Cancer Connection Welcomes Rebecca Finkel, Malaika Ross to Board of Directors

NORTHAMPTON — Cancer Connection announced two new members of the nonprofit’s board of directors, Rebecca Finkel and Malaika Ross.

Finkel is a clinical therapist specializing in grief education and counseling. She spent 15 years working in the nonprofit sector in New York City. As a board member, she hopes to bring her own experience with cancer and grief to support Cancer Connection and the community it serves.

Finkel has been an integral part of Cancer Connection’s events for the past two years, volunteering at its Bed In, Harvest Dinner, Camilla’s Extravaganza, the Mother’s Day Half Marathon, and the Grateful Bed Tour, among others.

Ross is a visual artist whose work explores the relationship between soil, flowers, and her identity as a Black diasporic woman. Drawing from her background in soil microbiology, she creates two-dimensional artworks inspired by microscopic life and the flora of Western Mass. In 2023, following a breast cancer diagnosis, her practice expanded to include the Visibility Project and Novel Bodies, Novel Landscapes. These ongoing series center the Black female figure in real and imagined environments, offering reflections on healing, power, and transformation.

In 2024, Ross created and led Shadows and Light, an art workshop for breast cancer survivors, culminating in an exhibit at Northampton Center for the Arts in partnership with Cancer Connection. She also served on a panel about the arts and healing that Cancer Connection held at Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity in April 2024, with a screening of the documentary American Symphony.

“We feel so fortunate to have the depth of experience and spirit each of these women brings to our board,” said Chelsea Kline, executive director of Cancer Connection. “Rebecca’s energy, humor, and empathy make her an ideal fit for Cancer Connection, and Malaika’s creativity, thoughtfulness, and compassion just illuminate the room. With these two joining our remarkable group of board members, we are really energized for the future of Cancer Connection.”

Founded in 2000, Cancer Connection’s mission is to provide a haven where people with cancer and their loved ones can learn how to navigate the complicated cancer journey through one-to-one guidance, education, peer support, integrative therapies, and creative programs. Cancer Connection is the only cancer support center in Hampshire and Franklin counties and draws additional participants from Hampden County and beyond. All of its services are provided free of charge.