Cheeky Charity’s Team
Staff
David Russo
Executive Director
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David Russo is the visionary behind Cheeky Charity. Inspired by his own health scare at age 32—when he discovered precancerous polyps after advocating for himself in a dismissive healthcare environment—David launched Cheeky Charity to make colorectal cancer a conversation everyone can participate in. With a combination of cheeky social media campaigns, support groups, and innovative awareness events, he’s committed to empowering others to take charge of their health and challenge taboos around colorectal cancer.
David’s journey to founding Cheeky Charity began after a decade in the healthcare diagnostics industry and several entrepreneurial ventures, from real estate to telepsychiatry. During a cross-country road trip in 2021, he decided to focus his energy on making a difference in public health, leading him to create Cheeky Charity’s iconic Instagram presence, blending humor and essential health messages.
Through initiatives like the #CheekyChallenge and community-focused awareness campaigns at Pride festivals, David has built Cheeky Charity into a national platform. His work, supported by grants from organizations like the Prevent Cancer Foundation and the New York State Department of Health, has reached thousands across the country, encouraging LGBTQ+ individuals to prioritize their health and break the silence around colorectal cancer.
Andrew Wortmann
Director of Development
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As Cheeky Charity’s Director of Development, Andrew is all about building bold, vibrant spaces for LGBTQ+ folks impacted by colorectal and anal cancers. Leading the charge on community engagement, he’s on a mission to make sure Cheeky Charity’s work truly reflects the voices it serves. With nearly a decade in the colorectal cancer nonprofit world at Fight CRC, Andrew has created awareness campaigns and designs that have traveled far and wide—worn proudly by advocates who, like him, aren’t afraid to get a little cheeky for a cause.
A proud queer man, Andrew is driven by the chance to foster spaces for those who feel unseen, giving them a voice and a place to connect. He’s laid out the foundation for Cheeky Charity’s 2025 programming with the goal of empowering the community to be front and center in the mission. His approach to his work? Like a honey badger: fearless, tenacious, and absolutely unafraid to defend his community with everything he’s got. When he’s not championing Cheeky Charity’s work, you’ll find Andrew hanging out with friends and family, playing tennis or pickleball, traveling, or spending time with his dog.
Irene Liang
Survey Intern
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Irene is a researcher and advocate dedicated to advancing health equity, particularly at the intersection of rurality, sexual and gender identity, and cancer care. She holds bachelor’s degrees in biology and health & societies from the University of Pennsylvania and is currently an American Cancer Society Post-Baccalaureate scholar at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.
As a queer woman who grew up in a rural area, Irene has seen firsthand how geographic and systemic barriers impact access to cancer care. Her passion for health equity is reflected in both her research and community work. She has experience as a patient navigator and has collaborated with LGBTQ+ and health organizations across Montana, Pennsylvania, and Colorado. She also leads Pride House 406, a nonprofit dedicated to creating welcoming and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth in Montana.
Irene’s research focuses on the supportive care needs of rural cancer survivors and the behavioral aspects of lung cancer prevention. She was awarded a pilot grant to explore perspectives on lung cancer screening within the LGBTQ+ community, aiming to make screening processes more inclusive and affirming.
Through the National LGBT Cancer Network’s Cancer Leaders Like Us Internship program, Irene is excited to be working with Cheeky Charity to develop an LGBTQ+ cancer needs assessment. She hopes to apply her experience in community-engaged research and behavioral science to inform colorectal and anal cancer prevention strategies tailored to LGBTQ+ communities.
Daniel G Garza
Director of Anal Cancer & HPV Outreach
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Daniel G Garza (he/him/él) brings over 20 years of advocacy, education, and unapologetic storytelling to Cheeky Charity’s Team. Diagnosed with AIDS in 2000 and anal cancer in 2015, Daniel has turned his personal health journey into a mission to empower others and spark conversations about HIV, cancer, and mental health. Through campaigns like Positively Fearless and his work with organizations such as NMAC and Radiant Health Centers, he’s been a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ health equity and community care.
Daniel and his partner, Christian, run Lilmesican Productions Inc., a social enterprise producing livestreams and content that uplift the LGBTQ+ and health communities. A certified spiritual life coach, actor, and stand-up comic, Daniel is also the author of Grumpy Bunny and the Colors Game, a guided meditation book for children. His work has earned him recognition, including the Hero of Hope Award for Patient Advocacy from iPain International Foundation.
From hosting the Put It Together livestream to engaging audiences online, Daniel’s mission is to educate, entertain, and inspire. Outside of advocacy, you’ll find him savoring tacos, rom-coms, and conversations over coffee—with a smile, a story, and always a deck of cards in hand.
David Fleck
Pride Project Manager
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David Fleck is supposed to be retired…but just can’t resist working for a good cause. Now serving as Pride Project Manager for Cheeky Charity, David brings a wealth of experience from a lifetime of advocacy and action. For over a decade, he worked as Executive Assistant to the President/CEO of Behavioral Health Services, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit providing substance abuse, mental health, drug prevention, and HIV/AIDS services to the community.
A passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, David has been on the frontlines of change. As a strategist for GetEQUAL, he built a nationwide network of activists, inspired by the direct-action model of the Civil Rights Movement. David also played a pivotal role in the 2009 National Equality March on Washington, DC, mobilizing 250,000 participants to demand full federal equality. Following the passage of Prop 8 in California, he joined the Courage Campaign as Director of Grassroots Organizing, uniting diverse communities for LGBTQ+ equality.
In a previous century, David worked in the motion picture industry, supporting the VP of Publicity at the studio founded by iconic producer Dino De Laurentiis. At Cheeky Charity, David’s dedication and expertise keep things running smoothly—proving that retirement can wait when there’s important work to be done.
Rameama Rahman
MPH Intern
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Rameama is currently pursuing her Master of Public Health at Stony Brook University, specializing in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. With nearly three years of experience in her program, she has gained valuable expertise in evaluating methodologies for studying infectious and chronic diseases and analyzing epidemiological data using tools like SAS Studio. At Cheeky Charity, Rameama is excited to apply her skills to support initiatives that empower the LGBTQ+ community and promote health equity.
Medical Advisory Board
The Cheeky Charity Medical Advisory Board provides expert guidance to ensure our educational and advocacy efforts are accurate, relevant, and inclusive. With a focus on LGBTQ+ health, our board helps shape impactful resources and campaigns that bring life-saving awareness and support to underrepresented communities.
Dr. Daniel Dickstein
MD
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Dr. Daniel Dickstein (he/him) is a dedicated radiation oncology resident at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai with a unique focus on improving cancer care for sexual and gender minority (SGM) patients. Dr. Dickstein’s research emphasizes the often-overlooked intersection of cancer treatments and sexual health, aiming to create more inclusive, patient-centered approaches to survivorship. His expertise and commitment to SGM health equity make him a valuable addition to Cheeky Charity’s Medical Advisory Board, where he contributes essential insights on colorectal and anal cancer prevention, awareness, and care for LGBTQ+ communities.
Originally from Westfield, New Jersey, Dr. Dickstein attended Bowdoin College, where he earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics and biochemistry. He went on to complete his MD at the Icahn School of Medicine, where he developed a strong foundation in cancer research, working on clinical trials related to head and neck cancers. Driven by his passion for advocacy and patient care, Dr. Dickstein’s residency research focuses on radiation’s impact on sexual health, particularly in prostate cancer survivors who engage in receptive anal intercourse (RAI). His groundbreaking work earned him an ASCO Young Investigator Award, allowing him to further explore dosimetric parameters that can help prevent sexual dysfunction following radiotherapy.
Dr. Dickstein collaborates closely with Dr. Deborah Marshall in the NIH-funded STAR (Sexual Toxicity After Radiotherapy) lab, where he studies the unique sexual health challenges faced by SGM cancer patients. His work has been published widely and is highly regarded for its relevance to SGM survivorship and quality of life. His recent review on the anorectum’s role in pleasurable and problematic RAI highlights therapeutic strategies for managing radiation-related sexual dysfunction, advocating for a more comprehensive approach to sexual health in cancer care.
Dr. Dickstein is a vocal advocate for collecting SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) data to improve care for LGBTQ+ patients, championing the importance of understanding patients’ diverse experiences in oncology. When not advancing cancer research, he enjoys watching Netflix, indulging in cookie dough ice cream, and spending time with friends and family. Through his role on Cheeky Charity’s Medical Advisory Board, Dr. Dickstein brings critical expertise and compassion to advancing equitable, informed cancer care for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Dr. Carmen Fong
MD, FACS
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Dr. Carmen Fong (she/her/they), affectionately known as "Your Friendly Neighborhood Colorectal Surgeon™," is a distinguished double board-certified general and colorectal surgeon dedicated to advancing colorectal and anal cancer awareness, prevention, and care within the LGBTQ+ community. Currently based in Atlanta, Dr. Fong serves as Co-Director of Hemorrhoid Centers of America, where she specializes in non-surgical, patient-centered treatment of anorectal conditions.
With a medical degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, where she was honored in the Gold Humanism Honor Society, Dr. Fong has a robust academic and clinical background. She completed her general surgery residency at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, where she was the Administrative Chief Resident, and then pursued a fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery at Stony Brook University Hospital/NYU Winthrop. Her expertise extends across diverse areas including minimally invasive management of hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and early-age onset colorectal cancer, with a special focus on serving the unique needs of LGBTQ+ patients.
Dr. Fong’s involvement in various national medical committees, including the Young Surgeons Committee of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, reflects her commitment to advancing ethical, patient-centered care. Her research interests include early detection of colorectal cancer, prevention of surgical site infections, and innovative technologies in colorectal surgery. Dr. Fong is also the author of Constipation Nation, a forthcoming nonfiction book dedicated to making colorectal health accessible to all.
