About The Foundation
Our Foundation was born from a deeply personal experience. After witnessing the impact of neuropathy on cancer patients for decades, and later facing the same challenges during her own treatment, Dr. Constanze Rayhrer recognized the need for greater awareness, better patient education, and continued innovation. Today, that personal journey drives our commitment to helping others navigate chemotherapy with confidence and hope.
Our Mission
The Foundation for the Prevention of Neuropathy is dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) through prevention, education, awareness, research, and innovation. We strive to provide trusted, evidence-based resources that empower patients, support caregivers, and encourage continued advances in preserving nerve health during cancer treatment.
The Leadership
The Foundation is led by a dedicated team committed to advancing education, awareness, and innovation in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Bringing together personal experience, healthcare expertise, and nonprofit leadership, our team is united by a shared belief: preserving quality of life should be an essential part of every cancer journey.
Dr. Constanze Rayhrer, MD, FACS
FounderDr. Constanze Rayhrer is a board-certified breast surgeon with more than 30 years of experience caring for women with breast cancer. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to advancing patient-centered care while helping thousands of individuals navigate the challenges of cancer diagnosis and treatment. She is also the CEO of BARC Innovations and creator of Polar Paws device, where she leads the development of technology focused on improving supportive cancer care.
Alison Ferguson
Board MemberAlison Ferguson brings extensive experience in leadership, organizational development, and strategic planning to the Foundation. Throughout her career, she has focused on building strong organizations, fostering meaningful relationships, and supporting initiatives that create lasting community impact.
As a member of the Foundation's Board, Alison helps shape long-term strategy, strengthen partnerships, and expand educational outreach.
Gina Higgins
SecretaryGina Higgins serves as Secretary of the Foundation, supporting the governance, organization, and day-to-day operations that enable the Foundation to fulfill its mission with integrity and transparency.
With more than 20 years of experience in medical and surgical customer relations, as well as surgical and cancer care, Gina brings valuable healthcare knowledge and organizational expertise to the Foundation.
Orlando Valente
Webmaster and Digital MarketingOrlando Valente leads the Foundation's website strategy, digital marketing, and online communications. He is responsible for creating an accessible, user-friendly digital experience. His work supports the Foundation's mission by expanding awareness, strengthening its online presence, and connecting more people with valuable educational resources.
Growing Together
The Foundation is actively building a network of healthcare professionals, researchers, patient advocates, and community leaders who share our commitment to improving the lives of people affected by chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
As our work expands, so will our leadership, partnerships, and advisory network.
Scientific Integrity
Trust is the foundation of everything we do. Our educational content is based on current evidence from peer-reviewed research, respected medical organizations, and established clinical guidelines. We are committed to presenting balanced, accurate information while clearly distinguishing between established evidence, emerging research, and future possibilities.
Our Vision
We envision a future where every person beginning chemotherapy is informed about the risk of neuropathy, has access to evidence-based resources, and benefits from continued advances in prevention and supportive care. By bringing together patients, healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates, we hope to help shape a future where quality of life is an essential part of every cancer journey.
Join Our Mission
Every patient deserves the opportunity to focus on healing without facing preventable challenges alone. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, healthcare professional, researcher, or supporter, you can help advance education, awareness, and innovation in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Together, we can help protect not only lives, but the quality of those lives.
Explore our educational resources, learn about the latest research, or support our mission today.