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Founder and Executive Director

Meredith McNerney is the founder and Executive Director of A Message of Hope Cancer Fund, Inc. whose mission is to provide direct financial assistance to families who face the monetary burdens associated with cancer. She was inspired to start the organization after her own battle with Merkel Cell Cancer. Her primary role is to oversee all operations for all four branches of the organization, as well as work directly with the families the organization serves. Professionally, Mrs. McNerney is a teacher, writer, and speaker. She is currently employed as a Reading Specialist for the Montgomery County Public School system. As a new author, she hopes her story will inspire others. Proceeds from the sale of her book, Facing Cancer: A Spiritual Journey from Pain to Peace, will benefit the organization. Meredith is most proud of the dedication shown by her team as the organization is run entirely by volunteers.

Board Members

Melissa Rocha is Chief Financial Officer for A Message of HOPE Cancer Fund, Inc. In this role, she is responsible for all of MHCF’s financial functions across all regions. This includes the controller role, planning, financial reporting, budgeting, tax and risk management. Melissa joined MHCF in February of 2008 as one of the founding Board members. Currently, Melissa works full time with a federal regulatory agency and prior to employment with the Federal Government, was with KPMG, LLP. Melissa earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Maryland and is a licensed CPA.

Linda Williams has served as a member of the Message of HOPE Cancer Fund Board of Directors since the organization’s inception. She opened the Southern Maryland Division in the Fall of 2008 and serves as President of the Division. Her primary role is networking with local businesses to build relationships for funding support. But, Linda’s most important role is working closely with each family, developing relationships with the cancer patient and family members, providing emotional support to help them through their difficult time. Mrs. Williams is employed full time as Admin Support/Mgmt Analyst for a local company. She has over 20 years experience in the Financial and Management Analyst field and has supported various corporations in the Southern Maryland area.

Debbe Manoly is the President of our Eastern Shore Chapter and the mother of our founder, Meredith McNerney. She is a Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics, directing a unit of 60 women and servicing a customer base of 200. She is the former owner of Debbe Manoly’s Academy of Dance, which she ran for over 30 years. She resides in Ocean City, MD with her husband of 39 years, Larry, and is very active with charity events. Her role is to oversee all fundraising and publicity events on the Eastern Shore.

Carolyn Walsh just recently launched a chapter of A Message of Hope in her residential state of New Jersey . Mrs. Walsh is looking forward to spreading A Message of Hope to New Jersey residents battling cancer. Carolyn serves as the President of the New Jersey branch. Carolyn was born and raised in Maryland where A Message of Hope was originated. Carolyn graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in English at The University of Maryland. Along with raising three small children, Carolyn is working towards a Master’s degree in Business Administration and will graduate in early 2010.

Tracey Dondero is the Public Relations Director of Message of Hope. She was among the founding board of directors and has played an intricate part in the success of the organization. Her passion to help others comes as a result of watching many loved ones battle cancer. She is in charge of marketing for the fund. Professionally, Mrs. Dondero works as a Pharmaceutial Representative Lilly USA. She earned a Master's degree in Health Education from McDaniel College and an undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland.

Brandi Deeb is the Vice President of the Central Maryland division of A Message of Hope Cancer Fund. Her primary role in the organization is to provide assistance in strategic planning, budgeting functions, and event coordination. Mrs. Deeb received her B.A in Business Management and her MBA from Salisbury University. She currently works as an Assistant Controller for Maxim Healthcare Services.

Travis Dettman has served on the Board of Directors since 2010. He first came to the organization as a volunteer and in September 2009 organized the first annual “Swing for Hope Golf Tournament” which raised almost $12,000. He currently serves as the Event Coordinator where he will continue to organize the Annual Gala and Golf Tournament. Since 2001, he has served in the Army National Guard and in 2008, served a tour in Iraq as a commissioned officer. After his tour, he was offered a job at Booz Allen Hamilton as a Senior Consultant in the Modeling, Simulation, Wargaming and Analysis team at their Headquarters office in Virginia. Mr. Dettman graduated from Salisbury University where he was President of the Student Government Organization and sat on numerous committees, some of which included the President’s Advisory Committee, the Fiscal Advisory Committee and the Salisbury University Foundation.

Melissa Kasimatis works as a receptionist in Rockville, MD. Cancer has affected her family as she lost her father to Colon cancer five years ago. Melissa serves on the board of directors as the Executive Assistant to the founder. Her responsibilities include managing donor information and supporting the daily operations of the fund. It brings her great joy to be able to be a part of an organization to help families affected by the costs of cancer.

Deana Walsh is newly appointed to the board of Message of Hope Cancer Fund as the Community Outreach Director. This includes long range planning to enrich and spread the organization’s mission. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Resources from the University of Maryland University College. MHCF is near and dear to Deana’s heart since she lost both of her parents to cancer at an early age.

Steve Simon joined the Board of Directors in September 2011. He has been active as a volunteer for the organization since first offering to assist in editing Message of HOPE Founder Meredith McNerney’s book, Facing Cancer: A Spiritual Journey from Pain to Peace. He also worked with a local audio company, Mix of Sound, to produce the audio version of the book. A veteran public relations consultant with more than 25 years of experience in the media and communications industry, he founded Simon Public Relations, LLC in 2009. Previously, he served as public information director for Montgomery County Public Schools, as director of communications for Montgomery College, and as a public information officer for Montgomery County, Maryland.