The Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation

Cristabelle De Souza, PhD

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Cristabelle De Souza, PhD is an Instructor at the Stanford University School of Medicine, where she leads a translational research program dedicated to the study of tumor microenvironment biology and the engineering of novel therapeutic antibodies. Her work resides at the intersection of immunology and pathology, with a specific focus on the signaling circuits between cancer-associated fibroblasts and the innate immune system that drive progression in aggressive solid tumors.

As a Principal Investigator supported by the Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation (DTRF), Dr. De Souza is spearheading the development of first-in-class therapeutic strategies for fibrotic tumor models. Her research investigates the mechanisms of stromal-immune reprogramming, seeking to leverage these pathways to halt tumor growth and improve patient outcomes. Her technical expertise includes high-dimensional spatial proteomics, patient-derived organoid modeling, and complex 3D co-culture systems, enabling her to move discoveries from the laboratory bench toward preclinical validation.

Dr. De Souza’s career is marked by the development of significant intellectual property, including three patents for therapeutic strategies such as an anti-CD63 program and a recycling anti-Osteopontin (OPN) antibody. She has been selected for highly competitive leadership and innovation programs, including the Emerson Consequential Scholars Program and the 50 Years VC Fellowship. In addition to her research, she serves as a dedicated mentor and instructor at Stanford, where she has trained over 30 scientists and clinicians in tumor microenvironment biology and translational therapeutics.

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Katie first connected with the DTRF within a week of her own desmoid tumor diagnosis in 2023. Since that moment, the Foundation has been a beacon of light for her. That personal connection fuels her deep commitment to advancing DTRF’s mission to find a cure for desmoid tumors and improve the lives of patients.

Katie brings over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, including service as an executive director, board member, and founder of organizations in the U.S. and Latin America. She is skilled in strategy design, fundraising, team development, and building organizational systems that promote sustainability and impact. Known for her creative and mindful leadership style, Katie draws on practices of deep listening, collaboration, and courage to strengthen the communities and causes she serves.

She holds a master’s degree in Contemplative Education from Naropa University and a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Spanish from the College of Wooster.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Katie has called Colorado home for over 25 years where she lives with her husband, Bryan, and two incredible sons, Phineas and Leo. Katie enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. She is also a passionate traveler with deep ties to Mexico and Guatemala, and is always ready for a conversation about books, civic engagement, or her favorite Peloton workouts.

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Tom is an attorney in the New York office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, where he has practiced since 2019. Tom finished his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan in May 2013 and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School in December 2019.

Tom is a mid-level associate in the firm’s Complex Litigation and Trials group. He previously clerked for the Honorable Philip M. Halpern, United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York. Tom’s practice focuses on securities class actions, high-stakes breaches of contract, mergers and acquisitions disputes, international arbitrations, and government investigations.

Tom has long-running philanthropic fundraising experience with the Autism Alliance of Michigan and maintains a robust pro bono practice, where he has secured substantial settlements for clients in a number of civil rights cases.

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Sally is currently an office administrator for Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, as well as a co-owner and administrator of Carefree Lawn Services. She has over 35 years of experience in developing, organizing, and facilitating several large events such as auctions, festivals, and fundraisers for neighborhood communities.

Sally is a wife to her husband Chris, a mother of six children and grandmother of four. Her youngest son, Gabe was diagnosed with a desmoid tumor in 2021. Since that time, Sally has coordinated several fundraisers for the Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation.

She is passionate about her new role on DTRF’s board to continue in her mission of raising awareness for this community and fundraising to provide opportunities for research.

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Christina Kosyla is an educator, theatre artist, and accidental rare disease advocate. Her performance and directorial work have been showcased in the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Edinburgh, Scotland, and various jazz festivals in Tuscany.

Since her diagnosis with a desmoid tumor in 2018, she has advocated for rare disease research and patient support through speaking engagements on podcasts, social media, and as the keynote speaker at CancerCon 2020. Christina now works as a Program Coordinator with Cactus Cancer Society, which provides free online creative coping workshops for young adult patients, survivors, and caregivers. She lives in New Jersey with her dog, Daisy.

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John is Senior Procurement Counsel at Johnson & Johnson, a leading global healthcare company. In this role, he specializes in negotiating and reviewing complex corporate agreements for the Pharmaceutical and MedTech marketing sectors. John has been with Johnson & Johnson since 2017 and is located in the Tampa, FL office.

John earned his J.D. from the University of New Hampshire School of Law in 2012 and holds a Certificate in Intellectual Property Law. He completed his undergraduate degree at Boston University, graduating with a B.S. in Business Administration in 2009.

Outside of his professional life, John is a dedicated advocate for those impacted by desmoid tumors. After being diagnosed with this rare condition in 2023, he experienced firsthand the challenges and uncertainties that come with such a diagnosis. Finding support through the Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation (DTRF) has been meaningful for him, and he is committed to assisting the organization in raising awareness and funding for important desmoid tumor research. As a proud Board Member of DTRF, John aims to help address the “unknowns” that desmoid patients and their caregivers face on their journeys.

In his free time, John enjoys spending quality time with his family, traveling (having visited all 50 states in the U.S.), and following Boston sports.