Director of Patient Support Services, Oral Cancer Foundation
We are deeply saddened to share that Christine Brader, OCF’s longtime Director of Patient Support Services, passed away on July 8, 2025, at the age of 62. Christine was a three-time survivor of oral cancer who transformed her own challenging journey into a mission of compassion. For over a decade, she was the steady and warm presence behind OCF’s patient support forum, where she answered questions, offered encouragement, and guided people through some of the toughest days of their lives. Although patient support at OCF has always been a collaborative effort involving many generous survivors and caregivers, Christine took on the responsibility of leading that effort with extraordinary dedication.
On the OCF forum alone, she wrote more than 10,000 posts—this not only reflects her persistence but also her desire that no patient should feel alone. Her empathy and humor complemented the technical information shared by others, making her a valuable anchor for the thousands who turned to OCF, seeking both knowledge and comfort.
Christine’s impact extended beyond OCF. She shared her story in national anti-tobacco campaigns, most notably the CDC’s Tips From Former Smokers® initiative, where her courage inspired countless individuals to reconsider smoking and seek help.
We will remember Christine for her warmth, honesty, and unwavering commitment to patients. OCF will continue to provide the peer-to-peer support she championed, building on the foundation she helped create.
Christine’s Bio (CDC Website)
During high school, smoking was what all the “cool” kids were doing (or so Christine thought), and she wanted to fit in, so she began smoking cigarettes at age 16. She became addicted and continued smoking menthol cigarettes for 28 years.
In 2007, at age 44, her life would change forever. After spotting a growth inside her cheek, which she thought was a canker sore, Christine went to see her family doctor. Her doctor sent her to an oral surgeon, who did a biopsy of the sore, and it revealed oral cancer. That’s when she quit smoking for good.
After 35 radiation treatments and chemotherapy, Christine seemed to be cured. But the cancer returned in 2008; this time, surgery was her only option. Her third bout with oral cancer in 2009 was even more serious. She learned it had spread to her jawbone, classifying it as stage IV.
The numerous radiation treatments had already cost Christine her teeth and had extensively damaged her mouth. During a 10-hour surgery, the doctors had to remove half of her jaw. “I’m missing a quarter of my face. People stare at me all the time,” she says. That doesn’t stop Christine from being in the public eye and serving as a role model for those who want to quit smoking or never start.
At the age of 55, Christine dedicates her time to supporting the Oral Cancer Foundation, where she serves as a board administrator and volunteer patient advocate. She also gives speeches about oral cancer and the dangers of smoking. “Tobacco is not cool, not cool at all! It almost cost me my life,” says Christine. “Even though the surgery and cancer treatments were hard, I’m thankful for them. They gave me the chance to keep living and keep building happy memories with my children.”
Through the Tips From Former Smokers campaign, Christine hopes that kids will learn that there are many other things to spend their time and money on.
