Honorary Event Chair:

“Sing for the Cure brings two of my greatest passions together—voices lifted in spiritual harmony to support the care, education and nurture of people with Breast Cancer. On a magical night, October 11th to be exact, the Oregon Repertory Singers will give an amazing performance and proceeds flow to the outstanding Pink Lemonade Project to uplift breast cancer survivors and their families. What could be better! I hope you will join us for a night of song, inspiration and the warmies of the heart knowing you've also supported a worthy cause.”

Nathalie McDowell Johnson, MD, FACS

  • Dr. Nathalie Johnson is currently Senior Medical Director of the Legacy Health Systems Cancer Institute and the Legacy Breast Health centers in Portland, Oregon. Her passion to care for others took her to Howard University in Washington DC where she obtained a bachelors degree in Radiation Therapy Technology. She went on to matriculate at the Medical College of Virginia, now VCU, in Richmond and completed her residency in general surgery at Los Angeles County- University of Southern California. She returned home to the St Thomas at the behest of the Governor and spent a brief time in the Virgin Islands serving as the Commissioner of Health for the territory.

    She was recruited to Oregon to join the medical staff at Good Samaritan to help organize and development of breast health centers and to advance the care of cancer patients. She pioneered the introduction and training of surgeons in Oregon on sentinel node biopsies and has continued to model innovative breast cancer care prompting her to be receive the prestigious Oregon History Maker award and be awarded an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters by Portland State University. She has served on the Oregon Medical Board and was one of the first at large members elected to the American Board of Surgery where she served initially as a director and ultimately many years as a senior examiner. She currently serves on the Board of the National Consortium of Breast Centers and is a Past President of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. She is currently a member of the ASBrS/ SSO training committee for Breast Fellowships. Being raised by parents from humble beginnings who challenged her to see a bigger world, and to extend love, she has a passion to make access to excellent affordable and equitable health care possible for all. She believes with dedication, ingenuity and focus we can make this a reality.

“I am honored and thrilled to participate in Sing for the Cure: A Proclamation of Hope. This performance reenforces my own hope as a 47-year breast cancer survivor that fellow patients and survivors will continue to receive life sustaining support of care-giving organizations like Pink Lemonade Project which deserves your support!”

Toni Mountain

  • Toni Mountain is a 47-year breast cancer survivor. A year after her breast cancer Treatment, in 1979, she began her career serving breast cancer patients with the Reach to Recovery Program of the American Cancer Society for Marion, Polk, Linn, and Lincoln counties. She became the Prosthesis Coordinator/Buyer for Nordstrom for Oregon, Colorado, and Utah Regions. Her career in serving breast cancer survivors, both women and men, culminated in her role as the Survivor Programs Manager for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. She retired in 2014. Toni continues her volunteer work through the Pink Lemonade Project which educates, empowers, and supports those affected by breast cancer through the Toni Mountain Fund for Treatment Access. Toni currently volunteers in the Mary’s Woods Retirement Community. She provides breast cancer education and answers questions regarding diagnosis and treatment. Toni’s 47-year mission commemorates women and men who have died from breast cancer and to support and mentor those who continue to battle the disease.

Photo credit: Katy Weaver, courtesy of All Classical Radio

Brandi Parisi, Network Program Director
All Classical Radio

Coming Soon!

  • I grew up in New Orleans and Mississippi, but I lived in twelve states before finally settling in beautiful Oregon in 2007. I studied music, philosophy, and engineering at Ohio University, where I also began working in radio when I was seventeen, followed by graduate school at Purdue University. Over the last thirty years, I’ve worked as a reporter, arts and culture producer, and host at stations in Atlanta, Orlando, Los Angeles, and American Public Media’s nationally syndicated classical music service, C24.

    I’ve been a part of the All Classical Radio team since 2007, and in addition to hosting weekday shifts and All Classical’s New at Noon daily feature, I’m also the host and producer of Played in Oregon--sharing some of the greatest performances from our vibrant Pacific Northwest community with listeners across our region and around the world.

    In my career, I’ve also worked as an engineer in the music business, and currently teach philosophy at Portland Community College. I love dogs, going out to see movies, cooking at home, and traveling, which is made even better by getting to come home to Portland, and the Pacific Northwest!

