20 Years of Impact: Advancing Healthcare Advocacy, Cancer Research, and Patient Support

As part of our 20th anniversary, we’re highlighting the many ways our team supports communities beyond the legal profession.

Over the years, Paragon team members have contributed leadership, volunteer time, and financial support to healthcare initiatives focused on:

• Cancer research
• Patient advocacy
• Early detection awareness
• Maternal and infant health
• Direct patient support

This is the first in our series spotlighting the people behind our community impact.

Funding Breakthrough Cancer Research

For 16 years, Ann-Margaret has helped lead the Stock Grill Challenge (SGC), one of MD Anderson Cancer Center’s largest third-party fundraising initiatives.

Impact highlights

• Annual competitive BBQ cookoff organized by former MD Anderson Advance Team members
• $300,000+ raised for cancer research and patient programs
• Recent fundraising supports MD Anderson’s Moon Shot Program, accelerating cancer research breakthroughs

SGC shows how grassroots community events can drive meaningful research funding.

Advancing Early Detection & Patient Advocacy

Shannon Murphy | VP of Recruiting

Shannon has partnered with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) to raise awareness about bladder cancer and the realities of navigating cancer while working.

Her advocacy includes

• Sharing her story as a young bladder cancer patient on a BCAN podcast
• Discussing working with cancer and supporting colleagues during treatment
• Encouraging more open conversations about cancer in the workplace

Because bladder cancer disproportionately affects men, women often experience delayed diagnosis. Stories like Shannon’s help:

• Increase symptom awareness
• Encourage earlier detection
• Strengthen patient education

Shannon will also participate in BCAN’s Walk to End Bladder Cancer in May, raising funds for research and patient advocacy. You can support this cause and donate here.

Direct Healthcare Support

In addition to advocacy and fundraising, our team contributes through hands-on healthcare support and volunteerism.

Jennifer Chou-Green | Sr. Director of HR

Jennifer has been donating blood and plasma through Vitalant for many years.

Her inspiration started at home:

• Her mother was a regular blood donor
• She encouraged Jennifer and her brother to do the same

Blood and plasma donations help support patients facing:

• surgery
• trauma
• cancer treatment
• chronic illness

Jennifer’s commitment reflects a family tradition of service and lifesaving impact.

Trista Engel | CEO

At the executive level, Trista supports organizations focused on maternal and infant health.

Through donations to March of Dimes, she helps fund programs that support:

• premature babies
• neonatal care research
• maternal health initiatives

Anna Armstrong | Sr. Director of Recruiting

Anna and her daughter began volunteering with Animal Assisted Happiness in 2025.

The program brings barnyard animals to hospitals and youth programs, creating moments of joy and connection for children with:

• medical challenges
• special needs

These interactions help support both emotional well-being and recovery.

A Continued Commitment to Community Health

From fundraising for cancer research to patient advocacy, blood donation, and volunteer programs, our team’s healthcare impact takes many forms.

These efforts demonstrate how professional leadership and personal commitment can come together to strengthen communities.

As we celebrate 20 years, we remain committed to supporting healthcare initiatives that improve patient outcomes and advance medical research.

In the coming months, we’ll continue highlighting additional ways our team is expanding opportunity and strengthening communities.