Invisible Struggles, Unheard Voices: Geri Barish’s Fight for Disability Awareness and Advocacy

REDEFINING DISABILITY: BEYOND WHAT MEETS THE EYE

In a recent conversation, Barish offered powerful insights into the realities faced by disabled individuals and the broad, often invisible, definition of disability itself. “You don’t have to be in a wheelchair to be disabled,” she explained. “There are mental, emotional, and chronic illness disabilities—things like cancer, lung disease, or diabetes—that can limit a person’s ability to live a so-called normal life, and you don’t see them on the outside.”

For Barish, personal experience informs advocacy. A lung cancer survivor, she describes how even simple tasks, like climbing a flight of stairs, can become a struggle. Yet, the public remains largely unaware of these unseen battles. “It’s about having a little more patience and being conscious of certain issues,” she urged. “We’d get along much better and help one another more.”

Barish believes society’s understanding of disability remains far too narrow. The assumption that disabilities are always visible undermines the daily realities of countless individuals. “Unless you know what that disability is, you don’t know,” she said. And this limited awareness leads to policies, services, and attitudes that fail to meet the needs of those they intend to support.

 

Job‐related injuries and environmental exposure: an overlooked crisis

Turning her attention to occupational hazards, Barish voiced particular concern for frontline workers exposed to environmental toxins. The long-term effects of 9/11 remain a haunting example. “Most people don’t realize the issues our firefighters face,” she explained. “What are they breathing in? Who’s there to wash them down, to get rid of those toxins? It’s a major problem and it’s not being addressed.”

Barish’s concern extends beyond high-profile disasters to everyday job-related injuries and environmental exposures that disable workers. She argues that insufficient protections and outdated workplace standards continue to put lives at risk.

The State of Disability Care: Falling Short on Promises

When discussing disability care in America, Barish did not hold back. “It’s not enough,” she stated. “These are people who need help for the rest of their lives.” Too often, she explained, disabled individuals are recognized with proclamations and symbolic gestures, but are left without the practical support necessary to maintain independence, pay their rent, or support their families.

“The government doesn’t look at the little people,” Barish added. “And unfortunately, a lot of our service people do the job of the major people, and then get left behind.”

Learning from 9/11: A Case Study in Unmet Needs

Recalling the chaos of 9/11, Barish described watching the tragedy unfold while stranded on a bridge, helplessly witnessing lives being lost. The event, she explained, was not only a disaster in the moment but continues to be one in its aftermath. “We didn’t have to be geniuses to know the toxins were dangerous,” she reflected. Yet, government assurances downplayed the risks. “The devastation was there. You saw the people coming out covered in dust and toxins, and the government didn’t do its job then—and they’re not doing it now.” For Barish, the lesson is clear: disasters demand long-term planning and care for survivors, not just immediate response.

 

The Case for National Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

One of Barish’s most urgent calls to action is for a national disabilities collaboration — a network where advocates, survivors, professionals, and policymakers can share ideas and resources. “We need to be open and above board in these kinds of things,” she insisted. “When I go to conferences and hear what other states are doing, I ask, ‘Why don’t we have that here?’ I thought we were ahead of the game. We’re not.” 

 

The Local Fight: Nassau County’s Disabilities Advisory Council

On a local level, Barish channels her advocacy through the Nassau County Disabilities Advisory Council, a group tasked with advising county leadership on accessibility, public safety, and disability services. “Our job is to let the county executive know what’s needed,” she explained. “Whether it’s accessible buildings, emergency services, or public transportation, we advocate for the community.”

Each council member, appointed by a legislator or the county executive, helps identify areas for improvement, collaborates with local services, and works to ensure the disabled community’s needs remain visible and addressed. 

CONCLUSION

Geri Barish’s advocacy is rooted in lived experience and a fierce commitment to justice. Her candid reflections expose the everyday challenges faced by those living with disabilities — challenges often invisible to others and underserved by existing systems. From the lingering health effects of 9/11 to the insufficient care provided to disabled workers and cancer survivors, Barish’s voice calls for a national reckoning. Her vision for a national disabilities council and continued community advocacy is a roadmap for change. It is a reminder that true advocacy means listening, acting, and standing alongside those whose struggles too often go unheard. As Barish poignantly concluded, “Knowledge is power. We gotta start using it.”

