President

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Carolyn discovered ACC Warriors while looking for support after her sister, Kathleen, was diagnosed with stage 4 ACC in December 2018 at the age of 28. Michael and the organization provided not only informational support about doctors and treatments, but emotional support and a listening ear. Tragically, Kathleen lost her battle with ACC on January 24, 2020 at the age of 29. In August of that year, Carolyn officially joined ACC Warriors as a board member. Through the organization, her hope is to carry on Kathleen’s wish of educating people to pay close attention to their health, as well as create awareness about and help people dealing with ACC.

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Carolyn is a heart rhythm device specialty nurse in the electrophysiology department at Geisinger Medical Center, in Danville, PA. She lives in Danville with her three kids. She enjoys running, reading, and traveling   

Treasurer

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Paul Abasciano is a native of Massachusetts retiring to Hilton Head, South Carolina in 2015. His plans were to spend a lot of time on the beach, enjoying nature, travel, church and especially his now seven grandchildren. Those plans changed when his daughter, Sarah Gonsalves, passed away from ACC in 2017. During her brief but courageous battle with ACC Paul and Sarah had many conversations about finding a cure and helping families with this one in a million disease. Shortly after she passed with the help of his son Mike and many others Sarah’s ACC Warriors, now ACC Warriors, was born as a way to make her dreams a reality.

 

As an owner/operator of CX Computer Exchange of Northboro for over 20 years Paul has supported many nonprofits, schools, towns and businesses with both their professional and charitable work.  In addition to ACC Warriors Paul is currently on the leadership council for Alpha at St. Luke’s Church in Hilton Head. Paul is dedicated to supporting the wonderful doctors and scientists attempting to find a cure for ACC as well as the families afflicted by this disease.

Vice President​

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Michael Abasciano is one of the original founders of ACC Warriors. Michael's sister, Sarah Gonsalves, was inspired to create a non-profit organization to raise ACC awareness following her own ACC diagnosis at age 32. When Sarah passed away in 2017, less than one year after her diagnosis, Michael set to work making her dream a reality. 

 

Michael is a Certified Public Accountant as well as a Certified Fraud Examiner who owns his own consulting firm, Harborside Advisory. He resides in Massachusetts with his wife, Jessica, and their two children, who inherited a passion for soccer from their Auntie Sarah. In his free time, Michael enjoys coaching his kids and watching them play sports.

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Communications & Marketing Chair

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My name is Alexis Jacobs, and I’m the mother of two boys who were diagnosed with ACC. During their treatment, we received incredible support from ACC warriors and various nonprofits. I’ve seen firsthand how deeply these organizations impact the lives of those facing cancer. It is a privilege to contribute to a charity dedicated to supporting cancer research and patients—especially for a disease as rare as adrenal cancer. I am truly honored to serve on the Board!

Secretary

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Alison Lopes is one of the original board members of ACC Warriors.  Alison’s friend, Sarah Gonsalves, requested that a non-profit organization be created to increase awareness of ACC.  Alison assisted Michael and Paul Abasciano in the creation of ACC Warriors.  

 

Alison is a special education teacher with a specialization in autism.  She completed her Master of Science degree in Education and teaching certification in Severe Disabilities (Levels All) in MA and SC and an Early Childhood Special Education teaching certification in SC. She also has certification in the Wilson Reading Program from St. Joseph's University. She has also been an applied behavior analysis (ABA) coordinator, lead therapist for children diagnosed with autism, and a behavioral consultant with various private schools.

 

She lives in Hilton Head, SC with her husband, 3 children and dog. She enjoys spending time with her friends/family and going to the beach.

Communications and Marketing Chair

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Christina Butler joined the ACC Warriors board in November 2025 after volunteering with the organization for several years. She was inspired by Sarah’s incredible bravery during her fight with ACC, and serving on the board gives her the opportunity to help carry on Sarah’s legacy and fulfill her wish to find a cure for adrenocortical carcinoma. Christina has also experienced the impact of rare cancer in her own family and understands how difficult it can be to navigate a disease that is underfunded and under-researched.

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Christina is the Director of Institutional Research at Tufts University. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two children. In her free time, she enjoys coaching and playing sports with her sons, baking, and gardening.