Beyond Survival: Reclaiming Your Health After Cancer

Brian Gutierrez is a colorectal cancer survivor, disability resource professional, and a national disability rights advocate. As an early-onset colorectal cancer survivor and someone living with Spina Bifida, Brian understands the challenges of living with a disability while facing a life-changing cancer diagnosis. His lived experiences strengthened his commitment to advocating for accessible, equitable, and person-centered healthcare, where every patient is heard, respected, and empowered.

Brian holds a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services and a Master of Science in Counseling with an emphasis in Rehabilitation Counseling from California State University, Los Angeles. He also earned a graduate certificate as a Disability Resource Specialist from Northern Arizona University and recently completed a second master's degree in Disability Services in Higher Education from the City University of New York, School of Professional Studies.

Brian serves on several national and state disability committees. He is a member of the Community Advisory Board for the Center for Disability Justice at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, where he helps advance disability rights and health equity initiatives in Baltimore. He also serves on the Adults Healthcare Advisory Council and the California Chapter Council of the Spina Bifida Association, collaborating with self-advocates, families, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to improve the lives of people living with Spina Bifida. Brian is also a Patient Champion for F-U Cancer, where he shares his lived experiences as a cancer survivor while connecting others to F-U Cancer to help others be informed, supported, and empowered throughout their cancer journeys, including survivorship.

Stay up to date with Brian on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brianaccess