“Music and especially singing has long been my world. Never did I imagine that it would also play such an essential role in grounding me when I faced the diagnosis and treatment of Breast Cancer. I was one of the exceptionally lucky ones. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment has me now Cancer free for 5 years, 8 months, and 5 days. And believe me…I’m counting every beautiful day! Breast Cancer is a non-stop fight, and the fighters need all the support they can possibly get. The Pink Lemonade Project is a godsend for patients and families battling this dreadful disease. 

I am honored to be a narrator for Sing for the Cure and to sing with my choir...my ORS family to support this extremely meaningful cause. 

Thank you for joining us!”

Cheryl Canning

  • Music and especially singing has long been my world, from the time I was a young girl, flipping music pages for my mother playing piano at every event imaginable. I started with classical piano, but when I picked up the guitar, and folk music with all its layered harmonies fell into my lap, I was suddenly launched into another sphere. Singing then became my soul’s expression, my solid rock, my refuge, and my touchstone. I realized that singing and music connected me… to myself, to people, to hearts, and to the world in ways that I never wanted to be without. Singing was also a place of healing and peace. Never did I imagine that it would also play such an essential role in grounding me when I faced the diagnosis and treatment of Breast Cancer. The technicians who administered my radiation treatments created play lists for me to listen to songs that I loved to sing. It often made me cry with a sweet relief to just let the singing pour into my ears and over my terrified heart. 

    And then there was my choir…my ORS family. When I would attend rehearsals, the singing would literally heal me. There was no place for terror when you’re singing Lauridsen’s “Sure On This Shining Night” with 100 transcendent voices. 

    I was one of the exceptionally lucky ones. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment has me now Cancer free for 5 years, 8 months, and 5 days. And believe me…I’m counting every beautiful day! 

“I am honored to participate in Sing for the Cure. There is a continuous need to address the role of cancer in our collective lives and want to acknowledge the healing impact of music. It was my own experience 23 years ago.”

Patricia Reser

  • Pat Reser is a deeply committed philanthropist whose leadership and generosity have enriched communities across Oregon and beyond. A proud alumna of Oregon State University (OSU), Pat has played a pivotal role in advancing education, the arts, and global health. She currently serves as Chair of the Board at Reser’s Fine Foods, continuing a legacy of excellence and community engagement.

    At OSU, Pat has been a transformative force—serving as inaugural chair of The Board of Trustees. Her visionary gift helped establish the Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts (PRAx), a vibrant hub for interdisciplinary creativity. She also led the creation of the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts (PRCA) in Beaverton, a cultural cornerstone that reflects her enduring commitment to the Arts and her community.

    Pat’s philanthropic reach extends through the Reser Family Foundation, supporting Oregon nonprofits in education, health, the arts, and environmental stewardship. Her compassion spans globally through her work with Medical Teams International.

    Pat has faced her own cancer journey with courage and grace—emerging determined to thrive, uplifting others through her resilience and generosity. 

“As a breast cancer conqueror, being part of the 25th anniversary of Sing For The Cure is exhilarating and deeply meaningful–it is my story.  I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of the incomparable Maya Angelou, who gave voice to the original narration.

Music is a universal healer, a bridge that unites hearts. Storytelling invites us into the lived experience of another—and, if only for a moment, allows us to see ourselves reflected within that story.

October 11th is a night to experience the merging of two forms of artistry–music and storytelling. It’s your invitation to connect and collectively heal alongside all who have been touched—directly or indirectly—by breast cancer.”

Tamika Herbert

  • October 31, 2013 forever shifted the trajectory of Tamika L. Herbert’s life.  It was the day of her diagnosis.  Today, as a breast cancer conqueror, she extraordinarily declares, “I am thankful for breast cancer.”  

    Known as a catalyst of empowerment, Tamika infuses humanity with hope, encouragement, and agape (selfless love).  One of her superpowers is turning personal challenges into platforms to embolden others. 

