Tony Kranz founded Unravel with his wife, Libby, after their 6-year-old daughter, Jennifer, died from Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, a pediatric brain cancer with no cure. The loss of his daughter and love for his family fuel his work for pediatric cancer and give his life purpose. Tony looks forward to the time when Unravel’s work is no longer needed, because better treatments will lead to eradicating all cancers for young and old.
In addition to Jennifer in heaven, Tony and his wife, Libby, have four surviving kids. He enjoys bowling, golf and spending time outside with his family.
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Tony Kranz
Lucy is Unravel’s Assistant Director of Development and Chapter Director of Unravel Iowa.
Lucy first became involved with Unravel in 2015, shortly after her own daughter Elayna was diagnosed with pediatric cancer. During much of the 4 1/2 years that Lucy watched her daughter fight for her life, their family was dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Unravel. Doing so gave them a way to fight back. Elayna believed strongly that Unravel would be at the forefront of new treatment options for kids like her, and Lucy always has too.
Heartbreakingly, Elayna passed away in August of 2018. In early 2019 Lucy began working as volunteer chapter director of Unravel’s first chapter in Iowa. She continued working as a volunteer until officially joining the organization in fall of 2021.
Lucy worked as a photographer before Elayna’s diagnosis, but had to step away from that career during the constant instability of cancer treatment. She turned to writing and documenting Elayna’s journey as a way to raise awareness about the brutal realities of pediatric cancer, and as an outlet during an impossible time. She continues to share her story, and those of other families, with the Unravel community and beyond.
Lucy lives in West Des Moines with her husband, Jake, and Elayna’s beloved cat (Driver Cat Sandeen). She likes soaking in sunshine, reading, spending time outdoors, and yellow butterflies. She misses her small soulmate every moment of every day, and will never stop fighting for better outcomes for other parents.
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Lucy Sandeen
Coyolxauhqui, "Coyo", is Unravel’s stewardship and donor relations coordinator. Coyo volunteered for Unravel from its beginning and officially joined the organization in early 2019. Her work is motivated by her desire to honor Jennifer’s memory and to support other kids and families that have been affected by pediatric cancer.
Coyo worked for several years as an administrative assistant in high-tech and then stepped away to stay home with her kids and volunteer in her community.
Coyo lives in Gilroy with her husband, John, three boys and a dog. She loves to travel, go to concerts and spend time with friends and family.
Coyolxauhqui Anhder
Toby is Unravel's bookkeeper and accountant. Toby was immediately drawn to Jennifer’s story via Libby's blog when Jennifer was still in the midst of her fight. Her bravery, sacrifice and awesome family resulted in Toby’s absolute commitment to the foundation.
Toby has been keeping the books for Unravel since the beginning and officially joined the Unravel team in 2019.
Toby lives in Nevada with her two amazing kids and runs a bookkeeping business. She is a huge fan of the outdoors and loves open spaces, dirt roads, mud pits, horses, and campfires.
Toby Erickson
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Libby Kranz founded Unravel with her husband, Tony, after their 6-year-old daughter, Jennifer, died from Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma—a pediatric brain cancer with no cure. Libby’s blog about Jennifer, childhood cancer and her family living with grief has inspired thousands of people to be active in the fight against childhood cancer. Libby believes that if scientists can figure how to diagnose and treat the most difficult cancers—pediatrics cancers—scientists will unravel the most effective ways to treat all cancers.
Unravel provides a purpose for Libby in her role in life as a bereaved mom. Libby is a dynamic speaker giving talks at several Unravel events a year. She helps and connects with other warrior cancer families across the country. Libby has spent her life working with children including being a day care director and PE teacher until ultimately, she became a mother. In addition to Jennifer in heaven, Libby and her husband, Tony, have four surviving kids. Libby enjoys running, Crossfit, hiking and spending time with her family.
Libby Kranz
Ann Calcagno joined the Unravel board to help improve options for kids with cancer and raise awareness of the severe lack of funding for research. Her entire family was deeply affected by the death of her niece, Jennifer, and it is her wish that one day no family is ever told that there is no available treatment for their child’s cancer.
Ann is a registered nurse and brings her perspective as a medical professional to Unravel. Her experience includes working with electronic medical records, postpartum women, newborns, stroke patients, traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. Ann and her husband, Greg, have five children and she spends all of her free time watching high school football.
