Courage Under Cancer Foundation
Our Mission
Our goal is to help cancer patients focus on their recovery and improve their quality of life. We believe no one should be without treatment because they can’t afford it.
Our Founder
Dee was the founder of Courage Under Cancer Foundation. Sadly, after several bouts, Dee finally lost her battle with an aggressive Stage 4 cancer in December 2022. But her vision lives on, and we are committed to her dream of helping others that are going through cancer.
In 2018, Dee authored Courage Under Cancer; 31 Days of Hope, Inspiration, and Encouragement, a book that focused on how she used her positive, determined attitude to battle and conquer stage 4 cancer. Her determination to beat cancer and help those that can’t afford treatment is what makes the foundation vital for our community and beyond.
Dee’s spirit and positive attitude were contagious and uplifting by nature. Dee is survived by her amazingly supportive husband, Jerry, and her very supportive daughter and two wonderful grandchildren.
Meet Our Board
Micah Watkins
President
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Dee Van Houten
Treasurer
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Mike Becker
Board Member
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Dr. Eric Garst
Board Member
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Tina Parkinson
Board Member
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Windy Sandvig
Board Member
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Our Mission
If you would like to get involved with the Courage Under Cancer Foundation and help support our mission, please contact us.
Micah Watkins
President
Micah and his family moved from Colorado three years ago and have made Arizona their home. He and his wife have been married for 13 years and have an amazing 11-year-old son. Some of Micah’s hobbies include woodworking, skiing, enjoying the beach and saltwater fishing.
Dee Van Houten
Treasurer
Due to her extensive background in Construction, Dee began working for a top local general contractor and worked there for several years. She decided to leave to start her own accounting business. All her clients are referrals; she began DVH Accounting Services in 2006.
Dee has been happily married for 18 years and has two sons. In her spare time – before and after-tax season – she enjoys entertaining in her home, movies, and traveling.
Mike Becker
Board Member
Currently, Mike and his wife Kathy reside in the East Valley. With over 50+ years of combined experience in the printing industry, Mike & Kathy both continue today with their passion for community and produce the weekly publication, the PassTime Paper of Arizona. Mike is also the current Event Coordinator for the Apache Post 27 American Legion Riders, He is an avid Model Railroader, NASCAR fan, and enjoys riding his motorcycle. Mike was a longtime friend of CUCF founder Dee Baginski; he always admired her undaunting desire to provide help to cancer-stricken individuals.
Traicey Finder
Board Member
Bio Coming Soon
Dr. Eric Garst
Board Member
Bio Coming Soon
Tina Parkinson
Board Member
Now she Volunteers with the Queen Creek American Legion Auxiliary and she is excited to be on the Board of Courage Under Cancer Foundation.
Windy Sandvig
Board Member
The past three years she had volunteered with the 100 Club of Arizona. Before that Windy volunteered with Relay for Life for eight years. Windy started volunteering with Relay for Life when her best friend was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at 34 years old.
As Windy’s son and fiancé say, “If Windy is not home with her family, you can find her volunteering!”