The Cancer Nation Summit is where our community comes together to connect, strengthen our voices, and shape the future of cancer care. This annual gathering is an opportunity to build advocacy skills, deepen policy knowledge, and stand united in our shared mission: improving the quality of cancer care for everyone living with, through, and beyond cancer.
At the Summit, participants will:
- Visit Capitol Hill to share their stories with elected officials and advocate for better cancer care policies.
- Learn about critical issues such as survivorship legislation, supportive care, patient-provider communication, and other priorities shaping cancer care today.
- Engage with medical students to bridge lived experience and clinical education.
- Connect with fellow advocates and the Cancer Nation team to strengthen community and collective action.
Summit Agenda
Note: All times are Eastern Time.
Wednesday, June 24
| 2:00 PM | Registration and Networking |
| 2:30 PM | Opening Session
Shelley Fuld Nasso, MPP |
| 3:00 PM | Sharing Advocacy on Social Media
Kara Kenan |
| 3:30 PM | Networking Activity |
| 4:00 PM | Hill Day Preparation
Shelley Fuld Nasso, MPP Andrea Hans |
| 5:30 PM | Break |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner |
Thursday, June 25
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 8:00 AM | Hill Day Kick-Off on Capitol Hill, Group Photo |
| 9:00 AM | Hill Meetings
Lunch on Your Own |
| 5:30 PM | Capitol Hill Debrief
Shelley Fuld Nasso, MPP Andrea Hans |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner |
Friday, June 26
| 8:30 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM | Communication Workshop
Speaker TBA |
| 10:45 AM | Break |
| 11:00 AM | Survivorship Keynote
Speaker TBA |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM | Self-Care in Advocacy
Speaker TBA |
| 1:45 PM | Farewell and Evaluations |
Speaker Biographies
Andrea Hans
Public Policy Manager
Cancer Nation
Andrea Hans manages public policy at Cancer Nation. As an otherwise young healthy adult who found her own lump and was repeatedly told she was “too young,” her breast cancer diagnosis in 2021 served as a call to action. With a background in public health, Andrea has become an active voice in breast health policy and advocacy.
Kara Kenan
Director of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships
Cancer Nation
Kara Kenan, a 10-year breast cancer survivor, joined the Cancer Nation team in 2022 as our Marketing and Communications Manager. Kara has a master’s degree in English, Composition & Rhetoric and nearly 20 years’ experience in communications across the public and private sectors. Prior to joining Cancer Nation, Kara founded Going Beyond the Pink, a nonprofit organization supporting breast cancer survivors established as a result of her personal experience with stage-3 breast cancer. She also taught English at North Dakota State University for over a decade.
A decorated veteran, Kara served in the Air National Guard for 6-years, including a deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Her role in the military allowed her to support both Search & Rescue and Homeland Defense missions. She is the proud recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Defense of Liberty Service Medal, among others.
In addition to her work with Cancer Nation and Going Beyond the Pink, Kara serves on various cancer-related workgroups and committees with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Cancer Society, Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program, Environmental Working Group, Toxic Action Center, University of North Carolina Wilmington, and Quality Enhancement for Nonprofit Organizations.
When she’s not working, Kara can be found dancing in the kitchen, spending time with her family, traveling, or learning about herbalism and homeopathic medicine.
Shelley Fuld Nasso, MPP
CEO
Cancer Nation
Shelley Fuld Nasso, MPP, is CEO of Cancer Nation—the voice of the 18 million Americans living with, through, and beyond cancer. Under her leadership, Cancer Nation (formerly the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship) pushes for bold policy change to ensure every survivor has the right to not just survive—but thrive. From Capitol Hill to cancer centers, Shelley elevates survivor voices and demands care that actually works for the people living it.
A defining part of her work is helping survivors and caregivers find their voice in the democratic process—whether it’s their first visit to Capitol Hill or telling their story to someone in power. Through advocacy training and deep community-building, she empowers people to speak out, be heard, and help shape the policies that shape their lives.
Before joining Cancer Nation in 2013, she led public policy initiatives at Susan G. Komen. She holds degrees from Rice University and the Harvard Kennedy School. Shelley’s advocacy is deeply personal—rooted in love for her friend Dr. Brent Whitworth, a compassionate physician who died of cancer at 43, and in solidarity with countless others in her life affected by cancer.
She lives in Maryland with her husband and three sons. When not pushing for a cure for care, she’s likely found on a paddleboard, in a yoga class, or solving a crossword.
Survivorship Challenge Fundraiser
Everyone in our community has the power to make a difference. We invite Cancer Nation Summit participants to help raise funds that support Cancer Nation’s work to improve cancer care and strengthen survivor advocacy.
Advocates who raise $300 or more will receive an exclusive 40th Anniversary Cancer Nation T-shirt, be entered into a raffle for Uber gift cards, REI gift cards, and Cancer Nation merchandise, and will be recognized as fundraising leaders during the Cancer Nation Summit. Your voice drives the movement. Your fundraising helps it grow.
Read more about how to get started on our fundraising page.
Learn More and Get Started!
Share Your Fundraiser on Social Media
Social Media Graphic (Made-for-You)
We encourage you to use this graphic when you share your fundraiser on social media.
Customizable Graphic
Want to customize your social media graphic?
Follow these steps:
- Click here to get started on Canva.
- Create a free Canva account.
- Upload a photo of you.
- Drop it into the center frame.
- Download as a PNG or JPG.
- Share on your social media pages.
Sample Social Post
You can also copy/paste this caption alongside your post:
🌟 Join me in the Survivorship Challenge: The Road to CPAT! 🌟
Hey friends! I’m so excited to attend the NCCS Cancer Policy and Advocacy Team Symposium and Hill Day to champion for important cancer survivorship legislation and grow my advocacy skills. But I need your support to make it happen!
I’m supporting the “Survivorship Challenge: The Road to CPAT” fundraiser to cover my hotel expenses and ensure I get the opportunity to advocate for myself and other survivors like me. Every dollar brings me one step closer to representing our community and making a real impact.
Will you join me in this meaningful challenge by contributing to my fundraiser? Your support isn’t just a donation – it’s a powerful statement of solidarity and hope for survivors everywhere. Together, we can make a difference!
Donate now [Insert Link to Your Personal Fundraising Page] #SurvivorshipChallenge #RoadtoCPAT #CancerAdvocacy #CancerSurvivorship
Traveling to CPAT
Traveling to CPAT
| X | |||
| I’m heading to Washington, DC to join survivors and advocates from across the country at the #CPAT2025 Symposium. Together, we’re raising our voices to protect Medicaid and ensure continued funding for cancer research. Follow along! @CancerAdvocacy | I’m heading to Washington, DC to join survivors and advocates from across the country at the #CPAT2025 Symposium. Together, we’re raising our voices to protect Medicaid and ensure continued funding for cancer research. Follow @nccscanceradvocacy. | I’m heading to Washington, DC to join survivors and advocates from across the country at the #CPAT2025 Symposium. Together, we’re raising our voices to #ProtectMedicaid and ensure continued funding for cancer research. @cancersurvivorship | I’m heading to Washington, DC to join survivors and advocates from across the country at the #CPAT2025 Symposium. Together, we’re raising our voices to protect Medicaid and ensure continued funding for cancer research. @cancersurvivorship |
Why I Advocate
| X | |||
| I advocate because cancer survivors like me deserve care that’s affordable, accessible, and compassionate. I’m honored to join the #CPAT2025 Symposium and speak up for policies that protect Medicaid and fuel cancer research. @CancerAdvocacy | I advocate because cancer survivors like me deserve care that’s affordable, accessible, and compassionate. I’m honored to join the #CPAT2025 Symposium and speak up for policies that protect Medicaid and fuel cancer research. Follow @nccscanceradvocacy. | I advocate because cancer survivors like me deserve care that’s affordable, accessible, and compassionate. I’m honored to join the #CPAT2025 Symposium and speak up for policies that #ProtectMedicaid and fuel cancer research. @cancersurvivorship | I advocate because cancer survivors like me deserve care that’s affordable, accessible, and compassionate. I’m honored to join the #CPAT2025 Symposium and speak up for policies that protect Medicaid and fuel cancer research. @cancersurvivorship |
Learning Together
| X | |||
| From policy briefings to survivor-led workshops, #CPAT2025 is equipping us to be stronger, smarter advocates. Grateful to be in community with such passionate changemakers. @CancerAdvocacy | From policy briefings to survivor-led workshops, #CPAT2025 is equipping us to be stronger, smarter advocates. Grateful to be in community with such passionate changemakers. Follow @nccscanceradvocacy | From policy briefings to survivor-led workshops, #CPAT2025 is equipping us to be stronger, smarter advocates. Grateful to be in community with such passionate changemakers. @cancersurvivorship | From policy briefings to survivor-led workshops, #CPAT2025 is equipping us to be stronger, smarter advocates. Grateful to be in community with such passionate changemakers. @cancersurvivorship |
