Meet the Team Dedicated to Finding a Cure for CCS

Bound by the shared experience of Clear Cell Sarcoma, our team, comprised of survivors, families, and friends, is dedicated to creating a supportive and empowering space for CCS patients and their loved ones. Through collaboration, connection, and unwavering commitment, we strive to amplify voices, drive research, and work together toward conquering Clear Cell Sarcoma.

Co-Founder & Executive Director

Lennie Woods

Lennie Woods, a Charleston native and College of Charleston graduate, is a dedicated wife, mother, and successful real estate professional. Her world changed when her daughter, Sara, was diagnosed with Clear Cell Sarcoma, inspiring her to take action against this ultra-rare cancer. Fueled by faith, determination, and the support of her community, Lennie is on a mission to find a cure for CCS. She believes her life’s journey has connected her with the right people to make a difference and bring hope to those affected by this disease.

Scientific Director

Kelley Argraves, PhD

Kelley Argraves, Ph.D., is a passionate scientist dedicated to advancing the mission of Clear Cell Sarcoma Foundation. After earning her doctorate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at The George Washington University, Kelley built a successful research career at the Medical University of South Carolina. Her journey took a personal turn in 2013 when her husband, Scott, passed away from glioblastoma. Supported by close friends Lennie and Denny Woods, Kelley eventually shifted her focus to fighting Clear Cell Sarcoma after Sara Woods was diagnosed with the rare cancer. Today, Kelley is committed to driving research and finding treatments for Sara and others impacted by CCS.

Administrative Officer

Jill Neal

ill Neal is a wife, mother, and "MiMa."When her oldest daughter was diagnosed with CCS at age 18 in June 2018, she felt utterly lostlike so many others facing this ultra-rare cancer with no existing research, treatments, or cure. Then, through a Google search by an incredible CCS warrior, Scott Heller, she connected with Lennie and the Woods family in late 2018. Without hesitation, the Neal family joined their mission. In January 2019, they even flew to Oregon to meet the Woods family in person at a research facility, strangers united by purpose. In that moment, she knew God had called her to fight for this cause. Today, as CCSF’s Administrative Officer, she works alongside an extraordinary team to drive research, build connections, and collaborate globally, all to transform CCS from a devastating diagnosis to a survivable one.

Patient Advocate & NCCN Lead

Lisa Faulkner

Lisa Faulkner is a survivor of Clear Cell Sarcoma (CCS), a rare and aggressive cancer, diagnosed in the summer of 2020. Her journey with CCS was marked by a series of challenges, including misdiagnoses, the search for effective treatments, and the quest for a knowledgeable CCS medical team. These challenges fueled her dedication to bettering the prognosis and journey for fellow CCS warriors and survivors, which led her to reach out to Lennie Woods, Executive Director of the CCS Foundation (CCSF), offering her time and talent to support fellow CCS warriors. With over 41 years of nursing experience in critical care, education, and administration, Lisa plays a pivotal role in the CCSF’s efforts to raise awareness and improve patient outcomes. As a liaison between the CCS Foundation and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, she ensures that the latest updates in patient care, research, and education are shared with the CCSF community. In her personal life, Lisa is married to Larry Faulkner, and together they have three sons, three daughters-in-law, and two grandchildren. Lisa enjoys spending time with family and friends, landscaping, and traveling with Larry when not working on CCS Foundation efforts.

Marketing & Communications Director

Ann Lopez

Ann Lopez is a Clear Cell Sarcoma (CCS) survivor, a dedicated mother of two, and the wife of a Navy veteran. Diagnosed at age 42 in April 2023, what initially seemed like tendonitis turned out to be an aggressive form of ultra-rare cancer that metastasized to her lymph nodes. In June 2023, Ann underwent a hip disarticulation amputation and emerged from recovery with a strong commitment to support the CCS community. Driven by her experience, she is determined to make a difference so others don’t face the same challenges she endured.

Our Partners

Clear Cell Sarcoma lacks a standard treatment plan due to its rarity, but we are determined to change that. Through dedicated partnerships with our research collaborators, we are working tirelessly to develop effective treatment options. By making a gift today, you are directly supporting advancements in Clear Cell Sarcoma research, helping patients of all ages fight and survive this ultra-rare cancer.

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