Rocky Larose
Rocky is a two-time Cancer Conqueror (breast and appendix), and a strong advocate for proactive survivorship. She serves on our Get Support Committee, utilizing her photography skills to document TCC’s many adventures and helping to create our Membership Directory.
As an athlete and physical education major at the University of Arizona, Rocky embarked on her Wildcat journey, competing on the U of A softball team, leading the Cats to their first conference championship title.
A passionate advocate on student-athlete wellness issues, she pursued her master’s degree, launching her professional career as a pioneer in the field of elite athletics. Her career highlights include:
- 1st woman to serve as UA’s Director of Athletics and the 1st woman as Deputy AD to oversee operations of a Division 1/FBS football and men’s basketball programs.
- Three times Pac10/12 Vice President and charter member of the NCAA Management Council.
- Development of a student-athlete life skills/wellness program later mandated and adopted by all NCAA institutions.
After diagnosis and treatment, Rocky retired and has become an award-winning wildlife photographer, volunteering her photography skills for many non-profits, including the Tucson Cancer Conquerors. Her images have been featured in Arizona Highways Arizona Wildlife calendars and she was recently named a finalist in the renowned “Outdoor Photography’s” international Wildlife contest.
As Rocky is fond of saying “It’s not about photography – it’s about the experience and seeing the world in a different way!” She is married to Mike Proctor and both enjoy outdoor adventures and wherever the camera can take them! We are so fortunate to have Rocky as an active member of TCC. She is truly an inspiration!
Ken Harvey
Ken Harvey is the Executive Chef at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. After graduating from culinary school at The Art Institute in Houston, Chef Ken spent several years working with St. Regis hotels in Colorado and California, eventually making his way to Tucson where he settled in at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort as the Executive Chef.
And he is not just any chef…his culinary creativity was on full display on national television where he competed on the Food Network’s “Chopped” show, cooking his way to victory using surprise ingredients like Nopale cactus leaves! Chef Ken is an amazing advocate for TCC, volunteering his time, kitchen, and culinary skills to enhance our organic gardening and nutrition programs.
He believes working at the Tucson Cancer Conquerors gardening plot is therapeutic and reinforces nutrition, diet, and balance. He is always looking for ways to give back and when he’s not volunteering in the community, you will find him training for a triathlon or out with his son Austin on one of their many outdoor adventures!
Deb Heilig
Deb Heilig grew up in Michigan, graduating from Western Michigan University with a degree in Printing Management. She worked for a number of printing, publishing and advertising companies in New York before moving to Tucson in 1996. Recently Deb retired from her position as a business analyst for a major insurance company and is enjoying some travel time.
Deb was diagnosed in 2012 with appendiceal/colon cancer. While in treatment she learned how important physical activity is during cancer treatment, as well as the importance of having supportive, positive, understanding people to help navigate what can be an overwhelming journey.
Deb designed our original Tucson Cancer Conqueror website and has been a valuable information technology resource to us. She continues to integral to advising our board of directors in areas related to IT, and she leads our second Sunday hikes.
Kristin Linne
Kristin Linne, a Tucson native, attended Texas A&M University where she met her husband, Pat. A lifelong educator, Kristin holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and endorsement as a Reading Specialist. After raising her family in Queen Creek, Arizona, Kristin relocated back to Tucson in 2015. She now divides her time between Tucson and southeast Texas, where Pat currently works and not far from her children, Trainor and Paige.
Community contributions have always played a prominent role in Kristin’s life, including 4-H program volunteer leadership positions and serving in numerous church groups. She also enjoys spending time with her large extended family, artistic activities, hiking and travel. Passionate about fitness and nutrition, Kristin recently became a Certified Personal Trainer.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, Kristin’s treatment included surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and a year of targeted therapy infusions. She credits being physically active with making a big difference on how she tolerated her treatments, both physically and mentally.
Kristin believes we are not promised a life without challenges, but also believes gray clouds have silver linings. Cancer inspired her to always give back and put her own challenges into perspective. She looks forward to empowering other cancer survivors in a quest for physical fitness and healthy survivorship as a Get Fit group class instructor and serving on the Tucson Cancer Conquerors' Board.
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