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.
brandi london
Board Member
Coming soon