Behind the Scenes
| X | |||
| What does cancer advocacy look like? It looks like this — survivors and caregivers learning, sharing, and preparing to walk the halls of Congress. #CPAT2025 @CancerAdvocacy | What does cancer advocacy look like? It looks like this—survivors and caregivers learning, sharing, and preparing to walk the halls of Congress. #CPAT2025 #CancerAdvocacy Follow @nccscanceradvocacy |
What does cancer advocacy look like? It looks like this—survivors and caregivers learning, sharing, and preparing to walk the halls of Congress. #CPAT2025 #CancerAdvocacy @cancersurvivorship | What does cancer advocacy look like? It looks like this—survivors and caregivers learning, sharing, and preparing to walk the halls of Congress. #CPAT2025 #CancerAdvocacy @cancersurvivorship |
Hill Day
Hill Day
| X | |||
| Today I met with [Rep./Sen. Name] to share why protecting Medicaid is essential for cancer survivors. This isn’t politics — it’s survival. #CPAT2025 #ProtectMedicaid @CancerAdvocacy | Today I met with [Rep./Sen. Name] to share why protecting Medicaid is essential for cancer survivors. This isn’t politics—it’s survival. #CPAT2025 #ProtectMedicaid #CancerAdvocacy Follow @nccscanceradvocacy |
Today I met with [Rep./Sen. Name] to share why protecting Medicaid is essential for cancer survivors. This isn’t politics—it’s survival. #CPAT2025 #ProtectMedicaid #CancerAdvocacy @cancersurvivorship | Today I met with [Rep./Sen. Name] to share why protecting Medicaid is essential for cancer survivors. This isn’t politics—it’s survival. #CPAT2025 #ProtectMedicaid #CancerAdvocacy @cancersurvivorship |
The Message
| X | |||
| Cancer doesn’t end when treatment does — and neither should our care. That’s why I’m in DC today for #CPAT2025, urging Congress to fund cancer research and protect Medicaid. @CancerAdvocacy | Cancer doesn’t end when treatment does—and neither should our care. That’s why I’m in DC today for #CPAT2025, urging Congress to fund cancer research and protect Medicaid. Follow @nccscanceradvocacy |
Cancer doesn’t end when treatment does—and neither should our care. That’s why I’m in DC today for #CPAT2025, urging Congress to fund cancer research and #ProtectMedicaid. @cancersurvivorship | Cancer doesn’t end when treatment does—and neither should our care. That’s why I’m in DC today for #CPAT2025, urging Congress to fund cancer research and protect Medicaid. @cancersurvivorship |
Post-CPAT Reflection
| X | |||
| Home from #CPAT2025 and feeling inspired. I learned so much, met incredible advocates, and used my voice to protect policies that matter to cancer survivors. Thank you @CancerAdvocacy for the tools and community. | Home from #CPAT2025 and feeling inspired. I learned so much, met incredible advocates, and used my voice to protect policies that matter to cancer survivors. Thank you to @nccscanceradvocacy for the tools and community. |
Home from #CPAT2025 and feeling inspired. I learned so much, met incredible advocates, and used my voice to protect policies that matter to cancer survivors. Thank you @cancersurvivorship for the tools and community. | Home from #CPAT2025 and feeling inspired. I learned so much, met incredible advocates, and used my voice to protect policies that matter to cancer survivors. Thank you @cancersurvivorship for the tools and community. |
Keep the Momentum
| X | |||
| Advocacy doesn’t stop when Hill Day ends. I’ll keep fighting for policies that support cancer survivors—because we all deserve a future beyond cancer. #CPAT2025 @CancerAdvocacy | Advocacy doesn’t stop when Hill Day ends. I’ll keep fighting for policies that support cancer survivors—because we all deserve a future beyond cancer. #CancerAdvocacy #CPAT2025 Follow @nccscanceradvocacy |
Advocacy doesn’t stop when Hill Day ends. I’ll keep fighting for policies that support cancer survivors—because we all deserve a future beyond cancer. #CancerAdvocacy #CPAT2025 @cancersurvivorship | Advocacy doesn’t stop when Hill Day ends. I’ll keep fighting for policies that support cancer survivors—because we all deserve a future beyond cancer. #CancerAdvocacy #CPAT2025 @cancersurvivorship |
Hill Day Training Resources
These resources will help you prepare if you are participating in Hill Day meetings. We will provide an overview and answer questions during the Hill Day Prep Session on June 25.
Hill Day Lunch and Learn
In this Zoom meeting video, we walk through important event logistics, introduce the AdvocacyDay App you’ll use during your congressional meetings, and share tips on what to expect. We also go over key policy messages to support your conversations. Watch the video above or watch on YouTube.