In addition to her clinical and research roles, Dr. Fong is an artist and writer whose work has been published in multiple literary journals and medical platforms, including KevinMD and BaselineMed. Through her writing and public engagement, she aims to demystify colorectal health and create inclusive, empathetic conversations around these essential issues.
Dr. Fong lives in Atlanta with her wife, two daughters, and two cats, balancing her medical practice with creative pursuits in literature and the visual arts. Her expertise, dedication, and advocacy make her an invaluable asset to Cheeky Charity’s Medical Advisory Board, where she contributes her knowledge to help improve health outcomes and awareness within the LGBTQ+ community.
Community Advisory Board
Cheeky Charity’s Community Advisory Board ensures our work truly reflects the needs and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. Made up of colorectal and anal cancer survivors, caregivers, loved ones, and allies, the board provides invaluable insights to guide our programs, resources, and outreach efforts. Their perspectives help us create impactful, inclusive initiatives that support and empower those we serve.
Harold Abrams
Cancer Advocate
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Harold Abrams (he/him) brings over six years of public health expertise and a lifetime of creative storytelling to Cheeky Charity’s Community Advisory Board. As Projects Director for the National LGBTQI+ Cancer Network, Harold has championed initiatives that improve cancer screening rates and foster affirming healthcare environments for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. From developing statewide health campaigns to leading cultural competency training programs for healthcare providers, Harold’s work is all about breaking down barriers and amplifying voices.
Harold’s creative impact doesn’t stop there—he’s a two-time Emmy Award-winning producer with a knack for turning complex social issues into compelling stories. Whether crafting campaigns like the award-winning Queer Health Is Power or creating heartfelt video profiles on anal cancer survivors, Harold approaches every challenge with innovation, empathy, and purpose.
Outside of advocacy, Harold channels his creativity into art, writing, and filmmaking. He is currently writing a feature screenplay centered on a trans man’s love story and is actively pitching a TV series that explores the profound ways death shapes people’s lives. A Denver native now based in NYC, Harold finds inspiration in the vibrant cityscape and channels that into meaningful creative projects.
At Cheeky Charity, Harold’s lived experience as a Black gay man and his ability to navigate unconventional spaces make him an invaluable advocate for health equity. He’s here to help Cheeky Charity grow, empower its team, and ensure its mission continues to make an impact.
Paula Chambers-Raney
Colorectal Cancer Survivor
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Paula is a colorectal cancer survivor and advocate who is passionate about ensuring no one feels alone in their journey with colorectal or anal cancer. Diagnosed in 2015 after years of misdiagnoses, her experience sparked a commitment to advocacy focused on improving health equity for LGBTQ+ individuals, communities of color, and others often overlooked in healthcare.
As a Black, queer survivor, Paula brings an intersectional perspective to the Community Advisory Board, along with skills in community engagement, storytelling, and navigating healthcare systems. She has worked on local and national campaigns for screenings and policy changes, sharing her story to inspire others and amplify awareness.
Paula is dedicated to strengthening Cheeky Charity’s reach in underserved communities, promoting early detection and prevention, and ensuring survivors feel supported. Outside of advocacy, she enjoys roller skating, cooking, flying kites, and exploring music and comedy with her wife.
Rob Donovan
Anal Cancer Survivor
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Rob Donovan brings a personal passion and lived experience to Cheeky Charity’s Community Advisory Board. After nearly 20 years of monitoring for anal dysplasia due to a persistent HPV infection, Rob was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2024. Thanks to regular screenings and early detection, his cancer was caught before it could spread and successfully treated with the “Nigro Protocol”— a tough but highly effective regimen. Now, Rob is on a mission to assure more gay men know their HPV status and prioritize regular screenings, proving that awareness and action can be life-saving.
A retired geologist, Rob spent his career trekking through rugged landscapes of Washington State, Alaska, and California. These days, he’s traded mountains for the desert, living in Palm Springs with his husband and tackling home renovation projects that sometimes feel like a new full-time job. At Cheeky Charity, Rob is turning his journey into action, advocating for better education about HPV-related cancers and helping others take charge of their health with a little cheeky determination.
Cedric Johnson
Cancer Advocate
Corey Prachniak
Cancer Advocate
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Corey has been a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ community health since 2011, beginning as a law student interning in the legal department of an LGBTQ health clinic. Over the years, Corey’s work has evolved to focus on addressing cancer inequities, particularly through their role as the leader of HealthLink, a national program dedicated to improving health outcomes for underserved populations.
With a background in law and policy, Corey brings a unique perspective to Cheeky Charity’s Community Advisory Board. They focus on the real-world impact of policies, from insurance coverage and cancer screening guidelines to ensuring LGBTQ+ affirming care and access to vital resources like transportation and safe restrooms. Corey is committed to addressing the inequities that LGBTQ+ communities face and is excited to help Cheeky Charity expand its reach and save lives.
Outside of advocacy, Corey enjoys spending time outdoors, though living in the Northeast often makes that a seasonal hobby. They’re thrilled to bring their expertise and passion to Cheeky Charity’s mission.