 

 

Foreword

It is my distinct honor to write this foreword in recognition of my dear colleague and remarkable advocate, Geri Barish. Over the years, I have witnessed countless individuals rise to face personal adversity, but few have transformed their private battles into a lifelong crusade for the wellbeing of others quite like Geri. Her tenacity, wisdom, and compassion have left an indelible mark on both the cancer community and the wider disability advocacy movement.

What began as a fight for cancer awareness evolved into a far-reaching mission to elevate the voices of those marginalized by illness, injury, and circumstance. Geri has long understood that disabilities come in many forms — often invisible and misunderstood — and she has fought relentlessly to shift public perceptions and push for systemic change. This article captures the essence of her advocacy: the insistence that no one should be left behind. From protecting our frontline service members to addressing the long-term health crises spawned by 9/11, Geri’s vision extends beyond individual cases to the greater need for national collaboration, public accountability, and human dignity.

It is through voices like Geri Barish’s that we are reminded of the human stories behind every policy, the lasting consequences behind every crisis, and the undeniable truth that advocacy is both a duty and a privilege. May her words in this piece inspire others to listen, to learn, and to lead.

- Dr. Robert L. Bard, MD, DABR, FASLMS

Cancer Imaging Specialist, Medical Advocate, and National Health Policy Contributor 

 

DIAGNOSTIC PROGRAM: OCCUPATIONAL HEALTHSCANNING THROUGH ADVANCED LAB TESTING

Occupational Exposures- intro for "Get Checked Now!"

This testing program is designed by Dr. Roberta Kline exclusively for BARDDIAGNOSTCS and its patients.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH TESTING PROGRAM
When it comes to toxic exposures, health hazards exist in lesser or greater quantity - especially in the more dangerous jobs (ie. firefighting, construction, engine work etc). For the many Americans who dedicated an extended period of their careers to potentially toxic exposures, this comprehensive clinical testing program offers direct insight into their genetic predispositions for potentially adverse responses to occupational exposures.  The selected testing also identifies predisposition to common cancers, chronic diseases, and other health issues.  

Along with their DNA predisposition profiles, the client also receives personalized guidance about how this gathered information applies to their actual healthcare approach, and proactive strategies they can take to mitigate the impact on their health. 

PHASE 1: GENETIC PREDISPOSITION 

The first phase of this program establishes a client's actual genetic blueprint rendering the foundation of a personalized approach to minimizing exposure risks and optimizing health. 

1) GENETIC TESTING: Genetic testing and interpretation of inherited mutations for common cancers (including breast, prostate, pancreatic, ovarian, colorectal, stomach, and melanoma) and cardiovascular disease.  

2) NUTRITIONAL GENOMICS TESTING: Genomic testing and interpretation of SNPs in many systems underlying health, including the processing of environmental toxins, nutrition, sleep, heart disease, brain health, mood, diabetes, inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial health, hormones, cancers, exercise and injury, bone density.   

3) PHARMACOGENOMIC TESTING: Genomic testing and interpretation of SNPs in genes associated with medication response, including adverse reactions and effectiveness.  

PHASE 2: BIOLOGICAL & HEALTH IMPACT 

The next segment of this program assesses the impact of toxin exposures as they interact with genetic predisposition and affecting the biological systems that support health. Each client also receives personalized guidance and strategies for addressing any ongoing exposures and improving biological functioning and health. 

1. 1) TOXIN TESTING: Specialized testing to assess current levels of a wide variety of toxins encountered in the workplace and home environments, with personalized strategies for supporting your internal detoxification systems to reduce their levels and impact. 

2. 
   

2. 2) EPIGENETIC TESTING: Epigenetic testing and interpretation to assess how environmental exposures, diet, and lifestyle are interacting with your genetic predispositions, impacting real-time gene expression and health risks including how fast your cells are aging, general cancer and disease risks, immune health, smoking and alcohol exposures. 

3. 
   

3. 3) FUNCTIONAL LAB TESTING: Additional specialized lab tests to assess areas identified as potential targets of toxins, directly or indirectly. Personalized to each client, these can include assessments of hormones, mitochondria, oxidative stress, microbiome, stress, sleep and more. 

PART 2: ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES AND THE BODY: "WHY SOME GET SICK AND OTHERS DON’T"

Despite similar workplace conditions, not every individual responds to environmental hazards in the same way. This discrepancy stems from the intricate interplay between genetic predisposition, cumulative toxin exposure, lifestyle factors, and overall biological resilience.

