Patient Advocacy

Amanda Rice was 37 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time. She describes her decision to freeze her eggs after her diagnosis, which led her to launch the nonprofit organization The Chick Mission to educate women on the impact of cancer treatment on becoming mothers. Read More ›

Jessica Morris was blindsided by her brain cancer diagnosis after hiking with friends and having a full-blown seizure. Frustrated by the lack of treatment options for and the short life expectancy associated with glioblastoma, she created the nonprofit organization OurBrainBank. Read More ›

Cancer treatment is complicated; an oncology patient advocate can help uncomplicate the journey by advocating and being a voice for their patients with cancer. Read More ›

Kimberley Norris relates her experience as a bedside advocate for her husband, Rick, after his esophageal cancer diagnosis, introducing her discussion of the challenges of advocating for a hospitalized patient with cancer. Read More ›

Ayesha Azam, VP of Medical Affairs at the Patient Access Network Foundation, explains the different ways that this organization provides financial assistance and grants for nearly 70 different medical conditions, including cancers and rare diseases. Find out if you qualify for financial support. Read More ›

A chest x-ray and a CT scan revealed a diagnosis of stage IV (advanced) non–small-cell lung cancer after John Doll was experiencing shortness of breath and a lingering cold. Read More ›

Shortly after his college graduation, Danny Heinsohn’s world turned upside down when he learned he had a brain tumor. He shares his inspiring story of overcoming adversity and finding something to celebrate every day, even while dealing with cancer. Read More ›

Kathy Gram faced colorectal cancer with a positive attitude, good humor, and support from family and close friends. When her disease was in remission, she shared her hard-won wisdom with others as a Patient Advocate. She reflected on the lessons she had learned as a 12-year cancer survivor. Read More ›

Dennis Golden was an active, fit, 70-year-old when he learned he had prostate cancer. He was surprised to discover that few men know the warning signs and how potentially serious it can be. In response, he formed the National Prostate Cancer Awareness Foundation to educate men about this disease. Read More ›

Lisa Lurie went from “bald, breastless, and bewildered” to all-glammed-up as a cancer survivor and founder of Cancer Be Glammed, a nonprofit organization that empowers women to recover with dignity and positive self-esteem. Last fall, Lisa was a finalist for CONQUER’s Hero of Hope Patient Award, and although she didn’t win, this experience was a milestone in her cancer story. Read More ›