Our Story of GCCCF
Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation (GCCCF) is dedicated to reducing colon cancer deaths through awareness, access, and action.
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Founded in 2011: GCCCF was established to address gaps in colon cancer education and screening access.
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Tennessee has higher incidence and mortality rates for colorectal cancer compared to the national average, often linked to lower screening rates.
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Our GCCCF Mission:
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Educate the community on colon cancer statistics and screening options in Chattanooga
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Provide colon cancer screenings for uninsured individuals
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Fundraisers:
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🏃 Rump Run (March)
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🏓 Pickleball Tournament (September)
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Tennessee Screening Rates:
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Tennessee ranks among the lowest in the nation for colon cancer screening.
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The Highest-Risk Groups: Ages 45+ African American, Hispanic and then Caucasian
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Meet our Team of Board Members
Shauna Lorenzo-Rivero, MD
Chairman of the Board
Founded GCCCF in 2010
I am the Chairman of the Board and Founder of the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation (GCCCF), established in 2010. As a colorectal surgeon, I deeply understand the devastating impact of colon cancer. Recognizing Tennessee's high colon cancer rates, particularly among underserved communities, I founded the GCCCF to address this critical issue. Our mission is to increase access to life-saving screenings by providing financial assistance and partnering with local healthcare providers. The GCCCF's signature event, the annual Rump Run, raises vital funds for these initiatives, ensuring that 100% of proceeds stay within our community to support those in need.
Cole Guess, MAcc
Board Treasurer
Joined the Board in 2023
I joined GCCCF Board in 2023 as Treasurer. While my day to day consists of high net worth tax planning and compliance for individuals, estates, trusts and investment partnerships, I yearn for the opportunity to invest my skills in such a way to better the community. As the grandson of a victim of a gastrointestinal bleed, I find the work of GCCCF to be incredibly important and hope that it can be seen and heard around the Greater Chattanooga area in order to save lives.
Certified Public Accountants
Jennifer Vessels, esq.
Board Member
Joined the Board in 2026
As Senior Counsel with Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel's healthcare practice, I help healthcare organizations navigate complex regulatory requirements and structure transactions. I love working in the healthcare space and helping providers solve the problems that might otherwise keep them from focusing on their patients. As a Chattanooga native with a family history of colon cancer, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with GCCCF, helping our community and raising awareness of this too-often devastating disease.
Terry Craig
Board Member
Joined the Board in 2025
My name is Terry Craig. I have over 40 years of nursing experience ranging from home health to
endoscopy. For the last 10 years I have served as Charge Nurse in the Endoscopy Lab at HCA
Parkridge Medical Center. In this role, I assist patients in the procedural part of their treatment
plan. Early detection and prevention of diseases like colon cancer has always been important to
me. After a recent GI event with my Mother, I want to be a part of educating others about the
importance of early detection and I am grateful to be working with the GCCCF to share with
our local community the importance of early detection.
Registered Nurse
Helen J. Pinkerton
Board President
Years on the Board: 11
I am very committed to the GCCCF for giving me an opportunity to continue to serve the community by volunteering and sharing my passion of giving back to my community. I am very passionate about the organization’s mission to educate the public about how colonoscopies save lives; as well as its specific target of reaching vulnerable communities of color with this message who are at a high risk of dying from this devastating, yet preventable disease.
Retired Grants, Health Education & Site Manager
Mark Harvey, MPA
Board Member
Joined the Board in 2026
As Program Manager for the Chattanooga Regional Medical Campus of Morehouse School of Medicine, I oversee student education, physician engagement, clinical training programs, and community partnerships that support the development of the future healthcare workforce.
I build meaningful partnerships between academic institutions, healthcare organizations, physicians, and community stakeholders to strengthen the pipeline of future healthcare professionals.
I am passionate about supporting organizations that advance health outcomes and improve the quality of life for individuals and families across Southeast Tennessee.
Program Manager
Morehouse School of Medicine
Chattanooga Campus
Lori Proctor, MD
Board Member
Joined the Board in 2023
With 18 years of experience in acute care and community settings, I bring a wealth of knowledge and compassionate care to my patients. I excel at professional communication and am dedicated to creating individualized care plans. Currently, I serve as a Nurse Manager at 500 South CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga. Previously, I thrived as a Registered Nurse-Charge Nurse, managing a 30-bed cardiac telemetry unit. I am delighted to join the GCCCF board, eager to contribute my expertise to further our shared goals in healthcare excellence.
Nurse Manager
Jennifer Thompson
Board Member
Joined the Board in 2022
With 18 years of experience in acute care and community settings, I bring a wealth of
knowledge and compassionate care to my patients. I excel at professional communication
and am dedicated to creating individualized care plans. Currently, I serve as a Nurse Manager
at 500 South CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga. Previously, I thrived as a Registered Nurse-
Charge Nurse, managing a 30-bed cardiac telemetry unit. I am delighted to join the GCCCF
board, eager to contribute my expertise to further our shared goals in healthcare excellence.
Nurse Manager
Common Spirit Memorial Hospital
Derek Holland, MD
Board Vice President
Joined the Board in 2022
I am a hematologist and medical oncologist in the Chattanooga community, and have had the privilege of caring for patients with colorectal cancers for the past 16 years. I am also the son of a colon cancer survivor – my mother was diagnosed and treated for stage III colon cancer in 2008. I am excited to join the Board! Through the GCCCF, I can help raise awareness about the importance of life-saving colon cancer screening. My hope is that through education and better access to colonoscopies, fewer patients would ever have to see me in clinic!
Camille A. Sommer, MD
Board Member
Joined the Board in 2025
As a gastroenterologist, I'm deeply passionate about improving the health of our community. Joining the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation board aligns perfectly with my commitment to raising awareness, providing education, and supporting efforts to prevent and treat these cancers. My own journey in medicine began after a career in sports journalism, a testament to my belief in the power of knowledge and proactive health. I'm excited to contribute my expertise to the GCCCF's vision of a community where everyone has the opportunity to receive timely colon cancer screenings. I believe that through education, early detection, and community support, we can significantly reduce the burden of these diseases
Gastroenterologist
Laxmi B. Parsa, MD
Board Member
Joined the Board in 2026
I'm a gastroenterologist and transplant hepatologist serving patients throughout the Chattanooga region. I recently joined the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation because I believe in advancing colon cancer prevention, increasing community awareness, and improving access to lifesaving screening and education. My goal is to help patients achieve better digestive health through compassionate, evidence-based care.
Gastroenterologist and Transplant Hepatologist
Erlanger Health System
Candice Milton
Board Member
Joined the Board in 2025
I am a Business Communications Consultant for the Tennessee Valley Authority, where
I use my skills to share TVA’s story and spread awareness of our mission. As a service-
driven organization, our purpose is to make life better for the people in the Tennessee
Valley, and for me, that mission doesn’t end at 5 p.m. each day. I’m excited to join the
Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation board because I want to give back to
my community by sharing awareness about this preventable, beatable, and treatable
cancer.