Tina McDonough is the Founder of Valley Girls & Guys, and the vision, dynamics and energy behind its global and local impact. Tina’s passion was fueled by the breast cancer diagnosis and ultimate loss of her close friend, Michelle, in 2007. It was then she organized the largest fundraising team in the nation for the Susan G. Komen 3day, raising over 3 million dollars (to date) to aid in the research and awareness of breast cancer. Tina was named to “The List” by Susan G. Komen, which is compiled of 35 scientists, clinicians, community leaders, and public figures, who were recognized for their contributions and impact in working for women and men facing breast cancer. In 2014, Tina organized the Valley Girls & Guys nonprofit and opened the WHOhouse to promote awareness, provide support, and fund local research for ALL cancers.
In addition to her involvement in finding a cure for cancer, Tina is a wife, mom, rotarian, chamber member and full-time real estate agent. She lives by the mantra “do what you love, love what you do”. She loves to bring her community together to #BeTheHopeX0X0 for those battling cancer. See more of Tina’s story by clicking on her picture above.
Having served our country and assisted top ranked officers in the US Army, Brenda’s organizational skills are called upon often at Valley Girls & Guys! Brenda volunteers her time to the nonprofit through her seat on the Board, as the “banker” at fundraising events, and as a training walk leader for the Susan G. Komen 3day! Her 25+ years of human resource work is our edge to running a smooth operation. Brenda has participated in ten 3day walks herself and now continues her support through cheering and supporting her teammates. Brenda’s love of community is matched only by her love of the outdoors. Beyond fighting for a cure to cancer, she also enjoys fishing, boating and traveling with her husband and their two children.
Mary’s reality into the world of cancer came about in 2005 when her younger sister, Kathi, lost her 7-year battle to breast cancer. In 2007, with three other friends, she walked her first Susan G. Koman 3Day. She knew she had to do something to bring awareness to the awful disease that took her sister’s life. Her passion for understanding people, cultures and community led her toward more volunteering and charity work. She joined the Board because it was a group that believed what she does – hope changes everything! Mary’s awareness that cancer surrounds us, whether through family, friends or acquaintances, is the driving force of her time commitment and volunteerism with Valley Girls and Guys. She feels good knowing that every day our focus is to help find a cure to ALL cancers. Mary combines that service with a love of golf, snow skiing, traveling and that of her husband and two children.
Laura Richardson is a Maple Valley native who has spent the last 11 years developing, planning, and implementing budgets and contracts for the electric company she founded. She has a degree in Economics and Business Administration and is the mastermind behind helping to manage our sponsor, donor and community outreach efforts. Having lost her grandmother to breast cancer is what set Laura on her journey to fight this disease, being involved in a nonprofit that benefits others and makes such a difference in her hometown community is what drew her to Valley Girls & Guys . Laura’s husband and children have always volunteered alongside of her and she is thankful that finding a cure for all cancers is a family venture!
Beth will tell you that her heart didn’t truly start healing after the loss of her mother to breast cancer, until she joined the Valley Girls & Guys in 2008. Beth believes that cancer will be overcome, and she wants her legacy to include having been alive to see such and having had contributed wholeheartedly. Beth’s 30 years in the legal field have made her a proficient writer and public speaker. She uses those traits to share our results, stories and lessons with potential sponsors and donors and unearths and writes our grant and contest submissions. If we are ever at a loss for words, we look to Beth to find, organize and supply us with them! Beth’s love of children is best reflected in the faces of her own four, her nine (9) grandchildren and the foster kids she holds close to her heart.
Coni brings a great deal of enthusiasm to our Board and once you meet her, you feel as though you’ve known her your entire life. Her involvement with Valley Girls & Guys began years before she lost her own Mom to colon cancer in 2012. She has spent over a decade walking, raising money, volunteering, and encouraging others to join the fight against ALL cancers. Coni is consistently inspired by what Valley Girls & Guys and the community have accomplished and loves to tell the story of our impact whenever the opportunity arises. She is the perfect liaison between our foundation, corporate and philanthropic partners. It is not surprising to learn she has 10 siblings, as her love of family is the driving force behind her commitment and support of our vision of a world without cancer. To restore balance from her charitable activities, Coni can be found spending time with her husband and three children.
Tyra was first introduced to Valley Girls & Guys as a participant in their events and fundraisers as a way to give back to her community. As a Maple Valley native, finding a charity that supported local cancer patients and funded local research in her hometown, drew her to the organization. Over the years, her involvement became much more personal as she discovered how many people she is connected to that have been affected by cancer in one way or another. This fueled her passion for doing more to help find a cure.
Tyra works in Human Resources for a global tech company where the focus is to better enrich and engage people. Tyra has a contagious enthusiasm and passionate belief in people that inspires them to become prouder, stronger, and more valuable contributors to their organizations. She brings her wealth of expertise in human connections and cohesiveness to the Board of Directors.
In 2020 when the Valley Girls & Guys Board grew by two positions, Tyra was honored to be asked to fill a vacancy. In addition to her service work, Tyra is a wife and mother of two and loves spending time with her family, traveling and watching feel good animal stories on social media platforms.