When environmental toxins—like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, combustion byproducts, pesticides, and industrial chemicals—enter the body, they’re processed through detoxification pathways largely governed by genes. Individuals with inherited variants in detox genes such as GSTT1, CYP2D6, NQO1, and SOD2 may struggle to effectively neutralize and eliminate these substances, allowing toxic metabolites to accumulate. Over time, this bioaccumulation leads to oxidative stress, DNA damage, endocrine disruption, and immune dysregulation, setting the stage for chronic diseases including cancer, cardiovascular issues, autoimmune conditions, and neurological disorders.

Moreover, epigenetic changes—alterations in gene expression triggered by environmental exposures—can modify how genes behave without altering their underlying DNA sequence. This means that prolonged occupational exposures may “turn on” genes associated with inflammation or carcinogenesis, or “turn off” protective tumor suppressor genes. Epigenetic testing, as featured in this program, helps capture this dynamic, providing real-time insights into how one’s environment is influencing their genetic risk profile.

HIGH-RISK JOBS AND OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY LIMITATIONS

Certain professions inherently carry a greater burden of toxic exposures due to the nature of their work environments and materials handled. Among the highest risk occupations:

* Firefighters and Emergency Responders: Regular exposure to combustion byproducts, flame retardants, and hazardous particulates.

* Construction and Demolition Workers: Contact with asbestos, silica dust, lead, VOCs, solvents, and heavy metals.

* Industrial Manufacturing Employees: Repeated exposure to industrial chemicals, degreasers, paints, and glues in poorly ventilated settings.

* Miners and Oil Rig Workers: Exposure to dust particles, diesel exhaust, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons.

* Agricultural Workers: Chronic contact with pesticides, fertilizers, fungicides, and other agrochemicals.

* Healthcare Workers: Exposure to anesthetic gases, sterilizing agents, chemotherapeutics, and infectious biological hazards.

While regulatory agencies such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) set permissible exposure limits (PELs) and recommended safety practices, these standards are built around population averages and do not account for individual genetic susceptibility.

For genetically predisposed workers, even exposures deemed “acceptable” under current safety guidelines can silently accumulate adverse effects over time. Further complicating this, many occupational safety limits are based on outdated data and often don’t address newer, more insidious exposures like ultrafine particles and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which may cause health damage at subclinical exposure levels.

THE FUTURE OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH MONITORING

This advanced occupational testing program signifies a transformative shift toward precision occupational medicine—integrating genetic, epigenetic, and toxin exposure insights to offer personalized risk management. The ability to stratify risk based on a person’s unique genetic blueprint and cumulative exposure burden empowers both workers and employers to make informed decisions about job assignments, protective measures, detoxification support, and early intervention protocols.

By moving beyond generic safety measures to a personalized, data-driven health strategy, this program ensures vulnerable individuals are no longer invisible in occupational health policies—and instead, receive proactive, tailored care that preserves their long-term well-being.

References:

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Toxicological Profiles. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiledocs/index.html

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Occupational Exposure Limits: The Role of NIOSH and OSHA. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/exposurelimits/default.html

Rappaport SM, Smith MT. Environment and Disease Risks. Science. 2010 May 28;328(5980):1244-5.

doi:10.1126/science.1178566

Niedzwiecki MM, et al. The Role of Environmental Exposures and Epigenetics in Health and Disease: A Review of Recent Advances. Current Environmental Health Reports. 2019 Mar;6(1):1-9.

doi:10.1007/s40572-019-0225-4

---

Monday, May 13, 2024

INSIDE GENETIC PREDISPOSITION

PART 1: MUTAGEN HEREDITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CANCER EXPOSURES

By: Lennard M. Gettz, Ed.D  /  Edited by: Roberta Kline, MD

First responders of every branch (police, firefighters, paramedics), as well as construction cleanup contractors, were exposed to the many toxic hazards around the World Trade Center (WTC) as a result of the events on 9/11/2001.  For the more than 91,000 individuals involved in this massive response and cleanup effort [1], exposure to the toxicants from dust, smoke, and incendiary chemicals has led to concerns for cancer, diseases, and other health injuries post-exposure.  The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act enacted the World Trade Center Health Program, a federal commitment to offer comprehensive care for 9/11-related conditions. [2]

Numerous environmental contaminants have been shown to have potential carcinogenic (cancer-causing) consequences. [3] Events such as 9/11 are just some of the scenarios that have alerted government agencies, the medical community, and individuals to study the types of common cancers from each scenario.  These exposures also bring new (and heightened) concerns for gene mutations that may be inherited or passed down to the next generations of those directly impacted.

