Mary joined HealthTree in 2022 as a part of HealthTree's team to help expand into all blood cancers. She now works as HealthTree's Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager, helping to engage and involve community members in HealthTree's mission. When she isn't working, she loves being the fun aunt to her 13 nieces and nephews, attending concerts, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and traveling to explore new cities.

Dr. Lauren Shea is a hematologist-oncologist at The Kirklin Clinic at UAB Hospital, specializing in lymphoma care and bone marrow transplantation. Her work focuses on expanding access to innovative treatments such as CAR T-cell therapy, transplant, and other immune-based approaches. She is particularly interested in advancing therapies that harness the immune system to improve outcomes while reducing side effects. Dr. Shea is also involved in clinical research aimed at developing new treatment options for patients, including those with complex or rare lymphomas.

Marilu Najera is an International Medical Graduate and an Event Operations Manager at the HealthTree Foundation. Her journey through several patient-centered roles has deepened her passion for advocacy, education, and connection. Now, as part of the education team, she is leading efforts to grow HealthTree’s newest community: ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia). She organizes patient-friendly webinars with expert speakers and works to ensure that patients and families feel informed, empowered, and supported. Marilu brings empathy, joy, and warmth to every project. Outside of work, she loves to travel, connect with others, and spend time with her loved ones—especially her nephews (being an aunt is her absolute favorite role in life!).