You will have the opportunity to attend three breakout sessions. During event check in you will be given a program that lists all the breakout sessions, times and locations.
Lymphedema 101
Andrea Leiserowitz, PT, DPT, CLT
Board-Certified Specialist in Oncology Physical Therapy
Oncology Physical Therapy
The lymphatic system is a critical component of your body's defense against infection and cancer. Many cancer survivors (breast, prostate, head and neck, gynecological, etc.) may have a risk of lymphedema without realizing it. Lymphedema is not curable at this time; this session will teach what lymphedema is, strategies to reduce the risk of it developing, and treatment recommendations. We will also cover the importance of maintaining flexibility, working on scars and strength training.
A Creative Sanctuary: The Art of Hope and Healing
Nicola Davies, JD, PCC
Create Next Steps, LLC
createnextsteps.com
Is there an artful way to navigate a cancer journey? Neuroscience has proven that creative expression can provide vast physical and emotional benefits for both patients and caregivers. No fine art skills are required. This workshop is not about becoming the next Picasso – it’s about finding a vital place to gently exhale and immerse yourself in invaluable tools that can reduce physical pain, relieve stress and anxiety, and enhance the discovery of hope and meaning. Give yourself permission to lean into the powerful truth that sometimes thoughts and feelings go beyond words. All art supplies will be provided. Simply bring your desire to learn, explore and play!
From Treatment to Living Again: Rebuilding Your Body Safely After Cancer
Toshiko Aramaki
ACSM/ACS Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer
This session will cover how cancer treatments affect your body during and after treatment and why survivors often feel weak, unsteady, or stiff. Learn safe and practical ways to rebuild strength, balance, and confidence (with exercise demonstrations). Don’t miss this opportunity to take the next step in our recovery journey!
Protein Needs for cancer Survivors
Ray Palko, MS, RD, CSO, CD
Clinical Dietitian
Medical Nutrition Therapy Services, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
This presentation will focus on protein needs for cancer survivors, and how they may differ from protein needs for the general population. We will review the different sources of protein in American diets and highlight which ones may decrease or increase cancer risks.
Fear of Recurrence
Samantha A. Burns, PhD
Professor of Clinical Practice
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine | UW Medicine
Psychology Director, UW Medicine Multiple Sclerosis Center
Cancer Rehabilitation, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
In this talk, we will discuss common worries and fears in survivorship, including fear of recurrence. Participants will learn practical strategies to effectively manage cancer-related concerns as well as general stress.
Being a Caregiver: Challenges and Coping Strategies
Jourdan Cruz, MSc, MSW, LICSW
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
In the medical field, we ask too much of our caregivers. This breakout session is designed to review the, often overlooked, social, emotional, and psychological impact of providing care to a loved one. Practical tips will be discussed. Attendees will be invited to speak and share their perspectives and experiences throughout the session.
Can We Talk? Communication and Tools for Sexual Health
Leslie Heron, RN, MN, APRN, FNP-BC, NC-BC
Cancer creates problems with intimacy, sexual desire, and sexual function. We all know about it, but we don’t talk about it. This session will offer practical tools for you to talk to your partner, your healthcare provider, and even yourself about intimacy and sexual wellness during and after cancer.
Living with Metastatic Cancer
Teri Pollastro
Metastatic Breast Cancer Patient and Research Advocate
The good, bad, and the ugly. The raw truth shared between people with a metastatic cancer diagnosis. This is a no judgment breakout session.
New! AYA (Adolescent & Young Adult) Survivorship Sessions
From Surviving to Thriving: Addressing Psychosocial Challenges of Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Survivors
Neel Bhatt, MD, MBBS, MPH
Seattle Children’s Hospital
University of Washington
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Rebuilding Trust & Confidence on the Road to Recovery
Wade Brill, PCC, ELI-MP, CMT-P
Board Member, International Mindfulness Teachers Association (IMTA)
A cancer diagnosis is more than a medical event—it’s a profound life interruption that can shake trust in the body, the mind, and the future. Recovery is not only about surviving cancer; it’s about learning how to live again in a body and life that feels different. In this interactive session, we’ll explore how to rebuild trust with yourself and cultivate confidence in this new chapter. Drawing on mindfulness, neuroscience, and lived experience, you’ll learn practical tools to regulate your nervous system, listen to your body with greater clarity and move forward with steadiness and self-compassion
AYA Strategies for Successful Self-Advocacy
Brigid Frasquillo, MS
Program Manager, Stupid Cancer
AYA is an all-encompassing category for people ages 15 - 39 impacted by cancer, but each AYA is an individual with unique needs and experiences. As members of an underserved patient population, AYAs must advocate for themselves each day. Many people can support you in your self-advocacy efforts, but you are always your own best advocate. Join this session to learn more about the power of advocating for yourself and strategies to make self-advocacy feel doable, all while connecting with other AYAs who get it!