When you stop having fun--even through breast cancer--it's time for a change.
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Ribbons of Life Principles Left to Right: Sylvia Rosolek, Lesley Paarmann, Lisa Barreto (Founder) Dr. Karen L. Brown, Tamilyn Taylor (not pictured: Donna Iverson) The ROL Board are "professional volunteers" who spend their "off-work" hours towards making a positive difference in the lives of those struggling with the impact and implications of breast cancer in Ventura County, California.
Karen, Lesley, Sylvia, Debbie, Donna and Tamilyn, use their creative talents towards educating the community while enlightening others to become their own health advocates. They are visionaries working to build the first Breast Resource Center in Ventura County to serve as a clearinghouse of information while saving time for those needing to make quick decisions. Along with a helpful board of advisors, they act as a bridge of knowledge throughout Ventura County and other communities. Each board member is a cancer survivor specializing in their area of enjoyment and expertise while applying their unique skills, talents, and interests towards the success of this foundation. They are a collaboration of knowledge as they consider the numerous complexities that surround the social, cultural and religious views of women, their families and society surrounding the subject of breast cancer. They also understand how these belief systems impact a woman's ability to manage her journey with breast cancer.
The board meets one Saturday a month following the Breast Fests. Here are their experiences and areas of expertise: Lisa Barreto
Founder
Lisa planned four surgeries around her studies before graduating from Ventura College in 2004. During this time she became the founder and co-facilitator of Ventura College's Breast Cancer Education & Advocacy Group, now the Ribbons of Life("ROL") Breast Cancer Foundation. Lisa transferred as a Regents Scholar to the University of California, Santa Barbara ("UCSB"). After a total of six surgeries, in 2007, she graduated with a B.A. Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies focusing on Sociology, Anthropology and English. She also earned a Certificate in Negotiation and Mediation from UCSB's Professional Extension Program. Selected as Student Marshal for her Arts & Humanities class, Lisa carried UCSB's blue banner adorned with the four gilded words: "Let There Be Light". Lisa applies her life experiences, numerous leadership roles, and academic knowledge to better understand the various ways individuals face the subject of breast cancer. A NEW PURPOSE IN LIFE Lisa claims her breast cancer caused her to focus more on living life than dreading death. Her interests in diverse cultures and climates also helps her identify and diffuse personal and family conflicts that can result from a cancer diagnosis. She works with people of all ages and welcomes their stories. Lisa's careers in hotel and personnel management; consulting and training; and leadership and law are beneficial to her writing and speaking. Her "Coping with Breast Cancer" presentation inspires, educates and exchanges current information to health students and organizations so that breast cancer is not viewed as a death sentence, but a life sentence. She paved the way for ROL's efforts to raise funds to open a much needed Breast Resource Center in Ventura County. Karen L. Brown, Ph.D
Acting President, Vice President
 While a single mother of two, Karen earned her Masters Degree from California State University, Northridge and her doctorate degree from Texas Women's University. OUR ARTIST Karen constantly reminds us to focus on our breathing!
Lesley Paarmann
Treasurer/CFO
AN INSPIRATION OF "LIFE"
ADDING HUMOR
Lesley has been in stage 4 of her breast cancer for 15 years. In 1999 she was told by her doctor she had about 18 months left. He was wrong. Lesley adds humor to our organization. Her motto is: "I have cancer, but cancer does not have me." Aside from working full-time, she is a world traveler, motorcycle rider, and a sports car lover-owner. She has two beagles and they love to go to the beach and romp together. Lesley lives in Santa Barbara (To read more about Lesley, see the Scholarship page.)
Sylvia Rosolek Membership Director
FIRST IN THE NATION
In 2006, Sylvia became the first in the nation (as we know) to receive a scholarship given specifically to a breast cancer survivor seeking further knowledge at a college to help her better cope. Sylvia received the Lesley Paarmann Breast Cancer Scholarship to attend classes at Ventura College.
Sylvia is record-keeper of words taking the board minutes to help streamline the board's communications. She contributes her ideas and concerns to the board with much empathy. Additionally, Sylvia works full-time at Naval Base Ventura County.
Tamilyn Taylor
Communications Director
Computer Guru Tamilyn is our Website "Guru", computer administrator, and technician. She is a "retired" Psych Nurse. who worked at the Camarillo State Hospital before its closing. Tamilyn's interests are in bio-identical hormones, maintaining a healthy diet, and has some interesting coping methods which she is more than willing to share with those who are interested. She is our "whiz kid" and loves to take refreshing after-work baths. Her favorite scent is lavendar.
Donna Iverson
Secretary
40+ Years of Experience
The board has over 40+ years of combined experience in surviving breast cancer and other female cancers. They acknowledge they are not medical doctors or providers. Rather they choose to be inquisitive bunch of advocates of their health through the power of experience and networking to seek answers to the unlimited number of questions surrounding the topic of breast cancer. Feel free to click on the name of the board member you wish to contact: Acting President, Vice President Karen L. Brown Karen Brown Treasurer/CFO Lesley Paarmann Membership Director Sylvia Rosolek Communications Director Tamilyn Taylor
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