The Heart of the Voices Summit: Meet Our Planning Advisory Committee

Sydney Barned

Dr. Sydney Barned is an internal medicine physician who was diagnosed with stage 4 (IV) ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer at age 33, despite having no known risk factors. After delays and misdiagnoses, including walking pneumonia, she began targeted therapy and is now a long-term survivor. Her dual perspective as both doctor and patient fuels her advocacy, where she educates on biomarker testing and challenges stigma. In 2025, she received GO2’s Advocacy Leadership Award for Excellence in Community Engagement & Awareness for her leadership and impact. 

“Many extraordinary things were done by ordinary people who persevered. Just persevere.” – Sydney’s life motto 

Sven de Jong

Sven de Jong was a devoted caregiver and is an advocate whose wife, Elizabeth, was diagnosed with stage 4 (IV) ALK-positive lung cancer in 2016. As her primary support, he provided care, comfort, and unwavering strength throughout her treatment. After her passing, he continues their shared mission by raising awareness and advocating for increased federal funding for lung cancer research, bringing visibility to the cause through storytelling and policy engagement. Elizabeth was honored with GO2’s 2022 Voices Summit Advocacy Leadership Award, and in 2023, Sven received GO2’s Wind Beneath My Wings Caregiver Award for his dedication. 

“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” – Aristotle  

Michael Gieske

Dr. Michael Gieske has dedicated his career to helping find lung cancer earlier, when it’s most treatable. After many years as a family doctor, he now leads the lung cancer screening program at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Under his leadership, the program has helped detect hundreds of cancers at an early stage, giving more people the chance for better outcomes and longer lives. He is passionate about raising awareness that screenings are simple, effective, and can truly save lives.  

“You never know the day before is the day before.” – Bobby Akart 

Nikki Hirsch

Nikki Hirsch is an ALK-positive lung cancer survivor and advocate. Diagnosed in 2020, she turned her experience into action by organizing a sold-out trivia night that raised over $6,000 for ALK-positive research. Each year, she advocates in Washington, D.C., representing Florida, and she leads Single Alkies, a Healing and Arts group within ALK Positive for people navigating lung cancer without a spouse or caregiver. Nikki is dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and empowering others while pushing for increased research funding and support. 

“Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. And live every day as a gift.” – Unknown  

Tiffini Joseph

Tiffini Joseph is a Pediatric Cardiac ICU nurse whose mother was diagnosed with stage 4 (IV) lung cancer in 2008 and passed away in 2010. As both caregiver and family advocate, she worked closely with the medical team to shape her mother’s care plan. Since then, Tiffini has devoted herself to raising awareness and supporting others affected by lung cancer, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met. 

“Try to be a RAINBOW in someone else’s cloud.” – Maya Angelou 

Heidi Nafman-Onda

Heidi Nafman-Onda is a stage 3A (IIIA) lung cancer survivor, diagnosed in 2018 without symptoms and with no detectable biomarkers. A lifelong health enthusiast and fitness trainer, she co-founded The White Ribbon Project with her husband Pierre Onda, MD, MPH, to raise awareness and reduce stigma around lung cancer. Through this initiative, Heidi has shipped thousands of white wooden ribbons worldwide, fostering a supportive community and advocating for increased research funding and early detection. In 2023, she received GO2’s Voices Summit Advocacy Leadership Award in recognition of her impact.  

“Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.” – Rainer Maria Rilke  

Lia Ridout

Lia Ridout is a stage 3B (IIIB) ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer survivor, diagnosed in 2017 at age 49. With no known risk factors, her experience inspired her to become a passionate advocate. She works to raise awareness, promote biomarker testing, and ensure that the patient voice is heard in research and treatment, helping to improve outcomes and bring hope to others affected by lung cancer. 

“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” – Viktor Frankl 

Colette Smith

Colette Smith is a lung cancer survivor and advocate. Diagnosed with stage 1A (IA) non-small cell lung cancer in 2015, she underwent a lobectomy and has been cancer-free since. Motivated by her journey, Colette actively participates in many advocacy efforts to raise awareness about and support for lung cancer research and public health funding. Her mission is to empower others and promote early detection. 

“There is power and profound healing in telling our stories out loud AND in our own voices.” – Colette  

Colleen Ziegler

Colleen Conner Ziegler is a stage 4 (IV) ALK-positive lung cancer survivor, diagnosed in 2015 at age 58. She brings her personal experience and perspective to GO2 for Lung Cancer as a member of its Voices Summit Planning Committee. Colleen uses her voice to support patients and caregivers, advocate for research, and raise awareness about lung cancer, showing that survivorship and advocacy can go hand in hand. 

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi