Mary Ann Nicholson is a twenty-five year broadcast veteran including television, radio and new media in major markets.   Her professional experiences include radio production, media sales, management and radio station ownership in Los Angeles and Sacramento, CA.

She has served on many boards throughout her career. However, she is especially pleased at the work that was accomplished while serving over 13 years as a board member for Ability’s First , an agency that serves people with special needs through-out  Southern California. Little did she know that this experience would prepare her for this phase of her life.

After being married just over a year, her husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Flabbergasted at the unexpected role she assumed as a caregiver, her quest for information became paramount.    Offered no hope for recovery for her husband, Ms. Nicholson’s exhaustive search for treatment led to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.  Unfortunately it was too late.  She has since met over 40 survivors who are thriving beyond pancreatic cancer, all recognizing the power of hope, a lesson she needed on her next journey. 

While mourning her loss, Mary suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, a fierce grand mal seizure along with other neurological disabilities. Her symptoms were not recognized by Paramedics or hospital staff.  She became a baby again in many ways needing the assistance for personal care and she had to re-learn basic skills.  

Today Mary utilizes her broadcast communication background to increase stroke awareness, prevention and enhance acute stroke therapy in San Joaquin County. In addition, Mar also serves on the Mayor’s Task Force for Person with Disabilities for the city of Stockton and is a board director for the Recreational Sports Club of San Joaquin, an agency provides social and recreational activities for people with disabilities.