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Caylie is the co-founder and president of the Andy Valenta Melanoma Foundation, the non-profit branch of the Coalition. She is also the widow of Firefighter-Paramedic Andy Valenta, who passed away from melanoma at the age of 33. Andy left behind his 2 little girls, that were only 4 and 2 at the time of his passing.
Andy’s death was determined to be occupational-related, meaning the job led to his death. With cancer being the leading cause of death amongst firefighters, Caylie recognized the lack of cancer screenings happening in most fire departments and wanted to make a change. She knew it was just a matter of time before another firefighter died from skin cancer.
She co-founded AVMF, never imagining that it would become so successful so quickly. Caylie loves being able to give back to firefighters throughout California, that work tirelessly to protect and care for the community.
Caylie is also a mentor with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, helping other women go through what she has been through. She also volunteers as an ambassador for Tunnel to Towers Foundation. In addition to the foundation work, Caylie has been a Physician Assistant for 13 years. She is passionate about improving people’s health, in the clinic and at the fire stations.
You may be lucky enough to see Caylie, her 2 little girls, and their dog Sunny at a Skin Cancer Screening event near you!
Caylie is the co-founder and president of the Andy Valenta Melanoma Foundation, the non-profit branch of the Coalition. She is also the widow of Firefighter-Paramedic Andy Valenta, who passed away from melanoma at the age of 33. Andy left behind his 2 little girls, that were only 4 and 2 at the time of his passing.
Andy’s death was determined to be occupational-related, meaning the job led to his death.
With cancer being the leading cause of death amongst firefighters, Caylie recognized the lack of cancer screenings happening in most fire departments and wanted to make a change. She knew it was just a matter of time before another firefighter died from skin cancer.
She co-founded AVMF, never imagining that it would become so successful so quickly. Caylie loves being able to give back to firefighters throughout California, that work tirelessly to protect and care for the community.
Caylie is also a mentor with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, helping other women go through what she has been through. She also volunteers as an ambassador for Tunnel to Towers Foundation. In addition to the foundation work, Caylie has been a Physician Assistant for 13 years. She is passionate about improving people’s health, in the clinic and at the fire stations.
You may be lucky enough to see Caylie, her 2 little girls, and their dog Sunny at a Skin Cancer Screening event near you!
Mark is an engineer for the Vista Fire Department and worked closely with Andy for many years. He is co-founder of AVMF.
Sheila Johnston is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Luminari Partners. Sheila is also a board member of the Andy Valenta Melanoma Foundation. She is a kindness-driven business executive who has spent the last decade of her career driving strategy and increasing impact for associations and nonprofits alike!
While serving as the Executive Director of California Society of Dermatology, Sheila led the statewide launch of the Spot Skin Cancer program in California. That led to a happenstance meeting with Caylie Valenta, founder of the Andy Valenta Melanoma Foundation. A partnership was born on the spot!
Appreciating challenges, Sheila’s teammates find her “WILL DO” attitude exists both professionally and personally.
In her spare time, you’ll find Sheila traveling lesser travelled roads with her husband, and her beagle Duke! On any given day, Sheila will reach out to those that cross her mind – an old friend, new friend, family member, or even text the pet parent of a friend of Duke’s. Sheila loves reminding others that they matter and that she cares.
Sheila holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from California State University, Stanislaus, and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration from Sacramento State University. She served as a Leon Panetta Fellow, Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellow, and is a graduate of the Dale Carnegie Leadership Management program. She has worked in the California State Legislature, various statewide budget offices and in the House of Representatives. Her executive experience in associations include California Lawyers Association, California Lawyers Foundation, California Society for Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery, NAIOP Silicon Valley, Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, the California Pharmacists Association and the Association of California Healthcare Districts.
Sheila Johnston is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Luminari Partners. Sheila is also a board member of the Andy Valenta Melanoma Foundation. She is a kindness-driven business executive who has spent the last decade of her career driving strategy and increasing impact for associations and nonprofits alike!
