Gayela Bynum

Gayela Bynum is the Founder and Chair of We Will Survive Cancer (WWSC), a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of cancer patients and their families through compassionate, practical support. Since co-founding WWSC in 2009, she has led the organization's mission to address the everyday challenges cancer patients face by providing emergency financial assistance, transportation, food, essential supplies, holiday programs, and life-enriching experiences that restore dignity, hope, and human connection.
Inspired by the courageous journey of her daughter-in-law, Michelle Bynum, Gayela has built WWSC through strategic partnerships with healthcare institutions, corporations, professional sports organizations, embassies, and community leaders. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its humanitarian efforts internationally, including collaborations benefiting cancer patients in Thailand while continuing to serve families throughout the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region.
A retired Federal Government professional and entrepreneur, Gayela has organized fundraising initiatives on Capitol Hill, served on numerous nonprofit and civic boards, and is a Charter Member of Voices Against Trafficking. She is the author of Don't Waste My Cancer, Volumes I and II.
Her leadership and thousands of volunteer service hours have earned numerous honors, including the President's Volunteer Service Award, the Howard University Cancer Center Jack E. White, M.D. Founder's Award, the Heart of Gold Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Mrs. America Tourism Travel Foundation, and recognition as CopaStyle Magazine's Woman of the Year.
Known for transforming compassion into action, Gayela continues to champion innovative partnerships that bring hope, healing, and meaningful support to cancer patients and their families.