Ann Calcagno
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Travis Graham joined the Unravel board after he learned Jennifer Kranz’s story and fell in love with the mission of the organization. He is motivated by his experiences meeting families affected by cancer and the promising research Unravel is funding.
Travis brings entrepreneurial experience and a business owner’s perspective, both helpful in fostering Unravel’s growth. In addition to board responsibilities, Travis serves on the committee for Unravel’s largest fundraiser, the Glitter Gala.
He owns a printing shop that produces custom apparel, signs and vehicle wraps for companies. Travis lives in Gilroy with his wife, Megan, and his son, Lincoln, and is an avid sports fan.
Travis Graham
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Carmen is a strong cancer warrior mom and advocate for pediatric cancer research. She started fighting for kids with cancer when her baby, Ty, was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma. Now a teenager and showing no evidence of disease, Ty is still dealing with the late side effects of his treatment. Seeing firsthand how hard cancer treatments can be on children, Carmen is driven to raise funds for research to find better treatments that will help children not just survive, but also thrive.
In addition to her board responsibilities, Carmen organizes the annual Race2Unravel Pediatric Cancer 5k in Gilroy and an annual Christmas bake sale at the Santa Clara County Probation Department. Prior to volunteering with Unravel, she was on the executive board for Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation for two years and helped organize the annual Running Over Childhood Cancer 5k and annual Gala in San Jose. Carmen is a Juvenile Probation Officer and lives in Gilroy with her husband, Scott, and children: Isabella, Siena and Ty.
Carmen Murray
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Steve Humphrey joined the Unravel Board because he was inspired how the founders, Tony and Libby, are helping other cancer warrior families because of Jennifer. Steve believes strongly in Unravel and its unique approach to funding pediatric cancer research. He looks forward to better medications to treat pediatric cancer and, ultimately, cures for all childhood cancers.
Steve advises on technology needs and planning of fundraising for Unravel. He also serves on the board of a private family foundation and a fledgling nonprofit. He currently works in IT as a systems’ engineer for nonprofits and also has experience in the private aviation, retail and insurance industries. Steve and his wife, Tori, have two daughters, Hailey and Paige. As a family, they enjoy sports, travel and everything related to Disney.
Steve Humphrey
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After watching family and friends battle cancer, Derek Holman decided to do something to help. Once he learned about Jennifer’s story, he began supporting Unravel and then joined the Unravel board. Derek is inspired by Unravel’s unique and efficient approach to funding scientists.
Derek understands the challenges facing entrepreneurs and business owners and advises Unravel on managing the organization and working with business partners. Derek is co-founder and managing director of EP Wealth Advisors, a financial planning and investment management firm he started with his best friend. He lives in Manhattan Beach with his wife, Christina, three children and a dog. He enjoys outdoor activities including golfing, surfing and skiing with his family and actively helping to grow his local church.
Derek Holman
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Jody Pulford joined the Unravel board to focus on raising awareness of the lack of funding for pediatric cancer research. She worked ten years in public relations for both technology startup companies and for established brands including Adobe Systems. After the birth of her second child, she left public relations to focus on raising her kids and being involved in her local community.
In addition to board responsibilities, Jody assists Unravel with public relations, marketing, writing and editing. Jody lives in Gilroy with her husband, Joe, and their 3 kids. She loves spending time visiting family on California’s central coast and most of her hobbies revolve around food.
Jody Pulford
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Joining the Unravel Pediatric Cancer team, Melissa combines her sharp skills in data and analytics with a heart full of compassion and drive. With a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from California Baptist University and an MBA from Pepperdine University, she's not just about numbers; she's about making each number count in the fight against pediatric cancer.
Melissa's journey here is deeply personal. Inspired by the courage of Elayna, a young girl who faced cancer with remarkable bravery until 9 3/4 years old, Melissa found a powerful reason to get involved.
But there's more to Melissa than her role here. She's also the founder of Street Mutts, where she channels her energy into raising awareness for animal welfare. It's just another way she shows her belief in making a difference, one step at a time.
At Unravel Pediatric Cancer, Melissa's ready to blend her analytical mind with her big heart, hoping to bring new insights and warmth to our mission. She's here to honor Elayna and all the children like her, turning her inspiration into action.
Melissa Savage
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