BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION OF THE OZARKS
A former BCFO board member used to say “Individually, we are bright. Collectively, we are brilliant,” and today, those words still ring true. Valuing teamwork and community partnerships, BCFO hopes that anyone who encounters our organization – whether it be a patient, volunteer, or donor – has an experience that changes their world for the better.
Like many other nonprofits, our organization wouldn’t be what it is today without BCFO’s board of directors and staff. With a diverse array of backgrounds and experience, BCFO team members are uniquely prepared to address the situational poverty stemming from a breast cancer diagnosis. Whether you are a breast cancer patient, a donor, or a volunteer, we want to hear how we can best serve you. BCFO team members strive to ensure our patients get the services they truly need, donors’ contributions are used in the most effective manner, and our volunteers are directly involved in programs and community outreach efforts.
BCFO Staff
Crystal Webster
MHA, Executive Director, 2008-present
Crystal Webster joined BCFO in January 2008 as Executive Director. Crystal attended Southwest Missouri State University completing a bachelor’s degree in marketing research/quantitative analysis in 1996. An initial career in hospitality transitioned to healthcare when she returned to Missouri State University to complete her masters in healthcare administration. Crystal came to BCFO from a home health and hospice environment.
She was not personally affected by breast cancer until coming to work for BCFO. During her first week in her new position, her 29 year-old sister, Naomi, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Crystal’s experience watching her sister fight this disease was life-changing. Naomi survives her diagnosis and lives with her family in Alabama.
Crystal appreciates that a big part of survival is having the right resources on hand. She works diligently so that women (and men) across the Ozarks have access to the resources they need for early diagnosis and full engagement in breast cancer treatment.
Sam Pippin
Senior Financial Director, 2015-present
A lifelong resident of Springfield, Sam joined BCFO in early 2015. He received his undergraduate degree from Missouri State University and his MBA from Drury University. Sam brings to BCFO over 25 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant in both public accounting and private industry.
While assisting with financial matters for BCFO, Sam works extensively in a grant writing capacity, as well as working to obtain various federal and state tax credit opportunities for BCFO donors. In addition, Sam works with the Executive Director and the Legacy of Hope Endowment Committee as BCFO strives to reach its long-term endowment goal to assure that support for patients is available in perpetuity.
Sam is honored to have an opportunity to play a part in helping those throughout the 31-county BCFO service area that benefit from the many programs BCFO provides to those that have had their lives affected by breast cancer.
Jill Gold
RN, Program Director, 2008-2009, 2011-present
Jill grew up in Aurora, MO. She attended Drury and Southwest Baptist University before attending nursing school. She has over 20 years of nursing and nursing administration experience. She has 2 children and 4 grandchildren.
Jill directs all client services and programs, including financial assistance, the Rosalie Wooten Children’s Fund, lymphedema garments, free screening mammograms, and mentoring. In addition, she facilitates a support group for survivors in Branson.
Jill believes very strongly in BCFO’s mission. She understands the stress and emotions of both the client and their families during treatment after losing her mother and a sister to cancer. Jill is honored to be of assistance and to serve BCFO clients and their families.
Kristi Seibert
Outreach Director Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, 2011-present
Kristi and husband Michael are Joplin natives and have been extremely involved in the community. She graduated from Missouri Southern State College (now University) with a general business degree in 1980 while working full time at Freeman Hospital. Kristi began working for Freeman in 1978 while in college in various positions in business departments. She took a new position after her son, Jonmichael was born in 1990, with an anesthesia group. While working at Freeman Hospital, Kristi’s passion to help others through fundraising was sparked. She was recruited to co-chair FreemanFest 1990. The success of this event gave Kristi the encouragement to become involved in many other fundraising efforts. She chaired many school fundraising efforts, volunteered as treasurer for the areas swim team, and volunteered for Boy Scout Troop 39.
Kristi changed careers in 2000 when the anesthesia group was dissolved. She worked at a local greenhouse/nursery and then as a tax preparer and office manager at Blood Tax Service. During this time in 2007 Kristi was diagnosed with breast cancer. She focused on recovering from breast cancer and giving back and helping others dealing with the disease. She got involved with local breast cancer efforts. Kristi volunteered for BCFO during this time and was asked to join BCFO’s staff in the Four State Area. Kristi began with BCFO July 1, 2011 and manages all fundraising efforts in the Four State Area. Kristi serves as outreach director in the community to facilitate matching needs with resources and works closely with area hospitals, physicians and local breast cancer patients. Kristi has received these honors: Most Influential Women, American Red Cross Everyday Hero, 417 Most Beautiful Woman.
Allyson Tuckness
Director of Community Engagement, 2015-present
Allyson Tuckness joined BCFO in January 2015 as the PR Coordinator with a history of nonprofit work. Allyson graduated with a Bachelors of Art in Journalism from Indiana University, and returned home to Atlanta, GA briefly to work there before moving to Washington D.C. for 4 years where she worked at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. She eventually relocated to Springfield, MO where she has served in different capacities for other local nonprofit organizations.
Although Allyson has been touched by breast cancer in her family, all early diagnoses thanks to mammograms, and none needing intense treatment, her real connection to the mission of BCFO came in 2016 when she was diagnosed herself with APL Leukemia while visiting family for Thanksgiving. After the extended hospital stays (a total of about 60 days), treatments, pokes and prods, as well as the time away from work and family, Allyson and her family had a first hand experience of what cancer patients and their families deal with on a daily basis. She truly believes that what BCFO saves lives and changes lives. Allyson is doing great and has a wonderful prognosis and is even more grateful for the time she has to spend with her husband Chris and 2 boys, Mason and Dylan.
Kristy Pittman
Bookkeeper, 2016-present
Kristy Pittman is the bookkeeper for BCFO. Kristy brings 26 years of bookkeeping experience to her position with BCFO having worked for Greenlawn Funeral Homes, Central Tax Service and several years in the banking industry.
Kristy has been married to her husband Jeff for 18 years. He works for the USPS and is a Retired US Army Veteran. Together, they have a 9 year old son, Jaxon. He keeps them busy with Cub Scouts, soccer, basketball and baseball. Kristy is a committee member for her son’s Cub Scout organization and is actively involved within her church.
Apply for assistance
Have you been diagnosed with breast cancer? Click here to learn more about receiving help with your household bills during treatment. Do you need a free screening mammogram? Click here to apply. Are you struggling to pay for lymphedema garments? Click HERE for an application.
DONATE
With your help and support, BCFO can continue our mission of helping families impacted by breast cancer. To make a charitable donation, click HERE.
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ABOUT BCFO.org
Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks is a local 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization. BCFO reaches out to friends and neighbors who have been affected by breast cancer. BCFO offers personal support and comfort in real and practical ways, providing support networks, mentoring programs, a full range of resources regarding breast cancer awareness, diagnosis and treatment, where to find related community services, and more.