Patient Advocate
Anne Marie Mercurio was treated for invasive breast cancer in 2006. Three years after completing her initial treatment, she noticed cognitive difficulties. She was experiencing a late-onset and worsening side effects. Anne Marie launched a blog and found herself becoming more involved as a patient advocate. She serves on several advisory boards and executive committees at a various NCI designated cancer centers and a number of non-profit organizations across the country. Anne Marie is an inaugural member of the SWOG Digital Engagement Committee. She is a reviewer for the NCI and reviews grant proposals for the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Breast Cancer Research Program. She also reviews manuscripts submitted to the BMJ.
Anne Marie’s focus in the advocacy realm is on clinical trials across the entire spectrum. She works with PI’s in labs across the country to help frame research questions, define realistic and inclusive eligibility criteria, and facilitate accrual across diverse patient populations.
