Maria Lelie
Maria is a partnerships, events, and program management professional with 7+ years of experience across the nonprofit sector.
Before joining Cancer Support Community, Maria organized university civic engagement programs, connecting students, staff, and alumni with nonprofits to promote community service, experiential learning, and leadership development.
She later led a global volunteer community, and most recently managed high-value philanthropic partnerships, strategic initiatives, and partner-facing events for a national education nonprofit, supporting long-term growth and revenue.
Maria’s connection to CSC’s mission is deeply personal, shaped by her experience standing by both of her parents as they navigated cancer. She believes in the power of community to create spaces of connection, support, and hope and is excited to bring that passion to her role as Manager, Signature Events & Partnerships at CSC.
She holds a B.S. in Business Administration: Management from Rochester Institute of Technology.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling with her partner and spending time with her family and pets: Queso, Bean, and Snoopy.
Lelie
Manager, Signature Events & Partnerships
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Policy Power Hour with CSC's Cancer Policy Institute
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United States
Policy
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Event format
Webinar
What's covered
Join CPI for a timely discussion on the healthcare policies shaping cancer care in America.
Policy decisions made in Washington can directly affect access to health insurance, cancer treatment, supportive care services, and the overall patient experience. This webinar will provide practical insights into the latest policy developments and what they could mean for patients, families, caregivers, and advocates.
Topics Include:
- Medicaid work requirements and their potential impact on healthcare coverage for people affected by cancer
- Prior authorization and how Congress, CMS, the FDA, and health plans are exploring AI to improve efficiency, transparency, and patient access
- The future of the 340B Drug Pricing Program and its role in supporting affordable cancer care in community settings
- Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) legislation and its potential to create a pathway for Medicare coverage of innovative blood-based screening tests that can detect multiple cancers earlier
- The CSC-867-5309 Campaign, an innovative helpline and patient navigation initiative designed to connect more patients and caregivers to trusted cancer support services, resources, and guidance throughout their cancer journey
Event speakers
Deborah Walter, MPA
Director, Policy & Advocacy
Cancer Support Community
Deborah Walter serves as Director, Policy & Advocacy at the Cancer Support Community’s (CSC) Cancer Policy Institute, where she leads federal and state policy strategy, coalition engagement, and grassroots advocacy to advance equitable access to cancer care and psychosocial support services. She partners with policymakers, national organizations, and CSC’s network to translate research and lived experience into actionable policy solutions that reduce barriers to care and strengthen whole-person support for patients and caregivers. Having supported her husband through a serious cancer diagnosis and treatment, Deborah brings a deeply personal understanding of the emotional and practical realities of the cancer journey, reinforcing her commitment to policies that extend beyond clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Laura Varon Brown
CEO
Gilda's Club Metro Detroit
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