3920a STE 305 Bridge Road, Suffolk, VA, USA
Our Staff
Kristie Fields-CEO
I am a Suffolk, Virginia, native who spent over 25 years living in the neighboring city of Newport News, but life eventually brought me back home. I returned to Suffolk to care for my mother, Judith Anderson, during her time in hospice, a journey that reaffirmed my commitment to my hometown. I decided to stay to honor her memory and to se
I am a Suffolk, Virginia, native who spent over 25 years living in the neighboring city of Newport News, but life eventually brought me back home. I returned to Suffolk to care for my mother, Judith Anderson, during her time in hospice, a journey that reaffirmed my commitment to my hometown. I decided to stay to honor her memory and to serve the community that raised me.
As a Navy Veteran and a member of the first class to attend all four years and graduate from Lakeland High School (1990–1994), I have always believed in being on the front lines. My personal health journey began in 2014 when I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Triple Negative Breast Cancer, followed by Stage 3 Colon Cancer in 2020. Both came well before the recommended screening ages. While my husband and mother led a dedicated support system for our four children and me, I quickly realized that navigating the medical system required more than just love; it required a technical map.
Today, as a grandmother of five, I use my academic background to ensure other families have the guidance I lacked. I hold a B.S. in Business Management from Hampton University, a Master of Health Science (M.H.S.) from Saint Francis University, and a second Master’s in Human Genetics and Genomics from the Southern California University of Health Sciences.
This allows me to deconstruct complex genomic concepts and lab-based science into clear, actionable health strategies. I don't just speak from personal experience; I speak from a deep understanding of the biological and systemic factors that drive health outcomes.
My work has been recognized on national stages and within the halls of policy:
- Research & Policy: I served as a Breast Cancer Consumer Reviewer and participated in several research teams, as well as co-authoring the Virginia Cancer Plan (2018–2022).
- A Voice for the Patient: I have been featured in an NPR article and served as a panelist for the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, addressing the real-world burden of medical debt.
- Community Leadership: Since 2015, I have operated PinkSlayer to support families in the trenches of treatment. I continue this work through partnerships with Sentara on community health fairs and by speaking at local churches and community centers.
- Precision Medicine: As the Hampton Roads Representative for the U54 Regional Implementation Team, I collaborated with the Medical University of South Carolina to bring precision medicine initiatives to our region.
I trained at the Dr. Harold Freeman Patient Navigation Institute because the gold standard of navigation was missing in our area. I use my dual Master’s degrees and my survival story to ensure that early detection and genetic risk are tools for survival, not just medical jargon. I am here to ensure that when a family in our community faces a diagnosis, they have a navigator who truly understands the science, the system, and the stakes.
Jermaine Fields-Executive Director
Born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia, Jermaine Fields is a proud graduate of Cradock High Schools Class of 1992. His journey is a testament to the grit of the 757, defined by a decades-long commitment to hard work and an even deeper devotion to his family. For over 20 years, Jermaine was a pillar of the workforce at Smithfield Foods,
Born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia, Jermaine Fields is a proud graduate of Cradock High Schools Class of 1992. His journey is a testament to the grit of the 757, defined by a decades-long commitment to hard work and an even deeper devotion to his family. For over 20 years, Jermaine was a pillar of the workforce at Smithfield Foods, demonstrating the kind of loyalty and dedication that defines his character. When the plant eventually closed its doors, Jermaine did not just look for a new job. Instead, he looked for a new way to serve.
At the center of Jermaines life are his roles as a husband, a father of four, and a grandfather of five. Much of his strength is rooted in the deep love and respect he holds for his parents. He carries their legacy of kindness and resilience in everything he does. His path toward advocacy began naturally through the lived experience of supporting his father through a cancer diagnosis. Navigating that journey firsthand revealed a profound need for better support systems for families, prompting Jermaine to return to school for Human Services and Criminal Justice. He also completed specialized training in patient navigation and caregiver counseling, determined to provide the professional guidance and empathy he knew was vital for those in the trenches of caregiving.
This mission remained personal as Jermaine stepped into the role of primary caregiver for his wife, Kristie, while also assisting with his mother-in-law, Judith. He does not just advocate for caregivers; he walks the walk every day. He understands exactly what it takes to be the rock for those you love while managing the complexities of a household.
Today, Jermaine serves as the strategic lead for PinkSlayer, where he manages marketing and partnership initiatives. He has a unique gift for connecting the dots between healthcare resources and the people who need them most. Under his guidance, PinkSlayer has expanded its reach. While the focus of the organization is cancer support, Jermaine ensures the community has access to a full spectrum of wellness. Through comprehensive health fairs, he provides families with screenings for various preventable illnesses to ensure that no one falls through the cracks. Whether leading the Caregiver Support Group or the Mens Support Group, Jermaine speaks with a relatable, grounded authority that inspires everyone he meets to advocate for their own health and the wellbeing of their neighbors.