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 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.
Dominique Cejka
Web Design
Dominique wanted to get involved with the GH Foundation, as the mission is dear to her heart. She has always struggled with digestive issues and has recently lost an aunt to colon cancer, as well as another aunt who thankfully survived it. Dominique wants to raise awareness on digestive issues, colon cancer, and the struggle that people face day in and day out with it. Her focus is helping create awareness and managing the GH Foundation website.
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.
Our Campus Leads
Natalia Masnica
Northwestern University
Natalia Masnica is a student at Northwestern University majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Global Health and Russian and East European Studies on the pre-medical track. Natalia plans to go into Gynecology and Obstetrics. Currently, she is conducting research at the Matei Lab in Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine.
Natalia joined the GH Foundation in 2023 and founded Northwestern University’s GH Foundation on Campus club. As President, Natalia leads and organizes campus events while collaborating with the GH Foundation to further attract the college student audience to educate them more about their gastro health.
Natalia’s journey with IBS is what inspired her to research more about gastro health and ways that can help aid her symptoms. Natalia learned first-hand that this isn’t a topic that should be kept a secret. Additionally, as a pre-medical student, she has noticed how many people, especially older men, that do not get regular colonoscopies. These screenings can prevent many gastro diseases such as colorectal cancer. She joined GHF to spread awareness and destigmatize gastro conversations.
In her free time, Natalia enjoys running long distances, rollerblading, and hiking with her family. She is also a sucker for good coffee!
Gabriela Masnica
University of Illinois at urbana champaignÂ
Gabriela Masnica is a student at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, where she is pursuing a major in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a minor in Public Health and Business on the pre-medical track.
In 2024, Gabriela joined the GH Foundation and took the initiative to establish the GH Foundation chapter on her campus. With a strong desire to actively engage in conversations about gastro health and create awareness, Gabriela aims to make a significant impact. Through her collaboration with the GH Foundation, Gabriela gained a deep understanding of their mission and witnessed the profound effect it has on the community.
Gabriela’s personal connection to the foundation, through her sister’s involvement, has further fueled her passion for advocating for gastro health in her community. Gabriela aspires to inspire fellow students on campus and make a meaningful difference in their lives by encouraging them to join her in her advocacy for gastro health.
Alexis Lonning
University of Iowa
Alexis Lonning recently graduated from the University of Iowa’s Tippie School of Business. She graduated with a degree in finance and a minor in psychology. Alexis is a member of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women and served as the Vice President of Finance for the University of Iowa Panhellenic Council.
Alexis joined GH Foundation in 2022 as a student ambassador. She helped found an affiliate organization with the University of Iowa (GH Foundation at Iowa).
At the age of 43, Alexis’ mom was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer. She passed away four months after her diagnosis, leaving behind Alexis’ younger sister, father, and her, among many other friends and family members. They all lost a pivotal person in their life that they loved. Alexis’ mother was healthy and even worked in the medical field, yet the lack of awareness and knowledge about screening for colorectal cancer led to her disease being too progressive to cure.
Working with GHF is important to Alexis because she wants her mom’s memory to live on and inspire others to learn about and spread awareness for gastro health. She hopes that one day, no one has to lose a family member or friend to colorectal cancer or any other preventable gastro-disease.