Board & Staff
Arizona Foundation for Cancer is led by a passionate team of volunteer Board of Directors and paid staff. Arizona Foundation for Cancer is here to help when you or a loved one is faced with a cancer diagnosis. We believe that no one should go through it alone and that together is always better. We are here for You.
John Lubniewski,
President
Mr Lubniewski is a recently retired tech and life science executive. He served in senior leadership roles at HTG Molecular, Roche Tissue Diagnostics/Ventana Medical Systems and Corning Inc. Mr Lubniewski has previous non-profit experience back in Warren County, New Jersey both as a member of the United Way Funds Distribution Committee as well as being a Board Member for Catholic Charities. He has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University. He and his wife have lived in Oro Valley for over 20 years.
Elizabeth Buscema,
Vice President
Mrs. Buscema’s family moved to Tucson from Baltimore in 2002. Her husband, Joseph, a Gynecologic-Oncologist, joined Arizona Oncology and is still currently practicing. She worked as a Gyn-Oncology nurse at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore prior to moving to Arizona. She became involved with the foundation more than 8 years ago volunteering for the Festival of Trees and joined the board in 2019. As a former oncology nurse and spouse of an oncologist, she has witnessed first hand the struggles that impact an individual and their families after a cancer diagnosis. The foundation offers a special place for patients to access programs and services to meet their individual needs. She is proud to serve on the board as we all work together for our community.
Robin Loomis,
Secretary
Mrs. Loomis has served our senior community for the past 24 years through the use of the reverse mortgage program as well as various volunteerism programs and events. Mrs. Loomis has her sign language interpreting degree, Loan originator license, CRMP certificate – Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional, and teaching certificate. She raised her 4 children by her and her husband, bonus children, foreign exchange students and foster kids in Oro Valley with her husband since 1998. She has recently been blessed with a Granddaughter that lives with her daughter and son-in-law in Southern California. Mrs. Loomis has been on the board of directors for AZ Oncology Foundation for over 6 years now serving as the secretary and president.
Arlene Kutoff,
Director
Ms. Kutoff is a 17 year Breast Cancer survivor and a retired counselor. She started her Cancer journey by attending as many cancer related educational workshops in order to learn about my cancer and how best to survive it. She became involved in numerous local Cancer related organizations: Tucson Cancer Conquerors as a Board Member, Bag It; University of Arizona Cancer Center Advisory Board; Arizona Oncology Foundation; and American Cancer Society local chapter. As a retired counselor, she is now dedicating her knowledge and professional skills as a local Patient Advocate helping people in my community find resources and information to help them along their cancer journey. Presently, she serves on the Society for Integrative Oncology Patient Advocate Committee; the planning committee for Arizona Oncology Thriver-ship Conferences and managing Resources, peer support program and advocating for new survivors with Tucson Cancer Conquerors.
Casey Anderson,
Director
Casey Anderson is the owner of Casey Anderson Consulting, an innovative, forward-thinking strategic consulting firm with over 25+years of experience supporting for profit and non-profit entities. She is the proud mom of her son Caleb and her dog Harley. She is highly involved in the local community through events and volunteering for charitable organizations. Casey joined the Arizona Oncology Foundation Board in 2020 to help those impacted by cancer.
Cynthia Cruz,
Director
Cynthia Cruz has her M. Ed. She started teaching in 1985 and retired in 2015. After her children graduated from high school, she returned to the classroom. From observing students not surviving childhood cancers to having friends and family’s lives changed from cancer, she wanted to get involved in the Arizona Cancer Foundation. She feels grateful for helping in any small way she can.
Jason Thompson,
Director
Jason Thompson is a dedicated Real Estate Consultant with Keller Williams Southern Arizona, licensed since November 2020. Recognized for his outstanding performance, Jason was awarded Rookie of the Year in 2021. Born and raised in Tucson, AZ, Jason has a deep connection to his community. His commitment to service extends beyond real estate; he is also a passionate advocate for cancer patients. Inspired by personal experiences—his wife’s battles with breast cancer in 2016 and 2020, which led to a double mastectomy, and his own journey as a throat cancer survivor after surgery in April 2024—Jason is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. As a member of the Board of Directors for the Arizona Foundation for Cancer, Jason attends monthly meetings and plays a crucial role in securing donors to support cancer patients. His primary goal is to provide much-needed help and support to cancer patients across Arizona. A former Promascot from 1998-2002, Jason brings energy, enthusiasm, and a heartfelt commitment to every endeavor he undertakes. His personal experiences and professional achievements make him a valuable asset to the Arizona Foundation for Cancer and the Tucson community.
Jim Evers MD,
Director
Dr. Evers is a retired OB/GYN physician who was in private practice for 35 years. He also worked at Arizona Oncology for 5 years. Comprehensive patient care has always been his top priority. His hobbies are music, cycling and cooking. He is excited to be joining this board and looks forward to serving our clients.
Nancy Bullock,
Director
Born Canadian, Nancy moved to Tucson in 1986 with my husband and 3 boys. They are now the proud grandparents to 5 kids, 2 dogs and a cat. She began volunteering in her 20’s, working with organizations that served women and young girls. She presented workshops on topics ranging from self care, motivation and education to silversmithing and etiquette. In 2013, she became a volunteer at the Arizona Oncology Foundation. She participated in the bra and prosthesis program with post mastectomy patients, and in the infusion room with patients while they received their treatments. She currently serves on the board of directors of Arizona Cancer Foundation. Both her and her mother are breast cancer survivors. Her passion for helping cancer patients, their families and caretakers comes from personal experience. She has seen firsthand the need for support in addition to medical care and witnessed the profound difference it can make in a cancer patient’s life. Nancy cherishes the opportunity to work with the men and women who are navigating this journey.
Wendy Capullo,
Executive Director
Wendy moved to Tucson in 1982 from upstate New York and left in 1989 to pursue a career. She was fortunate to travel to and have lived in many states throughout the country until returning to Tucson in 1996. Her background was in real estate/property management and after returning to Tucson, she became Executive Director of a large retirement community. She has been with the Foundation for 4 years and it has become her passion in life. Dealing with personal loss of family and friends to cancer, the foundation has allowed her to be a part of the cancer community in a positive way. She sees the profound difference the foundation makes in each patient’s cancer journey and is proud and humbled to be a part of it.
Darlene Twiss,
Community Outreach and Development Coordinator
Darlene Twiss is our new Outreach and Events Coordinator. She has been involved in the Tucson community for more than 10 years, both planning fundraising and outreach events for local non-profits as well as serving on multiple non-profit Boards and parent organizations in various leadership roles. Darlene holds a Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Providence College. Darlene enjoys hikes, Zumba and tennis in her spare time.