Cathy Griffith serves as the President and Founder of the Greg & Cathy Griffith Family Foundation. She is the heart and driving force behind the Sideline Cancer organization.

The Greg and Cathy Griffith Family Foundation was created by friends, family, and the community during her late husband Greg’s courageous 19-month battle with pancreatic cancer. After Greg’s passing, Cathy’s passion and determination transformed the foundation into a beacon of hope and support for cancer patients and their families.

From its inception, the foundation’s flagship initiative, the #ICAN Sideline Cancer Student Initiative, has connected patients, doctors, and communities through advocacy, awareness, and funding. Between 2012 and 2020, Sideline Cancer raised $300,000 for pancreatic cancer research, fostering collaborations and inspiring countless individuals.

In 2014, Sideline Cancer entered The Basketball Tournament (TBT), a nationally televised, high-stakes basketball competition, as the only team playing for a cause. This bold move brought unprecedented visibility to pancreatic cancer awareness and the foundation’s mission. Over the years, the team’s participation has not only amplified the #ICAN message but also rallied communities nationwide to support the fight against cancer.

In 2022, Sideline Cancer pivoted to address a critical need with the launch of the Sideline Cancer Patient Assistance Program. This program empowers school communities to unite in support of cancer patients facing financial hardships. By selling Sideline Cancer merchandise—with a portion of proceeds directly benefiting patients—the initiative has achieved remarkable success. For every item sold, $5 is earmarked for patient assistance, with $1 allocated from each bracelet sale. These seemingly small contributions have created a monumental impact.

Since its inception in 2022, the Patient Assistance Program has raised over $200,000, providing vital support to more than 40 patients across Central Pennsylvania and beyond. This initiative has brought hope and relief to families in need, exemplifying the organization’s “I Can Attitude & Believe Always Spirit.”

Today, the Patient Assistance Program remains the cornerstone of Sideline Cancer’s mission. Cathy’s vision continues to inspire communities to rally together, hosting events at over 20 schools and universities to raise funds and spread awareness. Her dedication ensures that every donation and every event makes a tangible difference in the lives of those battling cancer.

Cathy is the Chairperson of Sideline Cancer Athletics, the Sideline Cancer Patient Assistance Program, Sideline Cancer TBT, and Former Vice-Chair, Secretary, Member at Large of the Digestive Disease National Coalition (DDNC) in Washington, DC. She is also a Member of the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition.

Recent Accomplishments and Awards:

• 2024 Women Making a Difference (PA Business Central Women in Business)
• 2021 Women Making a Difference (PA Business Central Women in Business)
• 2021 Winner of the Forever Media Give local campaign
• 2020 Women Making a Difference (PA Business Central Women in Business)
• 2020 HASD Distinguished Alumni Community Impact Award Winner
• 2019 Women Making a Difference (PA Business Central Women in Business)
• 2019 PA Business Central Top 20 Non-Profit Female Leader
• PA Business Central 23 Health Care Heroes 2019
• Penn State Entrepreneur in Residence Program February 2019
• 2018 Recipient of the Wise Women of Blair County In the category of NonProfit/Government
• 2018 PA Business Central 50 to Follow Women in Business
• 2018 PA Business Central Top 100 People for The Griffith Family Foundation’s “I Can Sideline Cancer Youth Initiative”
• A panelist for Blair County Chamber of Commerce 2018 Young Entrepreneurs Association (YEA) CEO Roundtable
• Recipient of the WJACTV Jefferson Award in 2016

Volunteer Work and Organizations:

• Non-Paid President/CEO of The Greg & Cathy Griffith Family Foundation
• Chairperson/Facilitator for SidelineCancerTBT Basketball Team for over a decade
• Member of The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition
• Former Vice Chair, Secretary, Member at Large of The Digestive Disease National Coalition in Washington DC
• Pancreatic Cancer Advocate with the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Association of Cancer Researchers, and the Research Action Network
• Member of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce
• Member of the Hollidaysburg Alumni Association

My Family is my Greatest Love, and I am the proud Mother of two amazing sons Jordan and Jamie Griffith! I am Blest to have the support and love of my extended family, friends, and community! One of my favorite hobbies is connecting people with similar interests and passions to one another and seeing Everything as part of a bigger plan!

I truly enjoy the most spending time with my sons and family and friends, walking each day, and enjoying the simple things in life such as prayer and growing my relationship with God!

Favorite quote:
Philippians 4:13 – “I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”