Our Team

Ashley Matthews

Ashley Matthews, Secretary

Catalina Castro

Catalina Castro, Camp Director

Biography/Credentials

Janis Matthews

Janis Matthews, Past President

Biography/Credentials

Lance Hallberg

Lance Hallberg, President
Current

Board Member Since 2013

Lance Hallberg is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health. He manages The Inhalation Toxicology Core Facility (ITC) located in Ewing Hall of the University of Texas Medical Branch campus. Dr. Hallberg’s research interest focuses on the genetic effects of environmental toxins, especially air toxics, on human health. After reestablishing the ITC Facility, he developed collaborations with many on campus and off campus investigators providing expertise and training in inhalation exposure of animal models, developing protocols for exposure to both gases and vapors for investigator initiated projects. Dr. Hallberg is the principle investigator of a Health Effects Institute grant entitled Assessment of the Genotoxicity of Diesel Exhaust/Diesel Exhaust Particulates from Improved Diesel Engines.

Several years ago my family went through a trying time when my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. We were very fortunate to meet Janice Matthews who offered a chance to send our child to their summer camp explaining that it was offered to children impacted by cancer and their siblings. Thus began our journey with the “Rainbow Connection”. Well my wife is cancer free now but my kids have found that attending the Rainbow Connection Camp each year to be the highlight of their annual activities. I feel that the interaction of my kids with children impacted by cancer helps both my children and children having to deal with this disease; my children get the chance to give back and to understand what it means to have a life challenge like this, and it gives a chance for a child with cancer to lead a relatively normal life and experience friendships that I can tell you will last a life time. For myself and my wife being a member of the Childhood Cancer Connection is a way for us to give back a small amount of what they did for us.

Michael Johnson

Michael Jonson, Vice President
Current

Biography/Credentials

Tayna Vazquez

Tayna Vazquez, Treasurer
Chair, Media Committee
Board Member Since 2014
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Tayna Vazquez works at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Department of Pediatrics, in Galveston, TX for over nine years. She received her Bachelors in Fine Arts – Studio Art, from the University of Houston. Although she has only been a board member since 2014, she has been a friend of Rainbow Connection for several years. Prior to joining the CCC Board, she had been actively involved in several non-profits which include Sociedad de Puertorriquenos en Houston Inc. (media) and Raices de Puerto Rico (Co-founder & Choreographer). Both non-profits promoted education, heritage and family support in Houston, TX.

Tayna’s interest include community service, media, education, outreach and art.
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When asked why she joined she responded,

A few years ago my father died of cancer and I learned that this disease really does effect everyone in one shape or form. In his memory I decided to dedicate my spare time and effort to others who have suffered from this disease. Just knowing that I can help bring a smile to so many children and their families brings me joy and happiness and I know my father is looking down with a smile on his face.