Cancer Policy & Advocacy Team (CPAT) Symposium

June 26 – 28, 2024

Crystal City Marriott at Reagan National Airport

1999 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202

The CPAT Symposium is an opportunity to network with other advocates, develop advocacy skills, and learn about cancer policy issues — all in support of NCCS’s mission of improving the quality of cancer care for everyone touched by cancer. Goals for symposium participants are as follows:

  • Develop an in-depth understanding of survivorship legislation and visit Capitol Hill to share your story with legislators and advocate for the legislation.
  • Learn about topics including palliative care, patient-doctor communication, and supporting caregivers.
  • Participate in advocate-led activities with medical students from the CUPID (Cancer in the Under-Privileged Indigent or Disadvantaged) program.
  • Network with other advocates and engage with the NCCS team.
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Symposium Agenda

Note: All times are Eastern Time.

Symposium Agenda (PDF)

Wednesday, June 26

2:00 PM Registration and Networking
2:30 PM Opening Session

Shelley Fuld Nasso, MPP
NCCS CEO

Download Slide Deck »

3:00 PM Sharing Advocacy on Social Media

Kara Kenan
NCCS Marketing and Communications Manager

Download Slide Deck »

3:30 PM Networking Activity
4:00 PM Hill Day Preparation

Shelley Fuld Nasso, MPP
NCCS CEO

Veronika Panagiotou, PhD
NCCS Advocacy & Program Manager

Soapbox Consulting Staff

Download Slide Deck »

Thursday, June 27

7:00 AM Breakfast
8:00 AM Hill Day Kick-Off on Capitol Hill
9:00 AM Hill Meetings
5:30 PM Capitol Hill Debrief

Shelley Fuld Nasso, MPP
NCCS CEO

Friday, June 28

8:00 AM Breakfast
8:30 AM Improving Doctor Patient Communications Activity

Ana Maria López, MD, MPH
Professor and Vice Chair of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College

10:00 AM Demystifying Palliative Care

C. Robert Bennett, PhD, CPNP-AC, PPNP-BC
Nurse Scientist, Mayo Clinic Phoenix

Download Slide Deck »

10:45 AM Break
11:00 AM Keynote: Skin In The Game: A Physician Couples’ Cancer Survivorship Perspective and Experience

Samantha Siegel, MD
Director of Cancer Survivorship, Kaiser Permanente San Francisco

Samuel Siegel, MD
Pediatrician, Dignity Health Woodland Clinic

Dr. Samantha and Dr. Samuel Siegel open a window into young adult survivorship. They discussed their personal experiences with cancer from within the medical field, supporting one another as care partners, family life, shifting perspectives on work and cancer, lasting effects and living a meaningful, purpose-driven life after a cancer diagnosis.

Download Slide Deck »

12:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM Sexual Health and Intimacy in Survivorship

Georgia Anderson, PHD, MSW
Assistant Professor, University of Cincinnati

Download Slide Deck »

1:45 PM Farewell and Evaluations

Speaker Biographies

Click a speaker name to read more.

Samantha Siegel, MDSamantha Siegel, MD (Keynote Speaker)
Internist
Kaiser Permanente

Dr. Samantha Siegel is an internist at Kaiser Permanente. She has survived relapsed/refractory Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, including an autologous bone marrow transplant in June 2022. This has made her passionate about cancer survivorship, integrative medicine and personal narrative impacting the illness experience.

Dr. Siegel hopes to pioneer a longitudinal cancer survivorship care model, beginning at diagnosis, that can be replicated in other healthcare systems. She is focused on elevating cancer survivorship to its own multidisciplinary board certification status.

Dr. Siegel lives in Davis with her husband, three kids and energetic dog. They enjoy outdoor activities and plant-based living.

Samuel Siegel, MDSamuel Siegel, MD (Keynote Speaker)
Pediatrician
Dignity Health Woodland Clinic

Samuel Siegel is a general pediatrician in Woodland, CA serving a predominantly rural and underserved population, including immigrants from Mexico and Central America. He practices hospital medicine, seeing newborns during their birth hospitalization and he attends high risk deliveries.

In his outpatient practice, he has a special interest in pediatric obesity and nutrition and founded an annual healthy eating project called Home-Grown Health. There, he gives away 1000 vegetable starts, soil, and fertilizer each year to families in his community. He believes that allowing children to participate in the unique process of nurturing plants from seeds will more successfully promote healthy eating habits.

He is also a patient who has learned to live a fulfilling life with chronic medical conditions since his early twenties including inflammatory bowel disease, treatment for cancer while in medical school, and a liver transplant in 2016. He is a husband and partner to a physician-patient spouse and together they have three wonderful children ages 12, 11, and 6.

