Who we are

Get to know Shay’s Warriors Life After Cancer

We are a community built by survivors, for survivors, dedicated to helping men and women thrive through health, fitness, and connection.

Illustration of four people with different skin tones, hair styles, and hair colors smiling with their eyes closed.

Our mission.

because living life after cancer is tough…

To inspire, inform, empower and help heal cancer survivors and their families through health, fitness and the mind-body connection.

Our vision:

That no cancer survivor should lack ongoing support from a community that understands and helps each other in the healing process.

Our purpose:

Shay's Warriors Life After Cancer is a community for men and women to share their experiences and support each other in overcoming the trauma and PTSD from cancer, whether after treatment or during ongoing diagnosis, with those who truly understand.

Our story.

Simply put, Shay’s Warriors is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that was formed in the Coachella Valley to help the cancer survivorship community.

But like any other non-profit, there’s a story. Shay was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2016. She fought for her life until the day she was told that her cancer was gone. Too-da-loo, cancer!

But those lucky enough to experience those words know that cancer never truly leaves you. Physically, yes. Emotionally, never. Your body acts differently now. There’s often guilt, fear, loneliness and an overwhelming sense of what in the actual hell did I just go through? Is it fair to have confusion with a clean bill of health? Of course, it is.

This will come as a shocker to no one: women struggle to ask for help. Shay’s a woman, she gets that. And after her own (very quiet, of course) struggling search for local resources, Shay had a passion to do more. So with that, Shay’s Warriors was brought to life in hopes of providing a healthy, inspiring, and safe space for all cancer survivors to thrive and connect.

Our team.

Woman with long dark hair wearing a pink T-shirt that says Shay's Warriors and holding up a cell phone to her ear while smiling.

SHAY MORAGA

WARRIOR FOUNDER-VISIONARY

  • ERYT-500, Trauma Informed, Breast Cancer Health Coach, Entrepreneur & TNBC Cancer Survivor - Indio

  • To connect. During my treatment, I knew that if I were given a second chance at life, I would spend the rest of my days helping others affected by cancer and life after. I want to help change the cancer mindset: death to life. By building community, connection and authentic conversation around what life after cancer is so that fellow warriors know they are never alone on this never-ending journey.

A cheerful woman with long blonde hair, wearing a blue t-shirt that says 'shays warriors life after cancer,' holds a U.S. passport up to her face, smiling widely.

REBECCA CURTRIGHT

WARRIOR TREASURE KEEPER

  • First Foundation, V.P. Financial Analyst - Palm Springs

  • To prepare for service and learn the nobility of serving..." Being a part of Shays Warriors and the good it does for our community, I get to live this creed...helping those I know and those I haven't even met yet. There's nothing more rewarding than working with an organization that brings smiles and support to those who need it.

A woman wearing a yellow shirt with white text, celebrating with confetti falling around her, with her mouth open in excitement and raised hands.

GAIL TRONCOSO

WARRIOR SECRETARY

  • Retired Educator and Administrator & Cancer Survivor - Bermuda Dunes

  • As a person living with cancer, I know how important it is to have a community. I was blessed to participate in the 2022 retreat and I know the impact it has on survivors. I feel it is my job to share Shay’s mission with everyone, and I can contribute by fundraising and sharing my story. 

A woman with glasses and multicolored hair holds a plant pot shaped like a face with a succulent plant inside, wearing a green T-shirt that says 'Shay's Warriors life after cancer'.

DR. SONJA FUNG

WARRIOR OF EDUCATION

  • Live Well Clinic, Owner & Naturopathic Doctor - La Quinta

  • I have a strong family history of cancer and I’ve experience firsthand the difficulties of cancer care. Shay’s Warriors fits in with what I strongly believe in, which is education, eradicating misinformation and supporting our Coachella Valley community.

A woman with shoulder length hair balancing a martini glass on her head while wearing a red T-shirt that says 'Shay's Warriors life after cancer'.