    She has served as a committee member of Komen’s yearly breast cancer issues conference, a ‘Worship in Pink’ Ambassador, the secretary of a Sister’s Network, Inc. affiliate chapter, and a ‘Give Back Grant’ Ambassador of The Keep A Breast Foundation.  As a volunteer with Pink Lemonade Project, she’s that invigorating voice near the finish line of the ‘Girlfriends Run’ or at the Pink Glow Gala.

    Adding “author” to her repertoire, Tamika’s debut book Conquer the Fight of Life, is, in her words, “a battle cry for every person who’s faced storms and still dares to smile.”

    Learn more about her work and mission at tamikalherbert.com. 

“It is a huge privilege to join the group of narrators for Sing for the Cure. I had the great honor to commission the work 25 years ago. This timeless piece invites the audience along on an incredible journey filled with every possible emotion—even humor.  I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful undertaking in my hometown.”

Tim Seelig

  • Tim Seelig is a conductor, speaker, author, and educator. He is the Artistic Director of Portland Sage Singers. He is Conductor Laureate of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and Conductor Emeritus of the Turtle Creek Chorale in Dallas, Texas.

    Dr. Seelig holds four degrees, including a Diploma from the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria and Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of North Texas. He has seven books and DVDs on choral technique and his memoir, published in 2020. 

    His recordings have been on Billboard Top Ten and iTunes Top Ten classical charts. His choruses have been the topic of three documentaries. The first, produced by PBS, won the national EMMY for best documentary. The second won Best Documentary at the USA Film Festival. The latest won the Audience Favorite award at its world premiere at Tribeca Film Festival and is currently streaming on Paramount+.

    Throughout his 38 years conducting LGBTQ+ choruses, he has commissioned a long list of choral works. In 1991, he commissioned the first AIDS Requiem, “When We No Longer Touch,” benefitting amfAR (The American Foundation for AIDS Research). In 2000, he commissioned “Sing for the Cure” for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation featuring Dr. Maya Angelou. “Wisdom of Old Turtle” benefitted St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital featuring Marlo Thomas as narrator. Recent commissions include “Testimony” by Stephen Schwartz, “New Year’s Carol” and “Sanctuary” by Ola Gjeilo.

    In addition to guest-conducting, he now spending time on the speaking stage with a TEDx Talk with over 100k views and winning the Portland Moth Grand Slam and.

    Fun facts include having conducted the Guinness Book of World Records Longest Choral Concert and carried the Olympic torch as a community Hero.  He has not run since.

    He lives in Portland, OR, with his husband, Bobby Jo Valentine, and is the proud grandfather of the amazing Clara Skye, Eden Mae, Cora Rose, Ivy Hope.

“I am excited to take part in the Sing for the Cure event as it continues other efforts I’ve been involved with to raise awareness and funds for cancer prevention and research and recognizes the fight of many friends, co-workers, family members, and caregivers who have been affected by breast cancer. It is a true honor to be asked to participate.”

Jason Sauls

  • Jason Sauls is one of OPB’s longest-serving announcers, hosting programs such as Weekend Edition, Morning Edition, and contributing stories on youth and professional sports, music, and local writers. Additionally, Jason is a well-known voice in the storytelling community in Portland, and storytelling coach who has been involved in several iterations of The Moth and The Moth Grand Slams.

“As someone who lost my mother, my aunt and my great aunt to breast cancer, and as a survivor myself, I am deeply committed to raising awareness and supporting women affected by this disease. Please join us for an incredible night of music, inspiration and hope, while helping to support and empower women battling breast cancer.”

Angie Sears

  • Angie Sears serves as the Executive Director for the Spirit Mountain Community Fund. As an Oregon native and proud member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, she is passionate about Tribal philanthropy and providing nonprofits with essential resources to create positive community change.

    Angie earned a B.S. in Journalism and Communications from the University of Oregon. Her career journey includes 20 years at Spirit Mountain Casino, where she honed her skills in table games and casino marketing before joining the Community Fund team in 2017.

    Beyond her professional endeavors, Angie extends her philanthropic spirit as a volunteer wish grantor for Make-A-Wish Oregon, and as a member of the Tribal Member Review Board, providing crucial support for Tribal youth in foster care.