- David Cohen"Striker"Board ChairDavid Cohen"Striker"
David is from New England, growing up in Connecticut and living in Massachusetts for over two decades. He is a survivor of testicular cancer and was introduced to Epic Experience as a winter camper in 2017, where he has said his experience “changed his life.” He has since volunteered at the 7W ranch during the winter of 2019.
David is the CEO of Doc Wayne Youth Services, which is a Boston based award winning non-profit focused on working with youth with mental health challenges and victims of complex trauma through the power of sport. He is a former college soccer player and has been involved in the sport for social change space since 2008 as he is also the founder of Playing It Forward, a non-profit which provides sports equipment to thousands of underserved youth around the world.
David earned his B.S. from Babson College and his MBA from the McCallum Graduate School of Business at Bentley University.
He and his wife, Lauren, have two daughters and two Doodles. He enjoys coaching, traveling and honing his Rummikub skills when he can. His goal is to help the organization grow so that more adult survivors are able to attend camp and experience how “game-changing” Epic Experience can be.
- Sabine Schwab"Bee"SecretarySabine Schwab"Bee"
Sabine Schwab, a primary brain cancer survivor, attended an Epic Experience summer camp in May 2016. Since then, she has been a strong believer in the healing power of nature and togetherness.
Sabine aims to connect other cancer survivors to live up to the quote: “When “I” is replaced by “We”, Illness becomes Wellness!” (Malcolm X).
Sabine has a PhD in Economics and Social Sciences, and has worked in nonprofit and corporate companies, in the USA and her home country, Germany. She is a very active advocate in the brain tumor space and acts as patient advisor and speaker for multiple organizations and health care institutions across the nation.
In her free time, the avid yogi and rock climber loves to travel and read, as well as spending time with her daughter and family.
- Colin Ferro"Wingman"Colin Ferro"Wingman"Colin arrived in Denver, CO in 2004 to attend Regis University for college. During his time at Regis Colin was very involved with a retreat called Kairos. Kairos was very impactful in his life and he wanted to continue to share that with his peers throughout his collegiate experience. During college Colin’s brother was diagnosed with testicular cancer. After being the emotional support and caregiver for Michael during the last two years at Regis University Colin gained more and more affection for the cancer community and wanting to support all survivors however he could.Working at the corporate office for the Red Robin Restaurant Group Colin was in search to find a career full of passion and purpose much like his time in college with Kairos. In 2013 Colin came to work for Epic Experience part time, 6 months later he was full time. Since that time his passion for the organization and the entire cancer community has grown year after year. Colin is passionate about the outdoors and the cancer community, Epic Experience has helped him embrace both of them. He is always excited to share his enthusiasm of Epic Experience with whoever will take the time to listen.
- Karl White"Moose"Karl White"Moose"
Karl initially found Epic as a Lymphoma survivor when he was looking for ways to give back to the cancer community. After attending a camp in Summer 2016, Karl believed so strongly in the support he received there and Epic’s mission that he jumped at the opportunity to join the board. Karl is very excited about Epic’s future.
Karl has 10 years of Analytic experience and a BA in Math and a MBA in Finance, both from the University of Colorado. Currently he is a Senior Data Analyst at Kaiser Permanente. Karl also has 15 years of board member and Treasure experience at a Denver based Credit Union that specializes in serving the financially under served. In addition, Karl has 15 years of Sales and Management experience.Karl is a Colorado native, but is well traveled. He has been to all 50 states and all 7 continents. He enjoys golf, dinning out, live music and gardening. He and his wife Jolene also love hanging out with and walking their dog Turk.
- Julie Uspal“Dr. CheezIt”Julie Uspal“Dr. CheezIt”
Julie Uspal is an Emergency Medicine physician in Philadelphia and is honored to be part of the Epic Experience family.
She is originally from Reading, Pennsylvania, and attended the University of Pittsburgh for her undergraduate studies and the Penn State College of Medicine for medical school. She completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and then joined the faculty at Penn Medicine in 2016. She currently works as an Emergency Medicine Attending and serves as the Director of Quality and Safety in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Emergency Department.
Julie is a breast cancer survivor who attended a winter camp with Epic Experience in 2018. She is grateful for the healing power of the Colorado mountains and the lifelong friendships she made through Epic Experience. Her experience at camp was so inspiring that she felt called to give back to the cancer community as a volunteer with Epic Experience. She has volunteered at multiple camps, is a member of the Medical Advisory Team, and now serves on the Board of Directors. She is honored to give back to an organization that does so much for the adult cancer community.
Julie enjoys travel, cooking, and adventures with her family. She lives in South Jersey with her wonderful husband, two amazing sons, and beloved pug.
- Amanda Blackburn"Semi"Amanda Blackburn"Semi"Amanda "Semi" Blackburn comes to you from Louisville Kentucky! She is a Stage III Colorectal Cancer Survivor....camp name “Semi” due to her semicolon. She is a mother of two beautiful girls, a 23 year Active Duty Air Force Veteran, Restaurant Owner, and lover of all things outdoors. She especially loves to play sports, fish, hike, travel, and do anything that involves the company of her family and friends.She attended a winter camp in 2019 seeking to face the emotional detriment that comes with a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and life after cancer. Epic was healing for Semi through a small group, a family atmosphere, and outdoor adventure. She was amazed at the transformation her and her fellow campers experienced mind, body, and spirit.Semi likes to live by the expression “Have stories to tell not stuff to show!”