"Learning about how cancer and other illnesses work... I would hate to contract this on the job and give this to my kids", states FDNY Ret. FF Sal Banchitta- 9/11 responder. "Firefighters get a lot of training and gear to protect us from exposure- but let's face it... part of the risk of the job is that there IS no 100% guarantee- ever!  Looking back on all this, from the local house fires of burning plastics and PVC's to the many chemicals and airborne poisons in ground zero-- exposure came from anywhere.  You can only hope that you're not someone who's predisposed, but you never know." 

According to the NCI (National Cancer Institute), up to 10% of all cancers may be caused by inherited genetic changes. Cancer itself (or genetic changes in tumor cells) cannot be inherited by children of cancer patients but a genetic change or mutation that increases the risk of cancer can be passed down (inherited) if it is present in a parent's egg or sperm cells. It is for this reason why cancer may sometimes appear to run in families.  [4]

WTC-RELATED CANCERS: There are now more than 15 cancers specifically associated with exposure to the WTC toxins, with prostate and breast cancer being among the top 3. [5]. Not only do survivors have higher rates of these cancers, but they are often more aggressive. Recent research has demonstrated that DNA mutations and epigenetic changes due to toxin exposures may play a role. [6, 7, 8] 

PART 2: TODAY'S GENETICS

In an exclusive interview about the science of gene expression, genomic specialist Dr. Roberta Kline, professor at the University of Western States, offered clarity on the fundamentals of the human blueprint: what DNA is, what it does, the impact of alterations to DNA on health, and how this is influenced by environmental exposures. 

Genes are specific regions of DNA that contain the code for all of the proteins that run our biology. Gene expression is the ultimate result of this complex process, and gene expression research has greatly accelerated the study of human biology and improved the practice of medicine. Up until the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003, much of the focus had been on studying rare mutations linked to specific inherited diseases and cancers. We now know that these alterations of the DNA code are not the only ways people can be predisposed. 

The most common types of changes in DNA are called SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms), and we each have millions of these. These SNPs can alter our biochemistry and biology, but they typically have a much smaller effect individually than mutations. However, the additive effect of multiple SNPs can create significant predispositions to (or protection from) most diseases, including cancer. 

The latest gene expression research has added a third layer called epigenetics. Epigenetic changes don’t affect the DNA or genetic code itself. Rather, they respond to environmental cues to control when genes are turned on or off. Therefore, epigenetic changes can be easily modified throughout a person’s lifetime.

These processes all work together, and all of them can be inherited. Depending on diet, lifestyle, exercise, stress, medications, and environmental exposures, their impact can be increased or decreased. For example, someone with mutations, SNPs, or epigenetic changes that impair their ability to detoxify environmental chemicals can have a higher risk of DNA damage that can lead to disease or cancer. Diet and lifestyle strategies can counteract some of this risk - or can make it worse. This can help explain why not everyone exposed to the same toxins is affected in the same way, and why the same dietary and lifestyle factors can affect people’s health differently.

GENETIC PREDISPOSITION TESTING

With the existence of cancers in the family, physicians may recommend genetic testing.  Inherited mutations account for approximately 10% of all cancers, and these tend to be more aggressive and occur at an earlier age. [8] Genetic mutations have been identified for certain forms of pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, or breast or ovarian cancer.  These tests for cancers such as Breast, Ovarian, and Pancreatic are known to target pathogenic/ly pathogenic (P/LP) variants associated with increased risk (including BRCA1, BRCA2, CDH1, PALB2, PTEN, and TP53, and recommended approaches to genetic counseling/testing and care strategies in individuals with these P/LP variants. [10, 11]

Genetic testing supports proactive prevention initiatives and active surveillance for these specific cancers that continue to prevail. Gene SNP testing can further support personalized prevention and screening strategies. While epigenetics is emerging as another tool in efforts to identify predispositions and personalize strategies, it is still more informative than prognostic at this time.

__________________________________________________________________________________

HOW TO HANDLE ON-THE-JOB INJURIES AND MINIMIZE HEALTH RISKS

Written by: Robert Bard, MD

Work related injuries take a toll on the employees as well as the company. With reduced productivity and health insurance payments, the company can suffer heavy financial setbacks. This is why most companies have realized the importance of increasing awareness when it comes to the workplace. Injuries at the workplace are more common than ever. Although manual handling is the most common cause of workplace injuries, sedentary jobs may also put employees at risk of Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) and lung issues.

