We want to ease this journey as much as possible by helping you understand the disease and navigate your options, and by making sure you are connected as quickly and easily as possible to the resources that can help you the most.

Leslie Jared

Leslie Jared MSN, BSN, RN, has more than 30 years’ experience in clinical research. She earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Purdue University and her Master of Science in nursing from Vanderbilt University. After 9 years as an ICU nurse, Leslie turned her focus to clinical work, coordinating, monitoring, and managing clinical trials for cancer research.

As a Nurse Navigator for Cancer Commons, Leslie worked primarily with brain cancer patients, many of whom had been diagnosed with DIPG. Leslie was an integral part of the ONC201 trial that was being offered through an expanded access program. By working with physicians and gathering necessary medical records, Leslie helped patients overcome barriers in order to qualify for the highly regarded trial.

Leslie is a 15-year ovarian cancer survivor, which has given her a unique perspective when working with cancer patients.

Lauren Kirages

Lauren Kirages BSN, RN, had 8 years of experience in oncology prior to joining ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation. She graduated from Ball State University (Muncie, IN) in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science/Nursing degree. She is currently chemotherapy, biotherapy, BLS, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certified. In her career as a bedside nurse, she received a Red Shoe award, a DAISY award, a Team DAISY award, numerous other DAISY Award nominations, and three peer facility awards.

Lauren spent two years at Reid Hospital in Richmond, IN on a general oncology floor. Afterwards, she spent three years at Riley Children’s Hospital (Indianapolis, IN) as a charge nurse on the pediatric stem cell unit where she cared for and treated a multitude of pediatric cancers, including an array of different types of brain and spinal cord tumors in children. Lauren had practical experience with specific diagnoses at Riley Children’s that included low- and high-grade Gliomas, Astrocytoma, Ganglioglioma, atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid tumors (ARTR), primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET), Medulloblastoma, and germ cell tumors. During her time at Riley Children’s, she administered multiple chemotherapy and biotherapy agents and performed the stem cell transfusions and transplants on the unit. Lauren also spent three years at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital as a charge nurse and a clinical supervisor where she also saw an array of Pediatric cancer patients, administering multiple chemotherapies including trial therapies.

Ashley Rogers

Ashley Rogers CPNP-PC, MSN, BSN, RN has worked in pediatrics for 10 years. She began her career at Huntsville Hospital in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University of Alabama. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with her master’s degree in Pediatric Primary Care while working simultaneously as a Nurse Practitioner at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Affiliate Clinic.

In her most recent role at St. Jude, Ashley worked closely with children suffering blood disorders and cancer, including DIPG, to monitor conditions, progress and treatments. She worked extensively with patients and parents to educate them throughout their journey while helping to coordinate care with institutions across the nation.

Ashley was part of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing in 2013 in recognition of excellence in scholarship and achievements in nursing through the University of Alabama. She was also the recipient of the Care Champion award in 2014 and 2015 in recognition of excellence in care by Huntsville Hospital.

Emily Rutt

Emily Rutt, CPNP-AC, MSN, RN, CHPPN, ACHPN, has more than 18 years of nursing experience in both adult and pediatric care. She has been involved in caring for children with cancer in a variety of capacities since starting her career in pediatric oncology in 2005. Continuing her education throughout her career, Emily is a 2016 graduate from the University of Pennsylvania with a concentration in pediatric oncology.

A significant portion of Emily’s career has been spent in hospice and palliative care. In her most recent role, she served as a Nurse Practitioner for the Quality of Life Team at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.