Entries by Elleni

Introducing Cancer Nation Advocates: Turning Lived Experience Into Lasting Change

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Cancer Nation is relaunching its Cancer Policy and Advocacy Team program with a broader, more inclusive vision for the entire Cancer Nation community. This new initiative is designed to put the power of policy change directly into the hands of the people who know cancer best. Cancer Nation Advocates brings together individuals who care about […]

Research Made Survival Possible: Brandon Hertzendorf on Turning Experience into Advocacy

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Brandon Hertzendorf’s path to advocacy sits at the intersection of lived experience, research, and a deep belief that cancer care can and must be better. Born and raised in South Florida, Brandon describes his childhood as fairly typical. That changed during high school […]

The Meaning We Make: Laurel Braitman’s Path from Co-Survivor to Advocate

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Advocate Spotlight: Laurel Braitman Laurel Braitman has spent her life at the intersection of story, healing, and human connection. As a writer, teacher, and the Director of Writing and Storytelling at the Stanford School of Medicine, she helps medical students, clinicians, and future health leaders learn how to speak to patients and families with clarity […]

Statement on Dr. Richard Pazdur Being Named FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Director

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November 13, 2025 – Cancer Nation applauds the choice of Dr. Richard Pazdur as the Director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We can think of no better person than Dr. Pazdur for this position, as he will bring scientific rigor, evidence-based regulatory review, and […]

30+ Patient Orgs Urge Congress to Extend Health Care Tax Credits Immediately

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Cancer Nation and more than 30 other patient advocacy organizations are calling on Congress to immediately renew the enhanced premium tax credits (eAPTCs), warning that millions of Americans could lose access to affordable health coverage. As insurers issue 2026 premium notices showing average increases of 114%, patients, especially those with serious health conditions, face impossible […]

Janice Cowden: From Survivor to System Challenger

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At Cancer Nation, we are powered by the voices of those who live with, through, and beyond cancer. We don’t speak on behalf of survivors—we amplify those who are already speaking. This month, we’re honored to feature Janice Cowden, a metastatic breast cancer (MBC) advocate whose work in research, policy, and peer support continues to shape the future of care.

NCCS Statement on President Joe Biden’s Diagnosis with Metastatic Prostate Cancer

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We are deeply saddened to learn of President Joe Biden’s diagnosis with metastatic prostate cancer. As a father, a caregiver, and a tireless champion for cancer survivors, President Biden has made a profound personal and public investment in improving cancer care. His Cancer Moonshot initiative redefined what is possible — accelerating progress, sparking collaboration, and […]

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