- Cory Sly""Cory Sly""
Cory Sly was introduced to Epic Experience by his good friend and McKesson mentor, the late Louis Chinn, aka “Stud”. Cory and a group of friends and co-workers came together to run a half marathon in San Leandro, CA and raise funds for Epic Experience in honor of Louis’ battle with cancer. The group pivoted once COVID-19 lingered and ended up running the half marathon virtually and raising over $10,000.
Cory is a midwesterner at heart, born and raised in the St. Louis/Southern Illinois area before spending 10 years in the suburbs of Chicago all while maintaining his love for the better of the baseball teams, the St. Louis Cardinals. Cory attended Ball State University in Muncie, IN obtaining his Bachelor's degree in Sports Administration and Marketing. A couple years after college, Cory had the opportunity to join McKesson and over the past 12 years has spent his time with the company working with Oncology Clinics and Manufacturers to ensure oncology practices and patients have the drugs they need, when they need it. Louis’ mentorship instilled a true patient first approach into Cory’s philosophy. That approach tied with the ‘get the job done attitude’ he inherited from his parents have led to many successful problem solving drills in order to get the patient what they needed, when they needed it.
Cory and his family call Indianapolis home, enjoying the full four seasons the Midwest offers. Cory is a dedicated father, husband and son with an incredible support system. When Cory is not spending time with his two daughters, wife, family or friends he enjoys running, golfing, traveling, catching up with friends and a glass of bourbon! When around the house his four legged best friend, Yadi, is not too far away.
A multitude of family members and friends within Cory’s life have been impacted by cancer. The opportunity to join the Epic Board of Directors was welcomed with open hands and excitement. Cory looks forward to continuing to support and assist the amazing work and growth of Epic Experience.
- Michael Ferro"Train Tracks"Michael Ferro"Train Tracks"
Michael was born in Sacramento and lived there until he went off to attend Regis University in Denver, Colorado. He is a survivor of testicular cancer and a macro prolactinoma pituitary brain tumor, both of which were diagnosed in 2007. Michael has worked at Fortune 500 companies as well as smaller real estate SaaS start-ups. When Michael isn’t working, you can find him on the golf course, hanging with his dogs, and getting cocktails in Old Town Arvada with his fiancé.
Michael is excited to be a part of Epic Experience and looks forward to Epic’s future growth and continuing its mission of empowering cancer thrivers and survivors. - David Thomas""David Thomas""
David Thomas learned about Epic Experience through his wife, Rebecca “Giddy Up” Thomas, who is a Hodgkin's lymphoma and breast cancer survivor. She was a camper at one of the week-long Epic Experience camps and now volunteers regularly for the organization. In 2022, David attended the Epic Experience Hearts and Hope Gala and a regional meet up in the state of Maine, and quickly realized why Rebecca found the Epic Experience community extraordinary. He is excited to help Epic Experience with its mission and positively influence the lives of cancer survivors.
David has been with Consigli Construction Co., Inc. since 2004 and currently helps lead their Portland, Maine office. Consigli is one of the largest employee-owned construction managers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic with offices dotting the east coast from Maine to Washington DC. Consigli has been recognized in each of their regional offices as a Best Place to Work and nationally as a Best Employer by Forbes.
David and Rebecca enjoy the outdoors, travel, running, fishing, and spending time with their four-legged children.
- Ronald K Bye"Big Hoss"Ronald K Bye"Big Hoss"
Ron Bye is a 49 year survivor of testicular cancer having been diagnosed in 1975 at the ripe old age of 20. At the time, such a diagnosis was a virtual death sentence with a mortality rate of 95%. He beat incredible odds against him!
Ron attended the Epic camp in the summer of 2022 for TC survivors and was so impressed he simply had to get more involved. Ron serves on the Finance Committee, bringing his extensive business experience to help further the mission of Epic.
Ron has done public speaking on his cancer experience and survival as well as being a published author.
Ron has nearly 50 years business experience and more than a dozen BOD positions for various non-profits including numerous cancer advocacy organizations. He has held global leadership positions for both private and public companies and led a staff of over 400 professionals.
- Cam Kiosoglous"Coach"Cam Kiosoglous"Coach"Cam Kiosoglous, a testicular and thyroid cancer survivor, is passionate about empowering others to live life to the fullest after a cancer diagnosis. Inspired by a fellow survivor's experience, Cam joined the summer camp program in August 2023. Cam's involvement with Epic Experience ignited a commitment to sharing cancer stories and fostering connections with like-minded individuals. He believes these connections are crucial for helping survivors navigate life beyond cancer. Born in Sydney, Australia, Cam moved to the US in 2000. His passion for rowing led him to become a national team coach for the US at four Olympic Games (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016). Cam holds a PhD in Adult Learning and Human Development from Virginia Tech and currently thrives as a remote assistant professor and program director in the School of Education at Drexel University. Cam and his wife Justine have their menagerie of pets (including dogs, cats, horses, a goat, and chickens!), and enjoy the California sunshine at their home in San Diego.