MARYBETH GILLIAM
Marybeth was diagnosed with stage 0 ER+, HER2+ breast cancer in 2007 at age 39, just after having two young sons, and underwent a bilateral mastectomy on her 40th birthday. In 2020, after experiencing chest heaviness and labored breathing, she learned her disease had metastasized with disease in heart, skull, lymph nodes, and lots of bones. After responding to standard therapy, Marybeth began searching for ways to “outperform” the statistics and was astounded to find extensive peer reviewed research on actionable anti cancer strategies — research that had never been shared with her as a patient.
Determined to change that, Marybeth founded Outperform Cancer, a website and podcast that connects patients with leading researchers to make life changing science accessible and actionable. She now advocates nationally as a community research ambassador and grant reviewer for Dartmouth Cancer Center, a voting member of UVM’s Protocol Review and Monitoring Committee, an advisory board member for Moving Through Cancer, and part of the leadership team for the Cancer Vaccine Coalition. With a background in healthcare strategy, qualitative and quantitative research, and executive leadership in technology, she is passionate about translating research into action for the MBC community.
