Marina Uchenik

Operations Manager, Former Board Director, Legacy Volunteer

Simi Valley, California

Marina was born in Ukraine but raised in Southern California. She graduated from California State University Northridge with her B.S. in applied mathematics. Her career goals include obtaining her master’s degree in statistics. Marina met Adrienne in the sixth grade at Luther Burbank Middle School. Their lockers were diagonally across the hall from each other. At one point, they switched combination locks; Marina still has hers and uses it.

When Adrienne was diagnosed, Marina couldn’t wrap her head around the idea. When she visited Adrienne in the hospital, Marina couldn't imagine her best friend dying. Adrienne’s death was heartbreaking and devastating.

When Blue Faery began, Marina volunteered any way she could. When she turned 18, she joined the board. Nineteen years later, she is honored to become part of the staff, which will continue to grow as Blue Faery helps countless numbers of patients, caregivers, and family members.

Marina deeply believes in Blue Faery’s mission, especially focusing on advocacy because it triggers research, which leads to education. Marina doesn’t want others to lose a dear friend to a relatively unknown but extremely common cancer.