below the waist
about
Below The Waist is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was founded in 2021 by Ashley Ramos, PA-C. Ashley worked as a Gynecological Oncology PA (Physician Assistant) in Northwest Indiana for multiple years.
During her time as a Gyn Onc PA, Ashley formed great bonds with her patients and she began to notice common themes: ​
Awareness
Newly diagnosed patients had no previous knowledge or education of their gynecological cancer until diagnosis.
treatment costs
Most patients would express concerns about finances while they were undergoing treatment.
Although Ashley loved educating her patients about their current diagnosis, she felt that there could be more done to educate women about all gynecological cancers and warning signs BEFORE being diagnosed with a potential life altering disease. This was her motivation for founding Below The Waist, an organization dedicated to bringing more awareness about the"other" women's cancers.
Vision
We are committed to ensuring all women are properly educated on the various gynecological cancers and to be able to advocate for their wellness. Additionally, we want to ensure that a woman undergoing treatment can do so without the added stress of a financial burden.
Mission
To bring awareness about gynecological cancers through community education, outreach efforts, and advocacy, along with financially assisting women who are undergoing current treatment for gynecological cancers.
meet our board
Ashley Ramos, PA-C
Founder & President
Ashley practiced Gynecological Oncology as a Physician Assistant (PA) in Northwest Indiana for multiple years. She is now serves as Assistant Professor for Chamberlain University's inaugural Master of Physician Assistant Studies program in Chicago, Il. She has a passion for providing quality care, empathy and education to all of her patients and passing this knowledge along to her students. B.T.W is her way of extending care and education beyond just her patients. She also enjoys serving as a mentor for future PAs. In her free time she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and daughter.
Lisa Richardson, md
Vice President
Dr. Richardson is a practicing Family Medicine Physician in East Chicago, IN.
Charnel Forbes, MPh
Treasurer
Charnel is the Systems Program Manager within the Maternal and Child Health Division at the Indiana Department of Health. She believes it is imperative that everyone be given an equal amount of opportunity to having a healthy lifestyle and healthy life. She is an active member of Sigma Gamma Rho, Sorority Inc. and she enjoys serving/giving back to her community with her organization. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, reading, and being crafty with DIY projects.
MELISSA TRAVIS
Secretary
Melissa is an Endometrial Cancer survivor! It was a quick and easy yes to join the board! She wants to bring awareness and raise funds for those who are going through what she went through when diagnosed with gynecological cancer. She is a Digital Solution Specialist for a Career, Technical, and Health Education publisher where she helps educators integrate content into their school's Learning Management System. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading books, and crafting.
Pamela lofton, rn, msn, CCrc, ocn
Board Member
Pamela J. Lofton has been practicing as an RN since 1992. She is an Oncology Certified nurse, as well as a Research Coordinator. Pamela received a Master's of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Community Health from Valparaiso University (IN). While working as the clinic nurse for the Maternal - Child Health Clinic at the Gary Health Department, Ms. Lofton realized her interest in public health. So, when asked to join B.T.W., it was an excellent opportunity to further pursue her passion of promoting community health and wellness.
Pamela is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a service organization. She is also an active member of The New Community Baptist Church of Hammond, IN.
ABBEY BAUS, PA-C
Board Member
Abbey (she/her) is a Physician Assistant and HIV specialist that has been working in reproductive justice and transgender care for over 6 years. Previously, an Assistant Site Medical Director for a large LGBTQ health center in Chicago, Abbey diagnosed late stage cervical and endometrial cancer for many patients who did not have access to consistent, affirming health care.
In memory of the patients that taught Abbey so much and were lost too soon, she is thrilled to be on the board for BTW, assisting individuals with cancer treatment and prevention no matter their gender identity.
Abbey currently provides virtual LGBTQ+ health services through Folxhealth, is an Assistant professor at the inaugural Chamberal University's Master of Physician Assistant Studies program, and guest lecturers for various programs across the country, training future medical providers in LGBTQ+ health. Abbey also teaches in partnership with Health By All Means, a nonprofit based in Lunga Lunga, Kenya that trains health educators to provide care to over 13 remote villages in southeastern Kenya.
In her spare time, Abbey loves reading, traveling, and spending time outside with her husband Jake, and daughters Charli and Penny!
NATALIE HAY, PHARMD
Board Member
Natalie is passionate about preventative medicine and education so she was thrilled to join the board to help BTW raise awareness of gynecological cancers. She is a Senior Product Designer where she works to improve the usability and solve meaningful, complex problems for healthcare technology solutions. Prior to that, she was a pharmacist mostly working in the specialty and compounding space. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, surfing, tennis, snowboarding, spending time with her family.
Kim brandt
Board Member
Kim is currently a National Director of Student Affairs for Chamberlain University, residing in upstate New York. She has been in the field of higher education for over 20 years and specifically in healthcare education for over 8 years. Kim is a founding member of Chair of the Chamberlain University Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council and past member of the EDGE executive leadership committee, an Adtalem affinity group for women. Kim's primary areas of interest are in leadership, inclusion and women empowerment. She has a Masters in Human Resources Management, is a previous professor and is currently pursuing certification as CliftonStrengths Coach.
brandi london
Board Member
Coming soon