtfulness. My son inspires me through his joyfulness and curiosity of the world around him.
That one thing about you we’d be most surprised to learn.
I love True Crime podcasts!
What do you love to do in your downtime?
I love spending time with my family and exploring the parks in Southwest Michigan. This summer we frequented the farmer’s markets and enjoyed getting ice cream in downtown St. Joe. I also love playing tennis.
What book are you reading now?
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
Volunteer activity you love the most.
Volunteering for Birthright in St. Joseph.
What motivates you to give back to your community?
The health and wellness of our community is paramount to its continued growth, development, and success. Annual screening mammography is the best way to facilitate the early detection of breast cancer.
This motivates me to continue to empower women and men regarding their breast health and preventive care services.
What Superpower would you most love to have?
I would love to be able to end the Covid-19 pandemic!
What has been the most eye-opening thing about the coronavirus pandemic for you, personally?
The most eye-opening thing about the coronavirus pandemic has been the resiliency of our community. My family and I have enjoyed finding “Covid-friendly” activities to do, and there have been many! The restaurants in the community have offered outdoor dining, there are outdoor church services, and outdoor story-times at the library. Despite the pandemic, our community has found ways to come together to help and support one another.
What does the honor of being named to the 40 Under 40 most mean to you?
My hope is that this honor and recognition will bring awareness to the importance of annual screening mammograms so that breast health and breast concerns can be addressed proactively. This honor also highlights the responsibility of expanding the services of the High Risk Cancer Program to continue to improve preventive healthcare services in Berrien County.
