In 2017, Margo was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer. Now in her third remission, she continues treatment at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center while dedicating her energy to advocacy and patient empowerment.

Margo is a board-certified patient advocate and certified non-profit manager, working as a consultant and coach for newly diagnosed myeloma patients in the U.S. and Canada through the HealthTree Foundation. She also served as a community outreach volunteer and political advocate with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, now called Blood Cancer United, advancing awareness and legislative support for blood cancer patients. Additionally, she is a member of the M-Power Council for the International Myeloma Foundation, focusing on education and outreach in African American and Latino communities, while also fundraising to support their mission. Margo is also in her third year being part of the consumer /patient review panels for the Congressional Directed Medical Research Program funded by the Department of Defense. This initiative sponsors research grants pre -Phase One Clinical trials within the multitude of diseases that affect our military and their families.

Her leadership extends beyond healthcare advocacy. Margo is a certified mentor for SCORE, a national organization funded by the Small Business Administration, where she guides entrepreneurs in launching and growing small businesses. She is the Pittsburgh Chapter’s Outreach Coordinator and Fundraising Chair for SCORE. With certifications in Cannabis Horticulture and Cannabis Business, she also brings expertise to an emerging and socially impactful industry.

Passionate about storytelling, Margo shares her journey with humor and resilience through her widely read cancer blog: Cathy Chemo. Outside her advocacy work, she enjoys cooking, crafting cocktails, and traveling.