Georgia Anderson, PhD, MSWGeorgia Anderson, PhD, MSW
Assistant Professor
University of Cincinnati

Dr. Anderson has been a social worker nearly 20 years. Her early career was spent working in the community mental health system before transitioning to medical social work. Most of her career has been spent working in oncology and palliative care at The Barrett Cancer Center at UC Health. During her tenure at UC Health, Georgia served as the Manager of Outpatient Social Work, the Office of Decedent Affairs, and Palliative Care. The role allowed her to grow as an administrative and clinical supervisor. She also served as a clinical support group facilitator at The Cancer Support Community and therapist at Cancer Family Care.

Dr. Anderson pursued her PhD in Social Work with the support of a Doctoral Social Work Training Grant from the American Cancer Society.  . She graduated with the Graduate Dean’s Citation in 2021 after successfully defending her dissertation The Lived Experience of Women with Head & Neck Cancer and the Impact on Close Relationships. Dr. Anderson is currently an assistant professor of social work at the University of Cincinnati. She teaches in the BSW and MSW programs.

Dr. Anderson’s research focuses on cancer survivorship, the impact on family functioning, and quality of life. She is particularly interested in improving quality of life for women with lung, head & neck, and gynecologic cancers.

C. Robert Bennett, PhDC. Robert Bennett, PhD, CPNP-AC
Nurse Scientist
Mayo Clinic Arizona

Dr. Robert Bennett is a Nurse Scientist at the Mayo Clinic Arizona and works closely with the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology team. He completed his postdoctoral fellowship in palliative care and aging research at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Bennett has over 20 years of clinical practice experience. His work focuses on mental well-being and quality of life among AYA cancer survivors. His research has been published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, Supportive Care in Cancer, Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nursing, and Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing.

Dr. Bennett is an international speaker on AYA cancer survivorship, both at peer reviewed scientific conferences and conferences serving the AYA cancer community. Dr. Bennett has been an invited speaker at CancerCon 2022 – 2024 and a featured guest on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society podcast The Bloodline, and YouTube talk show Palliative Care Friday Chalk Talk. He serves on the scientific medical advisory board for the non-profit organization Stupid Cancer. Dr. Bennett was recently selected by the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) as a 2024 Research Scholar.

Kara KenanKara Kenan
Marketing and Communications Manager
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship

Kara Kenan, a 10-year breast cancer survivor, joined the NCCS 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 NCCS, 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 NCCS 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, MPPShelley Fuld Nasso
CEO
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship

Shelley is honored and humbled to serve NCCS and the millions of cancer survivors and their family members NCCS represents. She is a policy wonk and advocate and loves to empower cancer survivors to make their voices heard in Washington, DC and around the country. She joined NCCS in December 2012 and was named CEO in October 2013.

Prior to joining NCCS, Shelley served in leadership roles at Susan G. Komen, where she leveraged Komen’s grassroots network in Washington, DC and in state capitals. There she built relationships with policymakers and partner organizations and led a team of staff and volunteer leaders to influence state budgets and legislation. Shelley has also served as Director of Community Philanthropy at The Dallas Foundation and held management positions at communications and technology enterprises. She is a graduate of Rice University and holds a Master of Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School.

Shelley’s commitment to the work of NCCS is strongly tied to the experiences in the cancer care system of her dear friend, Dr. Brent Whitworth, a beloved physician who was diagnosed with stage IV cancer days before his 42nd birthday and who passed away 19 months later. Through Brent’s experiences, Shelley witnessed the strengths and flaws of the cancer care system and embraces the notion that policy change can make cancer care better for patients and caregivers.

Ana María López, MD, MPHAna María López, MD, MPH
Professor and Vice Chair of Medical Oncology
Sidney Kimmel Medical College
NCCS Board Member

Ana Maria López, MD, MPH, FACP, is Professor and Vice Chair of Medical Oncology at Sidney Kimmel Medical College and Chief of Cancer Services at Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Jefferson Health – New Jersey. Dr. López has served as an NCCS Board Member since 2021. Dr. López joined Jefferson in 2018 from the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, UT, where she was Director of Cancer Health Equality and Inclusion and served as Associate Vice President of Health Equality and Inclusion at the University of Utah Health. A board-certified Medical Oncologist, Dr. López’s clinical expertise is in women’s malignancies, integrative medicine and oncology, and telehealth.

Dr. López is President-Emeritus of the American College of Physicians, the largest medical specialty organization in the United States. Her strong commitment to health equity is reflected in her work with the American Society of Clinical Oncology as former Chair of the Health Equity Committee, and with the Association of American Medical Colleges where she serves as Member of the Steering Committee of the Group of Women in Medicine and Science. Her areas of expertise and research focus include cancer prevention, integrative oncology, and innovations in health care.

