About Peer Support Network
What is Peer Support Network?
Peer Support Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing Internet-based peer support services for newly diagnosed cancer patients, cancer survivors and their caregivers coping with the emotional and physical challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Our free, global network connects people impacted by cancer with others that have undergone similar experiences and is available to anyone seeking or offering support.
How did Peer Support Network begin?
Peer Support Network was founded on the premise that peer support is essential to improving the quality of life, healing and recovery of those coping with cancer and together, peers gain hope, education, understanding, encouragement, inspiration and greater self-empowerment from those that have already embarked on this journey. Our founders have 25 years combined nonprofit experience with a national cancer organization. Recognizing the need and benefits of peer support, it is their personal goal to make a positive impact on all people affected by cancer.
| Cathy Hylinski | Jim Hylinski | Mary McNulty | |
 |
|
|
What is Peer Support?
Reaching out to a family member, friend, neighbor, colleague or someone you barely know for advice, assistance, or simply to talk with, are all forms of peer support. Most of us have experienced peer support at some point in our lives. People who have had similar experiences can better relate to one another and therefore offer genuine support, empathy, and practical advice that even healthcare professionals might not be able to. They can provide each other with resources, information and coping mechanisms that were successful for them. Peer support is essential to helping people restore a sense of community and self-confidence when they have had a life-changing experience that makes them feel isolated.
|
Catherine Hylinski
Catherine Hylinski is a co-founder, the Secretary and the Treasurer of Peer Support Network, Inc. located in Boca Raton, Florida, a nonprofit organization offering Internet-based peer support services for all people affected by cancer. She is actively involved with all aspects of Peer Support Network including; finances, record keeping, fundraising, events, administration, and more.
Currently Catherine holds a part-time position as the Assistant to the VP, Dir Health Care Alliances of a company that develops, owns and/or manages continued care retirement communities throughout the United States. With this role she continues to strengthen her administrative, financial and organizational skills and helps the senior citizen community nationally. She is also the President of a nonprofit parent's organization that supports a local swim team.
Previously, she was an Administrative Assistant, a Financial Coordinator and an Event and Chapter Coordinator for a national nonprofit cancer awareness organization headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, for more than 8 years. These multiple roles have helped her develop extensive finance, event planning, administrative and nonprofit experience. Her many years at this organization have motivated her and helped to enhance her commitment to cancer initiatives.
During her early career, she worked in the Hospitality and Automobile Industry in the south Florida area and in Vienna, Virginia where she gained a vast wealth of customer service experience. She later was the Office Manager for a well established caulking and waterproofing contractor in Delray Beach, Florida, ensuring the accuracy of the companies' financial records and filings.
Catherine is a graduate of Greenwich High School in Greenwich, Connecticut, were she was born and raised. She moved to South Florida in the early 80's where she resides today. She is married to her husband, Jim and is a proud mom of two daughters, Ashley and Nicole and a step-daughter Julia, all of whom she brags about regularly, to all who will listen. She continues to volunteer within the Palm Beach County school system at all of her daughters' schools and has done so for over 15 years.
She had a personal loss of several family members to cancer, her father-in-law, Joe, her Aunt, Judy and her nephew, David. In their memory and in honor of all those affected by cancer, she is inspired and proud to continue to be part of the fight against cancer and to making a difference.
James Hylinski
James Hylinski serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors of Peer Support Network, Inc., a not-for-profit organization which provides Internet-based peer support services for newly diagnosed cancer patients, survivors and caregivers coping with the emotional and physical challenges of cancer.
James has experienced the devastating affects of cancer first hand. When his father, Joseph, was diagnosed with Prostate cancer in early 1995, James became involved in his care and quickly realized the importance of peer support for cancer survivors as well as their caregivers. After a courageous battle with the disease, sadly, Joseph passed away in July of 1996.
After supporting his wife, Cathy, behind the scenes for many years as she has worked and volunteered in the nonprofit cancer community, James committed to officially join Peer Support Network's team to help make a difference in the lives of cancer survivors and their families.
James was born in Roxborough, Pennsylvania, raised in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania and attended Montgomery County Community College where he studied business administration. After relocating to South Florida in 1976, he attended the University of Miami where he studied estimating and blueprint reading to further his construction knowledge and business education, learning skills vital to the success of his future company.
For almost 3 decades James has been the owner/president/operator of Division 7, Inc., an established and successful caulking and waterproofing company located in Delray Beach, Florida.
Currently, James and his family reside in Delray Beach where he holds an annual Father/Daughter 'date night' community event which his daughters have always looked forward to attending. True to his Catholic school upbringing, James, a former alter boy, continues to volunteer his time and talents to various philanthropic causes and events.
One can attribute James' success in the corporate world to his determination, dedication and drive. In memory of his father, Joseph, and his nephew, David, he brings his loyalty, passion and commitment to Peer Support Network.
Mary McNulty
Mary McNulty is a co-founder and President of Peer Support Network (PSN), an Internet-based not-for-profit organization formed in early 2008. PSN is designed to enhance the lives of cancer survivors and caregivers through peer support services.
Mary learned early in her career how to leverage her strengths. She holds firm to the philosophy that, "Who you believe you are in business is who you will become." One of the goals of PSN is to be an established "go to" organization for peer support in the cancer community. Mary is confident this aspiration will be realized in part through her efforts, experience, and leadership.
Mary is currently employed by the Transportation Security Administration, working part-time at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. She has had a diverse career in the retail and event planning industries, as well as community outreach and non-profit management. Her extensive background has provided her with rich opportunities to develop strong organizational skills, create effective marketing programs, and build productive relationships.
During Mary's many years with a national not-for-profit organization, she had the opportunity to meet and work with many people who were affected by a diagnosis of cancer, and is aware of the numerous challenges they face. Her long-term involvement with this organization has lead to an interest in, and compassion for, cancer survivors and their loved ones.
Mary brings passion and a strong desire for excellence to everything she does. Her positive communication style and proven track record have helped her successfully contribute to each organization with which she had been involved. She looks forward to contributing her talents to the vision of PSN as the premier online peer support network.