MADDY BOTELLO

WARRIOR OF CONNECTIONS

  • Restaurateur of
    Wally’s Desert Turtle - Rancho Mirage

  • I'm part of this organization because I lost my mom to cancer, and I've experienced firsthand the transformative power of a positive and healing journey. I believe in the strength of human connection and our collective purpose to support each other in living life to its fullest. My goal is to provide people with the opportunity to discover new perspectives, build community, and foster connections, adding vibrant colors to life's canvas even in the face of adversity.

A woman smiling, wearing a blue T-shirt with white text, holding a green skincare spray bottle in one hand and a brown dropper bottle in the other, against a plain white background.

MARISA RIVERA

WARRIOR OF BEAUTY 

  • SkinLab by Cosmetic Surgery Institute, Business Managing Partner & Licensed Medical Esthetician- Palm Desert

  • I treasure moments in my life that I can give back and make a difference. Being a part of Shays Warriors allows me to give from my heart while also educating and being there for those who need it the most. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful organization ~ we are stronger together!

A woman with long blonde hair wearing a pink t-shirt that says 'Shay's Warriors' and a silver sequins cowgirl hat, posing with a playful facial expression.

CHRISTINA MILLER

WARRIOR OF CRAFT & SURPRISE

  • Cosmetology - Palm Desert

  • I’ve been personally inspired by Shay to help create a community to support cancer survivors across the valley, state and country! This organization will help not only survivors, but those who surround them daily as well.

A man with gray hair and blue eyes balancing a large hardcover book on his head, standing against a plain white background.

SHAUN MURPHY

WARRIOR OF RESEARCH

  • SBEMP Attorney at Law & Cancer Survivor - Indian Wells

  • As someone who survived the diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma, I want to help people adjust to and make the most of their life post diagnosis and treatment so they can maximize their enjoyment and not let their cancer define their lives.

Woman in orange T-shirt that says 'Shay's Warriors life after cancer' holding a long gray strap or scarf, with an excited facial expression.

ANGELA PRESCOTT

WARRIOR OF VOLUNTEERS

  • Prescott Sports Therapy, Physical Therapist & Cancer Survivor - Palm Desert

  • As a cancer survivor, I want to give back to my community by helping survivors. It’s my goal to provide assistance, support and interactions for those completing cancer treatments on a local scale and in the future on a county, state and national level.

A man with blonde hair and blue eyes holding a golf club, wearing a green T-shirt with black printed text that says 'Shay's Warriors life after cancer', and a silver wristwatch, against a plain white background.

JASON PARR, CPA, JD

WARRIOR GRANT WRITER

  • Senior Manager | Leader Real Estate Outsourcing Practice -San Diego

  • To recognize that certain things in life are more important. To offer my skills and help in areas that work towards Shay's Warriors life after cancer successfully reaching its mission and goals.

Honorary board members

Black and white portrait of a woman with long, wavy dark hair smiling with a desert setting behind her.

AILEEN ALVARES

In Our Hearts Forever
October 28, 1974-October 11, 2024

  • Lawyer & Cancer Survivor

  • I am honored to be part of this wonderful organization. I am a survivor. Oftentimes, survivorship means that one’s relationship with family, friends, loved ones, and colleagues is not the same. Oftentimes, one can no longer live as they did before and are impacted in very unexpected ways. Sometimes, survivorship means having to fight this beast again. This is only understood by other survivors. Shay’s Warriors help us all help each other live life after cancer.

Black and white portrait of a woman with long, wavy hair, looking upward with a thoughtful expression, wearing a patterned scarf and a jacket with studded details.

LINDSEY WRIGHT

CHIEF CREATIVE

  • Illustration & Design

  • Because I believe that women helping women is everything. And I want to contribute bright and colorful art that brings a smile, even if for one small moment, to someone who is on a difficult journey.

While our story is driven by personal experience,

our programs are guided by clinical and professional experts.

Meet Our Advisory Council

Advocates & ambassadors

  • Woman practicing Pilates on a reformer machine in a living room with colorful cushions, a large pony skin ottoman, and a potted plant.

    AUTUMN BREWER

    ADVOCATE
    MOVE2HEAL - Instructor

  • Woman with braids smiling standing with arms crossed in a gym, surrounded by exercise equipment.

    COACH CASS

    ADVOCATE
    MOVE2HEAL - Instructor

  • A woman with long blonde hair wearing a white dress, smiling, and holding a camera up to her face outdoors among rocks and trees.

    DEJIA KREUTZBERG

    ADVOCATE
    Deja's View Photography

  • Smiling woman with short black hair wearing a floral dress, necklace, earrings, and a name tag that says Elizabeth, in front of colorful background with a large pink flower and the words 'Shays Warris'

    ELIZABETH AYALA

    AMBASSADOR & THRIVER
    2023 I AM HOPE GRADUATE

  • Close-up of a woman with curly brown hair, wearing a green top and a name tag that reads 'Emily', smiling in front of colorful, fun background with large floral and geometric designs.

    EMILY SCHMOOKLER - ERYT

    AMBASSADOR & THRIVER 2023 I AM HOPE GRADUATE

  • A smiling woman wearing black glasses and a white eyelet blouse, standing in front of colorful background with large flower and question mark illustrations and text.

    FRAN ESPINOSA

    AMBASSADOR & THRIVER
    2023 I AM HOPE GRADUATE

  • A middle-aged man with dark, slicked-back hair, wearing large black glasses, a navy suit jacket, a patterned button-up shirt, and a pocket square, smiling at the camera against a plain gray background.

    GABRIEL RIVERA

    ADVOCATE
    YO BRO I AM BRAVE TOO!

  • A smiling woman wearing floral patterned blouse, standing in front of a brick wall.

    KATIE MONK

    AMBASSADOR & THRIVER 2026 I AM HOPE GRADUATE

  • A smiling woman wearing black glasses and a leopard print blouse with her chin resting on her overlapping hands. The background behind her is blurred.

    KATHY RAPPAPORT

    AMBASSADOR & THRIVER 2026 I AM HOPE GRADUATE

  • A woman with light skin and blonde hair smiling in front of colorful, abstract art background. She is wearing a black top with a floral cover-up and has a name tag that says 'KATE'.

    KATE HUFFMAN

    AMBASSADOR & THRIVER
    2023 I AM HOPE GRADUATE

  • Close-up of a young woman with long wavy brown hair, wearing a floral scarf tied at the neck, smiling softly, indoors with a blurred background.

    MALIA BOTELLO

    ADVOCATE

  • Black background with white text that reads 'shays warriors' and smaller text underneath that says 'life after cancer.'

    NATE MANDERFELD

    ADVOCATE
    YO BRO I AM BRAVE TOO!

  • Close-up of a smiling woman with curly brown hair, light-colored eyes, wearing a black top, a gold necklace with a letter R pendant, and gold earrings.

    RACHEL BARONE

    AMBASSADOR & THRIVER
    2025 I AM HOPE GRADUATE

  • Black background with white text that reads 'shays warriors' and smaller text underneath that says 'life after cancer.'

    SAGE KADEVARI

    AMBASSADOR & THRIVER
    2025 I AM HOPE GRADUATE

  • A woman playing crystal singing bowls outdoors on a sunny day with trees and buildings in the background.

    SALLY SALAS

    ADVOCATE
    MOVE2HEAL - INSTRUCTOR

  • A young woman with smiling face, long blonde braided hair, wearing earrings, a necklace, and a sleeveless top, standing outdoors with blurred green trees and sunlight in the background.

    SHAMORA WRIGHT

    ADVOCATE
    TALK LISTEN SHARE & BLACK WELLNESS CLUB PARTNER

  • A woman with short dark hair standing outdoors in a park with trees and green grass, smiling, wearing a black short-sleeved dress with gold buttons and earrings.

    TESHA VANN

    AMBASSADOR & THRIVER
    2024 I AM HOPE GRADUATE

Shay’s Warriors Life After Cancer, consists of 100% volunteer powerhouse oooomazzzing humans that have huge hearts volunteering their time and talents for our mission. We are so blessed to have this privilege, and thank them and their families for this honor.