Awareness: When it comes to sedentary jobs, posture and height may be doing most of the damage. Educate employees of the best posture and height of their chair in order to minimize the strain and reduce chances of an injury (Cornelio, 2010).

Policy Creation: The very first thing that employers need to do is create a health and safety policy. This policy should be included and presented to employees along with all other contracts and policies in the workplace. This will let your employees know that safety and health are a primary objective.

Health and Safety Program: The health and safety of employees is the responsibility of the employer. A health and safety program is mandatory for any company employing more than 20 individuals (CDC, n.d.)

Control Hazards: Many hazards may be unavoidable depending on the nature of work and the product being created. Some occupations entail more risks than others. If an employee is putting themselves at risk, then it is the employer’s responsibility to identify all hazards and minimize the risks.

Safety Equipment: Safety equipment may be very little and very large. In sedentary jobs, employers need to worry about the provision of ergonomic chairs and keyboards whereas in manufacturing industries they need to worry about safety helmets, jackets, and other similar equipment.

Document Incidents: Accident history may help identify the problems that caused injuries in the workplace. Small details such as correctly fitting equipment may be the cause of an accident. Once the causes of injury are identified, employers can work towards their rectification (WCB, n.d.)

Training Sessions: Train employees and increase awareness about practices which may help minimize workplace injury. Motivate them to keep safety a personal priority, and encourage them to be on a lookout for safety hazards in the company.

Report Procedure: While avoiding injuries would be ideal, we are not living in a perfect world. Notify employees of the protocol that needs to be followed in case of an injury. Who will the employee report to? Is there an in-house clinic that they have access to? How will the severity of damage be assessed? (WSIB, 2014)

Maintaining a safe and healthy workplace is the responsibility of the employer. Safety should be the primary goal of the company and is not only beneficial for employees but also employers.

Once employees are aware of the hazards that they face and the measures that can be taken to prevent them, they can work towards its minimization. This would mean less days of work as a result of injury and increased employee productivity.

References CDC, n.d. Benefits of Health Promotion Programs. Retrieved from <http://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/businesscase/benefits/ > Cornelio, D., 2010. Preventing Workplace Injuries And Illnesses. Worker Occupational Safety & Health Training and Education Program (WOSHTEP). California, USA. Retrieved from <http://www.dir.ca.gov/chswc/WOSHTEP/Awareness/AwarenessModuleEnglish.pdf> WCB, n.d. Preventing Workplace Injuries. Retrieved from <http://www.wcb.ns.ca/wcbns/index_e.aspx?CategoryID=274> WSIB, 2014. What workers should know...about reporting workplace injuries and illnesses. Retrieved from <http://www.wsib.on.ca/en/community...>

TAKING CARE OF THOSE WHO GAVE ALL: MEET THE HUNTERSEVEN FOUNDATION

April 3, 2025 – Dr. Robert Bard, a U.S. Air Force veteran and renowned cancer diagnostic imaging specialist—widely known as The Cancer Detective—recently met with the leadership team of the HunterSeven Foundation, a national advocacy organization dedicated to cancer awareness, research and resource support for military veterans and active service members. The foundation provides free, confidential cancer screenings to veterans and their families, prioritizing both their health and privacy.

HunterSeven Foundation supports individuals affected by military-related exposures by offering access to essential care and medical resources through a network of strategic partnerships and foundation-backed initiatives.

Dr. Bard has long committed his efforts to serving service personnel and first responders. His work includes a vast array of innovative diagnostic services as well as forming collaborations with advocacy groups like HunterSeven. He is also deeply involved in educational programs focused on prevention, early detection, and clinical research.

This recent meeting explored a potential alliance aimed at expanding cancer diagnostics for those exposed during service and often underdiagnosed.  The discussion also included plans for future educational presentations and outreach efforts, designed to bring awareness and access to health resources that many former service members may not currently have.

"So many from our veterans are (now) fighting a second battle once they come home", says Dr. Bard about post-service injuries. "Since the 70's, I have watched the pattern of disorders arise. I am committed to research and direct patient care for those who served our country and community... suffering from occupational exposures. Without a doubt- these jobs are dangerous. I'm happy to offer integrative arsenal of technologies and modalities that may not be available to them!"

Leading with Purpose at the HunterSeven Foundation

Timothy "Chachi" Pachasa, the newly appointed Executive Director of the HunterSeven Foundation, brings with him a legacy of leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to the veteran community. A proud retiree of the United States Air Force, Tim dedicated nearly 25 years to military service—much of it spent shoulder-to-shoulder with U.S. Army units on the front lines.

As a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) member and certified Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC), Tim was one of the elite professionals responsible for coordinating and calling in airstrikes in combat zones, directly supporting soldiers in high-stakes environments. His career embodies a rare dual pride: deep-rooted in the Air Force, yet forged through years of battlefield collaboration with the Army.

Rising through the ranks to retire as a Command Chief Master Sergeant in 2019, Tim served at the highest levels of leadership within the Air Force. His post-retirement journey has been driven by one core mission: giving back. From various roles dedicated to supporting veterans, his path has now led him to the helm of the HunterSeven Foundation—a role he describes as “absolutely amazing.”

In his leadership at HunterSeven, Tim continues to channel his operational experience and deep sense of duty into advocacy and action, championing the health, well-being, and long-term care of post-9/11 veterans.

A COMMITMENT TO GIVE BACK AND CARE FOR ITS OWN
By: Timothy "Chachi" Pachasa

I'm the Executive Director of the HunterSeven Foundation. I’m a proud military retiree with 25 years of service in the United States Air Force, though I also served closely with the U.S. Army as a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) member and certified Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC)—one of the guys calling in airstrikes on the front lines in support of Army units.

I’m proud to have worn the Air Force uniform and equally proud to have spent the majority of my career embedded with soldiers. I retired in 2019 as a Command Chief Master Sergeant, honored to have served at some of the highest levels of the Air Force. Since retirement, I’ve focused on giving back to the veteran community. Becoming Executive Director of the HunterSeven Foundation—an organization founded just months before I retired—has been an incredible opportunity to do exactly that: help veterans in their fight against cancer.

BATTLING CANCER BEYOND THE FRONT LINES
When people join the military, they accept the inherent risks—combat, training accidents, and more. But what’s harder to anticipate is the long-term exposure to environmental hazards that can dramatically increase the risk of cancer. Unfortunately, current cancer research doesn't always account for the extreme, unique exposures experienced during military service.

We’re seeing veterans being diagnosed with cancer at younger ages and in unexpected ways—patterns that simply don’t align with civilian exposure models. That’s why our work at HunterSeven is so important—blending military knowledge with cutting-edge medical research to better understand, detect, and prevent these cancers.

OUR MISSION & OBJECTIVES
HunterSeven was founded in 2018 as a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans affected by cancer. Our leadership includes a board of directors, a medical advisory board—which we’re proud to soon welcome Dr. Bard to—and a team of passionate brand ambassadors who share our mission across the country.  Our work centers around what I call the “Four Ts”:

Teach – We educate veterans about their exposure risks and how that could lead to cancer. We also train medical professionals to recognize and properly triage these unique cases and publish our findings to inform the broader medical community.

Test – Through bloodwork and MRIs, we focus on early detection—because we know it saves lives.

Treat – When veterans lack sufficient medical coverage, we raise funds to cover treatments or offset costs. Every dollar can mean a step closer to life-saving care.

Triumph – Whether it's a full recovery, improving a veteran’s quality of life, or supporting their family through difficult times, we celebrate every victory and ensure every sacrifice is honored and remembered.

A CALL TO ACTION

If you’re a veteran, know a veteran, or simply appreciate their service, we invite you to be part of this mission. Visit www.hunterseven.org to learn how you can help—whether by donating, volunteering, inviting us to your event, or supporting our medical screenings.

If you’re a medical professional, we welcome your time and expertise. If you're part of an organization that wants to collaborate, reach out—we’re always looking to grow our impact. And if you simply want to give—whether it’s 5 cents or $5,000—every bit helps.

Together, we can save veteran lives and fight cancer with the same intensity that these heroes showed while serving our country. We’re also proud to collaborate with amazing partners like the Integrative Cancer Research Society and Dr. Bard. These partnerships allow us to combine military insight with cutting-edge civilian medical innovation. We believe the future is bright, and we’re honored to be part of this shared mission.

Please stay tuned—there’s more to come.

Spotlight Series: Dr. Roger Simpson

A Career in Burn and Reconstructive Surgery

Edited by: Gina Adams / IPHA Rehab News

Dr. Roger Simpson began his undergraduate education at Syracuse University before pursuing medical school in 1968 at the University of Brussels, Belgium. Studying in French presented a challenge, but the experience provided him with early hands-on medical training, including two years of internship as per the European model. This structured program allowed him to mature professionally before returning to the United States.

Upon his return, Dr. Simpson completed a general surgical residency, where he developed a strong passion for plastic surgery, wound healing, and burn care. He then underwent two years of plastic surgical training with the Long Island Plastic Surgical Group, a prestigious group founded by surgeons with experience dating back to World War II. Following this, he pursued a hand surgery fellowship under Dr. Bill Littler in New York City.

In 1981, Dr. Simpson joined the Long Island Plastic Surgical Group and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Program Director for the residency training program in 1989. Before that, he served as Director of the Burn Center, a regional facility in Nassau County that managed approximately 300 admissions annually. Dr. Simpson remained in these leadership roles until stepping down in 2022. He continued private practice until retiring from clinical practice in July 2024.

Contributions to Burn Care and Firefighter Collaboration

Dr. Simpson’s dedication to burn injuries and trauma extended beyond the hospital. He worked closely with Nassau County’s volunteer firefighters, who provided essential support to the burn center, aiding both patients and their families. This partnership facilitated burn prevention programs and ensured that patients received not only medical care but also psychological and material support.

Over his four-decade career, Dr. Simpson witnessed and contributed to significant advancements in burn care. Initially, burn treatment involved conservative management with delayed skin grafting. However, by the late 1970s, early excision techniques gained traction, significantly reducing complications and hospital stays. His expertise in early excision and grafting helped refine these protocols. Today, modern skin substitutes provide pain relief and enhance healing, but hands-on daily evaluation remains crucial.

Innovations in Artificial Skin and Wound Healing

Dr. Simpson differentiates between artificial skin and skin substitutes. Artificial skin would be a shelf-stored product capable of fully replacing both dermis and epidermis. In contrast, skin substitutes optimize the wound-healing environment, promoting epithelialization while maintaining pain relief and hydration. He recalls being deeply influenced by Dr. John Burke’s early research on artificial skin at MIT, which ultimately led to the development of Integra—a pivotal advancement in burn treatment.

Image-R: one year anniversary photo of a child who sustained a 70% flame burn the year prior. The burn team and pediatric intensivists with her and her family to celebrate her amazing recovery.  

In addition to burn care, Dr. Simpson expanded his expertise to chronic wound management. The principles of early wound cleansing, proper assessment, and surgical intervention were key in treating non-healing wounds effectively.

Post-Retirement Endeavors

Since retiring, Dr. Simpson has been completing various academic projects, including co-authoring papers with residents. He remains committed to education and mentorship, having led residency training for 35 years. Moving forward, he plans to write a book on hand burns, a complex and often overlooked area of burn care. The dynamic nature of hand function makes burn treatment in this area particularly challenging, requiring precise surgical and rehabilitative approaches.

Research and Imaging in Burn Care

While Dr. Simpson did not focus heavily on clinical trials during his career, he explored innovative techniques in reconstructive burn surgery. One area of growing interest for him is imaging technology in burn assessment. Historically, imaging in burn care was limited, but tools like laser Doppler and ultrasound could provide critical insights. He believes ultrasound could help determine burn depth, track healing, and predict scar outcomes, ultimately guiding treatment decisions more effectively.

For example, assessing dermal preservation in deep second-degree burns could help clinicians decide whether to use skin substitutes or pursue grafting. Additionally, imaging could help evaluate the maturation of post-burn scars, informing therapy and surgical interventions.

Mentorship and the Future of Burn Surgery

Dr. Simpson values mentorship, having guided countless residents and young surgeons throughout his career. He also contributed to leadership training through the American Burn Association, helping new burn surgeons navigate the complexities of running a burn center. His philosophy emphasizes a strong foundation in physical examination and clinical reasoning, principles that remain relevant despite technological advancements.

As he transitions into retirement, Dr. Simpson remains engaged with research and teaching. His lifelong passion for reconstructive surgery, wound healing, and mentorship continues to drive him toward meaningful contributions in the field of burn care.

Dr. Roger Simpson’s career reflects a deep commitment to advancing burn treatment, training future surgeons, and improving patient outcomes through innovation and education.