Running time: 58:15
Video Chapters
00:00 CPAT Symposium Logistics
09:55 AdvocacyDay App Info
12:13 Congressional Meeting Tips
27:23 Medicaid 101
31:48 Problems on Hill Day?–What to do.
40:00 Q&A Discussion, More Advocacy Tips
Hill Day Schedules
NCCS is working with Advocacy Associates to schedule Hill meetings this year.
Advocacy Associates will email you your preliminary schedule on the Friday before Hill Day. That email will include the log-in information to access your schedule on the Advocacy Day App. You will be able to see your schedule in real-time, as well as the roster for your meetings, bios for your members of Congress, feedback questions to answer after your meetings, and templates to send social media messages and thank you emails.
- Instructions to download the Advocacy Day App (PDF) »
- Tutorial Slide Deck on how to use the Advocacy Day App (PDF) »
You will attend meetings with other advocates from your state. If you are the only advocate from your state, you may be paired an advocate from another state or a Hill Day helper, so you’re not on your own. NCCS staff and board members will attend meetings. You will see on your schedule the names of anyone joining meetings with you.
Because congressional appointments can and do change up until the last minute, final schedules will not be available until the day before Hill Day. Advocacy Associates will join us at the Symposium on June 25 to provide help desk support and answer any questions.
If you have any questions about Hill visits, please contact Andrea Hans at ahans@canceradvocacy.org.
Prepare Your Story for Hill Day
This short Telling Your Story worksheet walks you through how to hone your story for Hill meetings. Since you don’t have much time in these meetings and may be paired with other advocates, it’s best to keep your story under 2 minutes. Please complete the worksheet and bring it with you to the Symposium. During the Hill Day Prep session, you’ll have the opportunity to share it.
Please complete the worksheet and bring it with you to the Symposium. During the Hill Day Prep session, you’ll have the opportunity to share it.
Event Logistics
Hotel
The Morrow Hotel is located at 222 M Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Cancer Nation has booked your hotel room if you are a scholarship recipient. The hotel will be sending out confirmations before you arrive. If you have any questions about hotel accommodations, please contact Nadine Dorvelus at ndorvelus@canceradvocacy.org.
What to Bring/Wear
- The weather in late June in DC is unpredictable: it may be beautiful, but it is likely to be hot and humid so please bring a refillable water bottle. Rain is common in June, so an umbrella may come in handy.
- The Symposium is business casual, and we encourage you to wear layers and/or bring a wrap or sweater in case the room is too hot or cold for you.
- Masks are welcome at the Summit. The registration desk will have extra masks if you need them.
- For the Hill visits, business attire is ideal, but please wear comfortable shoes. And feel free to wear the Cancer Nation blue!
Getting Around
- From Reagan National Airport (DCA):
- Uber or Lyft is the most direct option to the hotel.
- Washington Metrorail: The hotel is two blocks away from the NoMa-Gallaudet U/New York Ave stop on the Red Line. Google Maps will direct you to take the Blue or Yellow line from the airport to a station where you can transfer to the Red Line. Find your way to the Red Line Glenmont Platform and take the train to the NoMa- Gallaudet U/New York Ave stop. Travel time is 30 to 40 minutes.
- From Dulles International Airport (IAD):
- Uber or Lyft is the most direct option to the hotel.
- Washington Metrorail: The hotel is two blocks away from the NoMa-Gallaudet U/New York Ave stop on the Red Line. Take the Silver Line from Dulles to the Metro Center station, where you can transfer to the Red Line. Find your way to the Red Line Glenmont Platform and take the train to the NoMa-Gallaudet U/New York Ave stop. Travel time is about 75 minutes.
- From Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI), we encourage you to take a shuttle.
- If you are driving, note that parking at the hotel is $65 overnight and it is at your own expense.
- The Washington Metro is a great option for getting around Washington, DC, if you are doing any sight-seeing while you are here.
2026 Cancer Nation Summit Supporters
Social Media Toolkit
The Cancer Policy & Advocacy Team (CPAT) Symposium brings together cancer survivors, caregivers, and advocates from across the country to learn, connect, and take action. This year, we’re heading to Capitol Hill to urge Congress to protect Medicaid and support robust cancer research funding.
We invite YOU — our powerful network of advocates — to share your experience and amplify the message. Use the sample posts, hashtags, and graphics below to tell your story and inspire others.
Engage with NCCS on social media by:
Using the hashtags below.
Suggested Prompts for Personal Posts
Consider making posts more personal using these prompts:
Congressional Social Media Handles
We’ve created a list of social media handles for the Members of Congress you’ll be meeting with.
Congressional Social Media Handles »
Sample Social Posts
We have provided some sample posts below for each social platform.
* Feel free to customize these posts to fit your needs.