About Us

Meet the people behind the mission of Healing Wheels.

OUR STORY

In August of 2022, Becky Pollard was dealt the biggest challenge of her life.

After an ambulance ride, an emergency room visit, and multiple tests, she was diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma of the Duodenum-- a rare form of cancer of the upper intestines. She quickly scheduled a visit to MD Anderson, which was then followed by surgery and a 6 week stay in Houston, Texas. As Salem, VA is her home, she elected to take chemotherapy in Roanoke at Blue Ridge Cancer Care (BRCC), a wonderful organization that serves patients in nine locations throughout Southwest Virginia.

During Becky's cancer journey, she met her Nurse Practitioner, Jolee Preston and her Oncologist, Dr. Mark Kochenderfer. As she sat beside other cancer treatment patients from all walks of life while receiving her own chemotherapy, she learned that their needs were vast. Some had great family support, and some had no one. Many had lost their jobs, had limited funds, no vehicle or access to transportation, no money for gas, and beyond. These patients would sometimes be stranded at home with no way to get to treatment, and others would be unable to make it back home after theirs. It was obvious to Becky and the medical professionals at BRCC that some patients needed financial help with access to transportation.

After several months of speaking with Jolee, other BRCC staff, as well as patients in treatment, Becky formed a non-profit to help those in need, and Healing Wheels was formed in August of 2023. With the knowledge and will-power of Jolee, Healing Wheel's talented Board of Directors, and generous donors, Becky hopes for continued success to help BRCC patients in the fight of and for their lives.

Board of Directors

Drew Pollard

President & Board Member

Drew Pollard serves as the President of Healing Wheels. Graduating from Radford University, he holds a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. He is the standing Vice President of Business Solutions in Salem, Virginia, and has previously served on the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber events board. He is a member of NABIP, Roanoke Regional Chamber, and the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council

Andi Pollard serves as the Vice President of Healing Wheels. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia, holding a BA in Psychology. She is currently the Clinical Research Supervisor at Blue Ridge Cancer Care, and has worked in the field of oncology for over 20 years.

Andi Pollard

Vice President & Board Member

Jolee Preston

Co-founder, Secretary, & Board Member

Jolee Preston is a co-founder and board member of Healing Wheels, as well as an Adult Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP). Graduating from Duke University School of Nursing, she holds a dual Master’s degree in Nursing Education and is a licensed Adult Nurse Practitioner currently working at Blue Ridge Cancer Care. She has worked in the oncology field since 2001.

Mark Noftsinger has a BS and MA degree in accounting with over 40 years as a CPA. Retired in 2018 as Chief Business Officer & Treasurer of Roanoke College, he teaches a graduate course as an adjunct professor in the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech.

Mark Noftsinger

Treasurer & Board Member

Becky Pollard

Co-founder & Board Member

Becky Pollard is the President and Founder of Business Solutions in Salem, VA. She has dedicated over 30 years in the health insurance industry and supports numerous nonprofits and supports many other worthy causes, including Sleep in Heavenly Peace, first responders, and more. Becky has served on the Board of Directors for Hidden Valley Country Club, Mill Mountain Theatre, Family Services of the Roanoke Valley, and the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce. She most recently received the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award by the Rotary Club of Salem, Virginia.

Tracy Hale is a graduate of Emory & Henry College with a BA in Communications. She is a Benefits Advisor at Business Solutions in Salem, Virginia and currently serves on the boards for the Salem Roanoke County Food Pantry, Roanoke Valley Society for Human Resource Management, the American Cancer Society, and Hope Tree Family Services.

Tracy Hale

Board Member

Angie Leonard

Board Member

Angie Leonard is the founder and former CEO of St. Vincent’s Home Adult Services, Family Services and Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Centers. She has served on several Boards, including SVH Services' Board, Katie’s Place Board, and Diamonds in the Ruff of Virginia. Angie served on the Virginia Autism Council and received gubernatorial appointments to serve on the Virginia Inter-Agency Coordinating Council and Virginia’s State Rehabilitation Council. She has received numerous awards throughout the years, including the 2016 DePaul Women of Achievement Award, the 2013 Elon University Distinguished Alumna of the Year, and the 2012 Best of Roanoke Hero, awarded by The Roanoker Magazine. She now serves on the mother-baby floor of Carilion’s Roanoke Memorial Hospital.