Julie Rudman, Founder and Executive Director

Invasive lobular carcinoma, 2023

In the late summer of 2023, just days before Julie and her husband David were to send their youngest child off to college and begin a new phase of life, Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer at a routine mammogram.

She was fortunate to receive her treatment at the hospital where David, a doctor, practices medicine and to be cheered on by her sweet, knowledgeable husband and loving family and friends. But even with the best-case scenario, cancer was difficult, and all the while she kept thinking, “How is everyone else doing this?!!” After learning that most of the local breast cancer support groups were gone, she decided to form one.

A native Kansas Citian, Julie founded The Breast Cancer Club to offer free, anonymous, multilingual, inclusive online breast cancer support for the Greater Kansas City area. The website launched in June 2024.

Julie is the proud mother of three kind and talented grown children. She enjoys reading, baking, practicing yoga, watching football and walking in her neighborhood. She also loves modern design, houseplants, and all the dogs and all the babies.

Julie Green

Invasive ductal carcinoma, 2023

Julie Green has a passion for community service. She and her husband Trent, former quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, sponsor the annual Trent Green Charity Golf Tournament and the Julie Green Pickleball Tournament for Ronald McDonald House. Julie has also been involved with Children’s Mercy for 20 years, including serving on the board of Hands and Hearts for Children Auxiliary and helping to put on the Red Hot Nights fundraiser. She and Trent started the HIKE Reading Achievement program at Phoenix Family, an organization that provides services for low-income families, and built The Trent Green Family Field for the YMCA Challenger accessible sports complex in the Northland. Julie has been driving for Meals on Wheels for over 20 years, and she and her daughter participated in National Charity League for five years.

Julie is the co-owner of Room to Room Transformations, a home staging business, and the co-author of Gameday in Kansas City in the Football Freddie & Fumble the Dog children’s book series. Julie enjoys playing tennis and pickleball, reading, and walking her dog. Julie and Trent have three children.

Miriam Kaseff

Ductal carcinoma in situ, 2013

A 38-year resident of Kansas City, Miriam has been involved in many community organizations. She has sat on the boards of Congregation Beth Shalom and KU Hillel and served as President of Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy PTO and Chair of the HBHA Ram’s Café.

Miriam taught Special Education for 17 years. After surviving breast cancer, Miriam changed her lifestyle by focusing on how and what she ate, reducing stress, incorporating better sleep habits and making exercise a consistent practice. She became an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and now she helps others achieve optimal wellness.

Miriam enjoys traveling with her husband of over 30 years, spending time with her two adult daughters, and walking her dog, Trixie. She also loves to knit and read fiction.

Dr. Poonam Khanna

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, 2024

Dr. Poonam Khanna is a psychiatrist who serves adults and children. She received her medical degree from Kansas City University and then, after an internship at Michigan State and residency at Case Western, returned to the area for a fellowship at the Menninger Clinic in Topeka and the University of Kansas Medical Center. She went on to be Assistant Clinical Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Kansas Medical School, teaching and training medical students, residents and fellows. She left for private practice in 2012.

While there is no known predisposition to breast cancer in her family, Dr. Khanna always thought it was a matter of when, not if, she would be diagnosed, after her mother and sister were treated for it. In 2024, she discovered cancer only a few months after a normal mammogram.

Though she and her husband are physicians, Dr. Khanna says that weighing treatment options was still daunting. In the end, she chose a unilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. She feels fortunate to have the support of her family, including her mom, husband and three children, as well as her friends. Dr. Khanna enjoys playing Pickleball, exercising, and traveling.

Nadia Nazir

Ductal carcinoma in situ, 2022

Nadia has a Bachelor of Science degree in genetics and a master’s degree in healthcare administration. She worked as a project manager for a breast cancer research project at The University of Kansas Medical Center. In Kansas City, she has also worked at St. Luke’s, Cerner, US Bank and Rent the Runway. When she lived in Houston, she developed a screening program for Hepatitis C in the underserved areas of the city.

Nadia sits on the board of The Citizens Foundation, which builds schools in the underserved areas of Pakistan. She is affiliated with the local Islamic Center and can speak Urdu and Hindi.

Nadia and her husband have one daughter. Nadia also has two sisters, a brother and amazing parents. She loves to read, travel, take long walks and spend time with friends and family.

A favorite quote is “You don’t know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.”

Shannon Schmidt

Invasive ductal carcinoma, 2022

Shannon was diagnosed with ER+, PR-, HER2+ breast cancer in Jan. 2022. She was treated with one round of chemo, a lumpectomy, radiation, and infusions of Herceptin and Perjeta. About her cancer journey, Shannon says, “I learned when you have your health, you have everything. I learned burdens are lighter when carried together. I learned to surrender, I learned to trust in Jesus, and I experienced God’s ability to heal. I learned how to better support others during their difficult times. I learned to see the world in a different light; I don’t fret the small stuff, and I enjoy the simple moments.”

Shannon is Director of Risk Management for an energy company. She enjoys learning about nutrition, early morning walks, and time spent with family and friends. She and her husband Brandon have three sons and a daughter. A favorite quote is “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” (Mother Teresa)

Dr. Anna Stubblefield

Triple Negative and BRCA2+, 2015

Dr. Anna Stubblefield is a beacon of strength and resilience, balancing her trailblazing career in education with a vibrant personal life. Beyond her transformative leadership as the first African American female Superintendent of Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, she finds joy and fulfillment in a diverse array of activities. From the serenity of hot yoga sessions, to the guilty pleasure of indulging in reality TV, to cheering on her youngest son as he shines on the basketball court embodying the values of determination and teamwork, Dr. Stubblefield embraces each moment with enthusiasm and zest.

Alongside her professional achievements, Dr. Stubblefield’s impact extends into her community involvement. Actively serving on multiple boards, including The Breast Cancer Club, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City, and The Sunflower House, she continues to lend her expertise and passion to important causes. Grounded in love and supported by her husband David and three sons, Dr. Stubblefield remains a symbol of strength, compassion, and unwavering determination.