Our Founders
Christine Lyss, RN, Cyndi Stotler, RN, BSN, MA and Jane Roodman Weiss, RN, BSN
Our Founders

“When an individual receives a diagnosis of breast cancer, the world seems to stop for a moment.  It is difficult to navigate the health care system even when you have everything going for you, but when individuals who are underinsured face a diagnosis of breast cancer, the consequences can be catastrophic.  The driving force behind my desire to function as a program nurse manager for Gateway to Hope is the ability to help these deserving individuals access the critical care they need.”  –Christine Lyss

Christine received her associated degree from Lima Technical College School of Nursing and has worked for more than 40 years in the field of nursing.  Christine has been involved in many organizations, including the Oncology Nurses Association and Hadassah Nurses Organization.  Christine has done a lot of work in the medical research field and has worked in the hematology and oncology field and with cancer patients for over 20 years.  Working since Gateway to Hope’s inception in 2005 as a program nurse manager, Christine works closely with many of our patients to help them access the treatment they need.

“What is most gratifying to me about working at Gateway to Hope is following patients through their breast cancer treatment and observing their strength, optimism, and resilience during the treatment and after it is completed.”  −Christine Lyss

chris@gthstl.org

Our Founders

A diagnosis of breast cancer can impose much change on anyone's life, and that's just what it did for Cyndi Stotler. When diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma insitu, Cyndi felt it was time to make changes in her life personally and professionally. Focusing on her treatment and recovery, she was a stay at home mom for 9 months while undergoing surgery and chemo treatments.

A St. Louis native, Cyndi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, and a Masters of Health Care Administration from Webster University. Her 25 year career in nursing includes physical medicine and rehabilitation, program development, and oncology. "No matter how much knowledge you have about the disease, having it become your disease is a life-changing experience. Suddenly, the things you used to think were important, no longer matter."Wanting to help other breast cancer patients, Cyndi arrived at Gateway to Hope ready to make a difference." - Cyndi Stotler

cyndis@gthstl.org

Our Founders

“I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of Gateway to Hope.  Knowing that we are making a difference in the lives of our patients inspires me every day to move forward and make sure that Gateway to Hope is there for those in our community who may need our services.”  −Jane Weiss

Jane received her nursing degree from the Jewish Hospital School of nursing and her bachelors of science in nursing from St. Louis University.  Jane has worked in the nursing field for over 30 years including work in clinical oncology research.  Jane has been involved in many organizations, such as the Oncology Nurses Association and the Hadassah Nurses Organization.  Jane began working for Gateway to Hope at its inception in 2005 as a program nurse manager.  Today, Jane works as our outreach education nurse, working to spread Gateway to Hope’s message and ensure that as many people can receive assistance from Gateway to Hope as possible. 

“I am continuously inspired by the generosity of the St. Louis medical community as well as the dedication, commitment, and compassion of the Gateway to Hope staff and I feel privileged to work with each of these individuals.  It is gratifying to know that we are making a difference in the lives of our patients and are providing a service to make our community a better place.”  −Jane Weiss

jane@gthstl.org