While serving as the Executive Director of California Society of Dermatology, Sheila led the statewide launch of the Spot Skin Cancer program in California. That led to a happenstance meeting with Caylie Valenta, founder of the Andy Valenta Melanoma Foundation. A partnership was born on the spot!
Appreciating challenges, Sheila’s teammates find her “WILL DO” attitude exists both professionally and personally.
In her spare time, you’ll find Sheila traveling lesser travelled roads with her husband, and her beagle Duke! On any given day, Sheila will reach out to those that cross her mind – an old friend, new friend, family member, or even text the pet parent of a friend of Duke’s. Sheila loves reminding others that they matter and that she cares.
Sheila holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from California State University, Stanislaus, and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration from Sacramento State University. She served as a Leon Panetta Fellow, Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellow, and is a graduate of the Dale Carnegie Leadership Management program. She has worked in the California State Legislature, various statewide budget offices and in the House of Representatives. Her executive experience in associations include California Lawyers Association, California Lawyers Foundation, California Society for Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery, NAIOP Silicon Valley, Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, the California Pharmacists Association and the Association of California Healthcare Districts.
Scott Jennie serves as the California State Director and National State Director for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting firefighters, EMS workers, and their families facing cancer diagnoses. In his role, Scott leads efforts in providing critical resources, mentorship, and advocacy for those affected by occupational cancer in the fire service.
Scott chairs the Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month committee for FCSN, where he collaborates with the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) to produce educational campaigns focused on cancer prevention, awareness, and best practices. He also contributed to the FCSN White Paper, “Doing It Right: Reducing Cancer in the Fire Service,” which offers actionable strategies for minimizing cancer risks in the line of duty.
In addition to his work with FCSN, Scott co-chairs the FRANTIC (Firefighter Research Against Nicotine and Tobacco Use in California Firefighters) committee, addressing the impact of tobacco and nicotine use in the fire service. With over 35 years of experience in the fire service, Scott recently retired as a Fire Captain/Paramedic with the Laguna Beach Fire Department. He has presented on occupational cancer prevention at national conferences and continues to advocate for healthier practices across the country.
Scott Jennie serves as the California State Director and National State Director for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting firefighters, EMS workers, and their families facing cancer diagnoses. In his role, Scott leads efforts in providing critical resources, mentorship, and advocacy for those affected by occupational cancer in the fire service.
Scott chairs the Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month committee for FCSN, where he collaborates with the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) to produce educational campaigns focused on cancer prevention, awareness, and best practices. He also contributed to the FCSN White Paper, “Doing It Right: Reducing Cancer in the Fire Service,” which offers actionable strategies for minimizing cancer risks in the line of duty.
In addition to his work with FCSN, Scott co-chairs the FRANTIC (Firefighter Research Against Nicotine and Tobacco Use in California Firefighters) committee, addressing the impact of tobacco and nicotine use in the fire service. With over 35 years of experience in the fire service, Scott recently retired as a Fire Captain/Paramedic with the Laguna Beach Fire Department. He has presented on occupational cancer prevention at national conferences and continues to advocate for healthier practices across the country.
Patrick McDonald has worked for the Vista Fire Department since 2013. In 2019, he was promoted to engineer.
Patrick and Andy were good friends and colleagues at Vista Fire for many years.
Michael has worked for the Carlsbad Fire Department for 15 years and currently working as an Engineer. Michael and Andy met while at Paramedic School and remained good friends for many years.
The Andy Valenta Melanoma Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by Andy’s widow, Caylie Valenta, and fellow Vista firefighter Mark Gaffney in 2022.
The Foundation is currently working to form partnerships within the community, with businesses, and with medical professionals to raise funds and strengthen our mission to increase awareness, educate firefighters, and provide skin cancer screenings to fire departments.
If you would like to help support the Andy Valenta Melanoma Foundation please contact us or donate today.
The Andy Valenta Melanoma Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by Andy’s widow, Caylie Valenta, and fellow Vista firefighter Mark Gaffney in 2022.
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