Welcome to another addition to our mini-series, let’s dive in. PaSH is centered around sharing inspiring stories, breaking down stereotypes, and sharing the authentic, behind-the-scenes moments that make entrepreneurs so amazing. Let’s dive into, “From Board Member to Bold Leader: How Lois Rusco Is Reinventing Survivorship Care”.
Meet Lois Rusco
Lois Rusco has served as the Executive Director of the unique Atlanta-based nonprofit TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation since February 2024. As one of the only organizations of its kind in the national breast cancer space, TurningPoint provides core, essential survivorship services: physical therapy, massage therapy, emotional support, nutritional counseling, exercise classes, and education programs to breast cancer patients regardless of their ethnic, racial, religious, or socioeconomic backgrounds. No patient is ever turned away due to an inability to pay or provide adequate insurance. Lois previously served as Development Director at TurningPoint and as a Board member before taking on her role as Executive Director. Earlier in her career Lois held roles with various companies in addition to owning and managing several firms.
If your business had a theme song, what would it be and why?
“I Will Survive.” Our mission is to improve the quality of life for breast cancer survivors and, I’m inspired everyday by the strength of our survivors including their perseverance and will to conquer cancer and get back to living their best life and all that entails.
If you could have dinner with any entrepreneur (alive or dead), who would it be, and what would be the first question you’d ask them?
Bill Gates. My question – “What for-profit tactics translate to the key factors in developing & growing lasting partnerships with individuals and companies who will support the mission of your charity?”
What’s one stereotype about entrepreneurs that you’d love to break?
I’m breaking that stereotype of entrepreneurs typically being male, by working hard, and making a positive difference in the organizations that I lead. Finding the appropriate balance of assertiveness, ambition and confidence can be tricky for a women as these traits can be viewed differently by others. However, leading with compassion and confidence while collaborating with others, can make a positive impact on the culture and overall results.
What’s your go-to mantra or quote when the going gets tough?
“I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”
What’s one misconception people have about your industry that drives you crazy?
That breast cancer survivors do not need physical therapy after surgery. I can’t tell you how many women walk into our clinic in pain and have difficulty picking up their child, loading a plate in the dishwasher or combing their hair. Most major surgeries (knee, wrist, shoulder surgeries, etc) require some type of therapy after surgery, so why isn’t this common practice for breast cancer patients as well?
How do you handle competition, and what sets your business apart from others in your field?
Competition for grants and other funding is consistently strong. To stand out above the crowd, we focus on the results our patients experience and effectively communicate this through patient testimonials and stories of how funding has impacted their lives and helped provide them the Strength to Survive!
Can you discuss any partnerships or collaborations that have particularly impacted your business?
Our Atlanta Initiative is a program that is a collaboration with many community partners to bring community-centric rehabilitation programs to the underserved in downtown and South Atlanta. With professionals from Grady Hospital, The Center for Black Women’s Wellness, LGBTQ community members and other charitable organizations with similar missions, we are improving the lives of underserved survivors while reducing socioeconomic, racial, cultural and geographic barriers to care.
What is one lesson you’ve learned through your entrepreneurial journey that you think everyone should know?
The grass is not always greener being an entrepreneur. You say to yourself, ‘Now I can do what I want and make my own decisions,’ but what you don’t realize is you may not have the capital to surround yourself with all the people you had before to support you. You will need to make sacrifices, be an outstanding multi-tasker, and don’t let anyone take away your joy. You may also feel the significant burden to ensure your employees and their families are treated well and thrive. It is more work than you might imagine but the rewards are absolutely incredible!
Thank you for reading, “From Board Member to Bold Leader: How Lois Rusco Is Reinventing Survivorship Care”, part of our mini-series. To read more amazing Q & A’s click here or check back next month.
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