Hello
Welcome
The Gynecological Cancer Awareness Project feels honored to have a dedicated Board of Directors, staff, and members of our community who care so deeply about The GCAP mission and provide excellent leadership and stewardship.
Amy's Bio
Hello, I am Amy Gundelach, RN, MSN, AG-CNS-BC, OCN
Amy Gundelach, a University of Colorado alumna and an oncology certified nurse, brings a wealth of experience to The GCAP. With twenty years of clinical nursing experience, her rich and varied professional career has included staff, administrative, and clinical specialist positions in such departments as the Mental Health, Medical & Cardiac ICU, Clinical Education, Oncology and Hospice care.
Education of patients, families, new nurses, and nursing staff has been a constant thread throughout Amy's career. Her passion for education has carried over into her commitment to volunteerism. Amy is the Founder and Executive Director of the Gynecological Cancer Awareness Project.
Amy is a single mother of Sophia - who is a fun, athletic, and motivated young adult.
Dina's Bio
Hello, I am Dina Afek
I grew up in Switzerland, lived in Israel for ten years, and came to the United States in 1985. I was a counselor and therapist for close to twenty years before becoming an attorney. I am the mother of three grown children and the grandmother of four. My husband and I moved to Albuquerque in 2014 to be close to our grandkids, and I could not be happier with the decision to make New Mexico our home. I was diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2016. Since undergoing a complete hysterectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation, I have been cancer-free. I retired from New Mexico Legal Aid in January of 2020, hoping to travel and spend time with family and friends. Courtesy of the coronavirus pandemic, I am currently providing "Grandma School" for two of my grandkids and have embarked on my third career - being a health and life coach.
Teresa's Bio
Hello, I am Teresa Gomez
I am an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Isleta and is a life-long resident of New Mexico. I have dedicated my career to serving Tribes and advocating for issues affecting American Indians.
I earned a Master's Degree in Political Science from the University of New Mexico, in 1995. As the first Pueblo woman to serve as Deputy Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department, my work has included advocating for policies relating to Indian education, diversity, and equity and to improve the well-being of American Indian communities. Since August 2012, I have served as the President and CEO of Futures For Children, a non-profit organization based in Albuquerque, whose mission is to improve the lives of American Indian youth through mentorship and leadership development.
In 2013 I was appointed to serve on the NM Medical Insurance Exchange Board. This Board is charged with oversight and implementation of the state’s Insurance Marketplace Exchange, where individuals can obtain health insurance. I also serve on the NM Medical Insurance Pool Board which oversees programs to individuals with high-cost medical conditions, ensuring access to affordable health insurance.
On Mother’s Day 2013, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Since then, I have undergone extensive surgery and months of chemotherapy. In September 2013, I learned I have a BRCA 1 mutation. In December 2014, I had a prophylatic bilateral mastectomy in an effort to prevent breast cancer.
I have been actively involved with The GCAP during the past year, helping with fundraising efforts, raising awareness, and participating with the support and walking groups. The GCAP has been an incredible support for me and my family during this very challenging time in my life. I have made significant progress battling ovarian cancer because of the outstanding medical care I received and the unwavering support of The GCAP.
John's Bio
Hello, I am John Rinaldi
My reason for volunteering with GCAP is that my wife has recurrent ovarian cancer. GCAP has been extremely supportive of our family throughout this entire ordeal. GCAP is a major resource for many women who are also dealing with women's cancers.
The support group is my favorite because it allows, not only the patient but also allows the caregiver a place to express feelings and share situations with others dealing with women's cancer. Retired UNM professor in counselor education (30 years). My education includes a BS from the College of St. Joseph, a Masters and Doctorate from Texas Tech University, and numerous post-graduate CEUs in the field of counseling, family law, and addictions. I also have a private practice in counseling and mediation.
Katie's Bio
Hello, I am Katie Sanchez
Katie Sanchez is a fundraising consultant with over a decade of experience working with nonprofits of all sizes to reach their potential through focused relationship building, fundraising and communications. The majority of Katie's work is focused in the education and healthcare sectors.
Katie lives in Socorro County with her husband, rescue dogs and bees. She is also a member of the San Antonio Volunteer Fire Department and San Antonio Community Park Committee.
Janet's Bio
Hello, I am Janet Longhurst
I was born and raised in Manchester England. I graduated in 1988 with RGN and then emigrated to USA in September of 2004. I have been an Onology Certified Nurse (OCN) since 2005 when I sat the exam with my very good friend, our founder Amy Gundelach.
Amy was my mentor for my first RN travel assignment in USA and I couldn’t have asked for a better person. We have worked very closely since then and I am a founding member of GCAP and have proudly watched us grow and diversify over the years.
I enjoy motor bike riding and ride a Honda Goldwing 1880 trike. We have travelled far and wide my husband and I. We presently have 2 dogs, a Lab and a Great Dane. We have 9 grandchildren, only 4 of them in the USA. Our closest are in Santa Fe and we play a huge part in their lives.
Thank you for allowing me to assist and long may we continue to serve our patients here in NM with GCAP services.