About
Hi, we’re Shay’s Warriors-life after cancer.
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.
Shay’s Warriors runs on female power generated by women who have been affected by cancer in one way or another and a few awesome men. Please say hello to our board of directors, ambassadors and advocates.
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Shay Moraga
WARRIOR FOUNDER-VISIONARY
Career field: ERYT-500, Trauma Informed, Breast Cancer Health Coach, Entrepreneur & TNBC Cancer Survivor.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: 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.
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Amy Hetherington, D.N.P
WARRIOR SECRETARY
Career field: Nurse Educator, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Alchemist.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: I seek opportunities to educate, empower, embrace, encourage, and elevate others. A nurse by trade, I am perpetually humbled by my front row seat to the human condition, and the many moments of powerful healing and strength that I’ve witnessed with this organization. As a Latina, I am eager to help build and strengthen even more support for my fellow Latinos.
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REBECCA CURTRIGHT
WARRIOR TREASURE KEEPER
Career field: V.P. Financial Analyst.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: 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.
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CHRISTINA MILLER
WARRIOR OF CRAFT AND SURPRISE
Career field: Cosmetology.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: 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.
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ANGELA PRESCOTT
WARRIOR OF VOLUNTEERS
Career field: Physical Therapist & Cancer Survivor.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: 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.
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DR. SONJA FUNG
WARRIOR OF EDUCATION
Career field: Naturopathic Doctor.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: 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.
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MELISSA RIVERA
WARRIOR OF BEAUTY
Career Field: Business Managing Partner & Licensed Medical Esthetician.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: 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!
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MAURAE QUIGLEY
WARRIOR OF THANKS
Career Field: Co Owner of Serena’s Resort Wear Boutique - Indian Wells
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization? This charity is near and dear to my heart. My father passed away from cancer 22 years ago, and one of my best friends went through a double mastectomy, being part of this organization gives me a opportunity and chance to make a difference in the life of someone who is either going through cancer, recovered from cancer or needs help with a family member with cancer.
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MADDY BOTELLO
WARRIOR OF CONNECTIONS
Career Field: Restaurateur of
Wally’s Desert Turtle Rancho MirageWhy are you a part of this nonprofit organization: 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.
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JASON PARR
WARRIOR GRANT WRITER
Career Field: University of Wisconsin Professor of Law & Accounting. - WI
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: 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. goes here
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GAIL TRONCOSO
WARRIOR OF FUNDRAISING
Career Field: Retired Educator and Administrator & Cancer Survivor - Bermuda Dunes
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization? 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.
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SHAUN MURPHY
WARRIOR OF RESEARCH
Career Field: SBEMP Attorney at Law & Cancer Survivor - Indian Wells
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization? 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.
Honorary Board Members
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AILEEN ALVARES
In Our Hearts Forever
October 28, 1974-October 11, 2024Career field: Lawyer & Cancer Survivor.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: 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.
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LINDSEY WRIGHT
CHIEF CREATIVE
Career field: Illustration & Design.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: 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.
ADVISORY COUNCIL
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ALISON MAYER SACHS, MSW, CSW, LSW, OSW-C
WARRIOR ADVISORY COUNCIL
Career Field: Certified Oncology Social Worker and Educator with Eisenhower Health
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: Cancer changes your life, Shay’s Warriors is about embracing life and finding new meaning after surviving cancer and I am happy to be a part of that along with them.
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GAIL PARKER PhD. CIAYT.
WARRIOR ADVISORY COUNCIL
Career Field: Retired psychologist, author, yoga therapist, educator.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: Psychological and emotional health and well-being are my priority personally and professionally. The cancer journey is stressful, traumatic and life changing. Survivors need as much support after treatment as they do when they are in treatment. I've experienced my own cancer journey and longed for the kind of support that Shay's is offering. I've lost friends, family, and clients to cancer. Being part of this non-profit is my way of giving back.
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ROSEMARY FLAHERTY, Retired RN/BSN IAC
WARRIOR ADVISORY COUNCIL
Career Field: Registered Nurse Patient Coordinator (retired).
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: I was honored to have served on the board of Shay’s Warriors from 2017-2019. Survivorship requires understanding, community, emotional and physical support to promote holistic wellness. There are many important topics that can truly influence wellness and health after cancer. My hope is that everyone walks away from the presentations with at least one idea that will become a helpful practice or exploration in their lives.
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PAUL MAHONEY
WARRIOR ADVISORY COUNCIL
Career Field: CEO of PMA Advertising & Public Relations Inc.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: As a two time cancer survivor, I feel it is important to help others who are going through what I went through, and let them know, that there is live after cancer. My hope is that I can help men, who have difficulty sharing or talking about cancer, that they are not alone in the fight and that is ok to share.
I hope by sharing my story, that it might make a difference in someone else’s journey and shows there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
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STEVE SANCHEZ
WARRIOR ADVISORY COUNCIL
Career Field: La Quinta City Councilman
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: As someone who watched my own mother battle cancer, and like so many who know a friend or loved one fighting, surviving, or lost too soon, I believe no one should face that journey alone. I am honored to join Shay’s Warriors to help ensure men have a strong community to lean on—one that inspires confidence, connection, and healing long after the treatments end. Because warriors don’t battle alone, and together, we rise stronger than cancer.
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VICTOR LAMKAY
WARRIOR ADVISORY COUNCIL
Career Field: Retired Educator & Administrator, Grant Researcher.
Why are you a part of this nonprofit organization: I have been motivated by Shay's dedication and enthusiasm for this cause. I value so much the mission and the goals of Shay's Warriors, and I am inspired to contribute in all ways that I am able.
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PAULINA LARSON
Palm Springs Life Magazine
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JAELYN MORAGA
Sircle Media
ADVOCATES & AMBASSADORS
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ELIZABETH AYALA
Ambassador & Cancer Thriver
2023 I AM HOPE GRADUATE -
RACHEL BARONE
Ambassador & Cancer Thriver
2025 I AM HOPE GRADUATE -
MALIA BOTELLO
WARRIOR ADVOCATE
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AUTUMN BREWER
Advocate
MOVE2HEAL - Instructor -
COACH CASS
Advocate
MOVE2HEAL - Instructor -
FRAN ESPINOSA
Ambassador & Cancer Thriver
2023 I AM HOPE GRADUATE -
KATE HUFFMAN
Ambassador & Cancer Thriver
2023 I AM HOPE GRADUATE -
LILY HOROWITZ
Advocate
MOVE2HEAL - Instructor -
SAGE KADEVARI
Ambassador & Cancer Thriver
2025 I AM HOPE GRADUATE -
DEJIA KREUTZBERG
Advocate
Deja's View Photography -
NATE MANDERFELD
Advocate
YO BRO I AM BRAVE TOO! -
KATIE MONK
Ambassador & Cancer Thriver
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KATHY RAPPAPORT
Ambassador & Cancer Thriver
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GABRIEL RIVERA
Advocate
YO BRO I AM BRAVE TOO! -
SALLY SALAS
Advocate
MOVE2HEAL - Instructor -
EMILY SCHMOOKLER - ERYT
WARRIOR AMBASSADOR 2022 I AM HOPE GRADUATE
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TESHA VANN
Ambassador & Cancer Thriver
2024 I AM HOPE GRADUATE -
SHAMORA WRIGHT
Advocate Move2Heal and Black Wellness Club
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.