About us
GH Foundation: Shedding light on gastro health and breaking the silence around digestive issues to empower you to take charge of your health.
Our Story
We’re GH Foundation and with your help, we’re shining a light on gastro health.
We know all too well that talking about gastrointestinal health feels — well, uncomfortable. But what we also know is this: avoiding discussions about digestive issues can lead to serious health consequences.
Our founders have both been personally affected by colorectal cancer and are passionate about educating and empowering others to be their own advocates for health.
By breaking the silence and normalizing conversations about poop, colonoscopies, and everything in between, we can help you become proactive about your health and detect potential problems early on.
Our Founders
Kristin Lynn Grube
Co-Founder
Kristin Lynn Grube knows firsthand the devastating impact of a life altering diagnosis when she insisted on a colonoscopy that has prevented her from an even more challenging diagnosis.
Diagnosed with Serrated Polyposis Syndrome (SPS) when she was 27, Kristin was forced to navigate a major health crisis at a young age. With no family history of colorectal cancer and no early signs or symptoms, her diagnosis came out of nowhere. Her experience taught her to be her own relentless health advocate.
With no cure for her condition, Kristin has learned how to cope with the syndrome’s ongoing effects on her life. Her passion for helping others led her to launch GH Foundation — where she’s able to channel her energy toward the future with the hope to ease the path for others by being a fierce activist.
Kristin’s courage in her personal journey with SPS and her connections with others who suffer from it models what it means to claim good health for us, our families, and our friends—and why being proactive about Gastro Health will change and save lives.
Dacia Heck
Co-Founder
Dacia Heck has personally been affected by colorectal cancer through the tragic experience of losing her sister, Danielle. Her sister was 43 when she was first diagnosed with stage IV cancer, and she passed away less than four months later. Dacia’s sister was extremely active and otherwise healthy — and since she was younger than the recommended screening age, her diagnosis came as a total shock.
This is why Dacia is passionate about educating the younger population about early detection. From hearing the stories of many others in the colorectal cancer community, she has learned that her sister’s diagnosis at a young age was not a one-off occurrence. There’s a gap, and young people aren’t receiving the information they need to advocate for their health.
Dacia believes in taking action and being directly involved in finding a solution for young people. And that’s why GH Foundation was born.
Our Board of Directors
Daniel DiCarlo
Management Consultant
Dan DiCarlo’s commitment to this cause was forged by his firsthand experience. The devastating loss of his sister-in-law to colorectal cancer at the young age of 43 was a harsh reminder that this disease can affect anyone at any age. He continues to bear witness to the substantial emotional and physical burden that colorectal cancer places on caregivers and its enduring effects.
Dan’s journey has led him to advocate for more comprehensive support systems for patients and caregivers. He brings his professional expertise in strategic planning and organizational growth to the table, providing a solid foundation to propel GH Foundation’s mission forward.
Matthias Grube, MD
Chairman, Dept. of Anesthesiology
Matthias Grube’s personal and professional experiences have profoundly shaped his dedication to this cause. Having his sister diagnosed with a chronic condition has allowed him to connect with his patients on a deeper level during their challenging times surrounding procedures and surgeries.
With his background as an anesthesiologist, he brings a unique and valuable perspective to the foundation. Understanding chronic conditions’ impact on patients and their families allows him to approach this mission with empathy and insight.
He is committed to the foundation’s goal of reducing the need for life-changing surgeries and improving both the quality and length of life; while working to normalize the conversation around gastrointestinal health.
It’s a powerful mission, and with passionate advocates involved, we are one step closer to making it a reality.
Our Ambassadors
FOLABOMI OLADOSU, PHD
Medical Communications
Preventative health is the neglected stepchild of modern medicine that deserves our immediate attention. For that reason, Bomi supports the GH Foundation’s mission to increase colorectal cancer awareness and educate the community on the many benefits of proactive and preventative GI health. Her focus is helping create educational content on GI biology, GI health, CRC, and current events related to CRC.
Allyson Carr
Wellness & Nutrition
Allyson’s mother was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 50, so at 40, she had to have her first colonoscopy where the doctor found and removed three precancerous polyps. She was lucky that she was aware of her family history and they were able to catch it early. It is so important even for very healthy people to know your family history, know what symptoms to look out for and talk to your doctor about when you should get screened.
heather dail
Strategic Planning
Gastro Health is an important part of all of our lives. It can impact your daily life, no matter your circumstances. It’s important to Heather that people of all ages are educated about the symptoms, learn to listen to what their body is telling them, and feel confident speaking up for themselves.
amber bart
Strategic Planning
Amber is proud to partner with GH Foundation in their mission to encourage proactive approaches for gastrointestinal well-being. With her background as a Nurse Practitioner specializing in GI Oncology, she is deeply committed to patient advocacy, education, and empowerment. Amber collaborates with GH Foundation to facilitate knowledge-sharing within the community and contributes to thoughtful strategic planning, with the goal of promoting a healthier future for all.
kaitlyn gage, ms, cpp, lp, ryt
communication & outreach
Kaitlyn was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2010 before entering perfusion school. She knew how to eat gluten-free since her mom has had celiac since she was pregnant with Kaitlyn. While in school, eating GF was challenging. The cost of the “good stuff” on a student loan budget was difficult. Fast forward 14 years later, she is a perfusionist in Atlanta, GA, eating all the good gluten-free stuff! Kaitlyn’s uncle also has celiac, and in August of 2023, her mom and uncle were both diagnosed with colorectal cancer. After hearing celiac and colorectal cancer were not linked, Kaitlyn decided to take action anyway and scheduled a colonoscopy at age 36, and they found a polyp! Creating awareness is important in her family!
Kaitlyn was the event Chair for BreakthrouGH Atlanta!
tara dietz
Communication
After 8 years of symptoms, Tara was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in January of 2015. Feeling very isolated and clueless, she made it her mission to be strong and a resource for others suffering. She was co-chair of the spin4 committee for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation for 3 years and was actively involved in the foundation. Tara cares deeply about helping others not feel isolated and alone and helping them become their own advocate. When learning of the GH Foundation and the mission to destigmatize everything “gum to bum” related, she wanted to help and is honored to be an ambassador!
emily carroll, MHA
communication & Planning
Emily learned far too much about colon cancer after caring for and losing her dad to the disease. She has since made it her mission to educate and inspire people to be more willing to talk about their GI health and to advocate for themselves. Science is cool, screenings are cool, and it saves lives!