Meet the Research Advocates
Research advocates at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center support our research efforts in many ways and for many reasons. Our advocates are cancer survivors, caregivers, and community members who are committed to making a difference.
Ron Obenauf
As a 13-year metastatic colorectal cancer survivor, Ron is passionate about colon cancer research and educating the public on the importance of prevention and early detection. His research advocacy experience began in 2006 when he became an active member of the GI SPORE research advocacy program. Ron has been a speaker at the GI SPORE External Advisory Board Meeting, the Research Advocacy Network presentation at VICC, the Primary Care Update: CRC Screening and Prevention conference, and was featured in an Ayers Institute story by the Ivanhoe Medical News Service. He has served as a member of the Internal Advisory Committee of the Vanderbilt University Tumor Microenvironment Network (VUTMEN), and been active with the Tennessee Cancer Coalition through colorectal cancer initiatives. He is currently a member of the VICC Expressive Arts Committee which helps patients cope with the emotional side of cancer through the arts.