Veronika Panagiotou, PhDVeronika Panagiotou, PhD
Advocacy and Program Manager
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship

Veronika Panagiotou, PhD, joined NCCS in the Summer of 2021 and serves as the Advocacy and Program Manager. Her responsibilities include managing the Cancer Policy and Advocacy Team (CPAT), Survivorship Champions and various advocacy initiatives.

Dr. Panagiotou’s passion for working in survivorship and advocacy emerged after being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when she was 25 years old. As a young adult cancer survivor, she has witnessed firsthand the need for recognition of the financial toxicity of treatment, the creation of more supportive services, and the availability of survivorship care. Before joining NCCS as a staff member, Veronika was an active CPAT member. She has met with her representatives to share her story and to advocate for policies such as the Affordable Care Act that saved her life by giving her access to cancer treatment.

Dr. Panagiotou obtained her doctorate in Community Engagement at Point Park University in 2021. She defended her dissertation entitled, “Do Service-Learning Models Create an Opportunity to Cultivate Civic Engagement Outcomes at Point Park University? A Phenomenological Study of Students’ Perspectives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.” Dr. Panagiotou was awarded the “Student Award for Excellence in Community Engagement” for the academic year of 2017-2018 after creating the Pioneer Pantry which serves college students, faculty, and staff experiencing food insecurity on campus.

Survivorship Challenge: DC or Bust Fundraiser

Join the Survivorship Challenge: DC or Bust fundraiser to raise funds for NCCS and help other survivor advocates attend the CPAT Symposium. If you raise $500 or more, you are eligible to take part in a guided tour of the Capitol!

We recommend that you first read the Survivorship Challenge Fundraising Guide and then create your fundraising page here.

Learn How to Fundraise

Are you interested in attending the CPAT Symposium in Washington, DC and want to learn how to fundraise to attend? We believe this webinar will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in your fundraising efforts.

During this webinar, you will learn:

  • How to successfully set up your fundraising page.
  • Tips for crafting compelling fundraising messages and stories.
  • Tools and resources available to support your peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives.
  • Best practices for utilizing social media to amplify your fundraising efforts.

Sharing on Social Media

Social Media Graphic (Made-for-You)

Survivorship Challenge Social Media GraphicWe encourage you to use this graphic when you share your fundraiser on social media.

Download the graphic here.

Customizable Graphic

Survivorship Challenge Social Media Graphic example
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: DC or Bust! 🌟

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: DC or Bust” 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 #DCorBust #CancerAdvocacy #CancerSurvivorship

Social Media Toolkit

Excited to attend the CPAT Symposium? Spread the word on social media! We encourage speakers and participants to engage with NCCS on social media throughout the 2024 CPAT Symposium. Take travel selfies, express your enthusiasm, and engage with fellow attendees! Let’s amplify our voices and make a difference together!

Please contact NCCS Communications and Marketing Manager Kara Kenan at kkenan@canceradvocacy.org with any questions or concerns.

Download this toolkit in PDF format »

Engage with NCCS on social media by:

  • Following us.
  • Taking photos. Please upload photos to the SoapBox, the NCCS Google Drive,
    or email Kara Kenan (kkenan@canceradvocacy.org) photos you’d like shared by NCCS.
  • Posting about sessions throughout the day, including posts using the sample copy below.
  • Like, share and comment on NCCS social media posts.
  • Using the hashtags below.
NCCS’s social media handles:

Hashtags:

  • #CPAT24
  • #NCCSHillDay2024
  • #cancersurvivorship
  • #canceradvocacy


Symposium Graphics Template (Canva):

  • Want to turn your CPAT photos into social media graphics that highlight your experience? Create a free Canva account and add your photos to these easy-to-use templates.

Sample Social Posts

We have provided some sample posts below for each social platform. Sample posts are sorted by social media platform and then by date for your convenience.

* Feel free to customize these posts to fit your needs.

Traveling to CPAT

X LinkedIn Instagram Facebook
On my way to #CPAT24! I’m looking forward to connecting with other advocates, learning together, and sharing our experiences on #CapitolHill. This is #CancerAdvocacy. @CancerAdvocacy On my way to #CPAT24! I’m looking forward to connecting with other advocates, learning together, and sharing our experiences on #CapitolHill. This is #CancerAdvocacy. @NCCSCancerSurvivorship On my way to #CPAT24! I’m looking forward to connecting with other advocates, learning together, and sharing our experiences on #CapitolHill. This is #CancerAdvocacy. @CancerSurvivorship On my way to #CPAT24! I’m looking forward to connecting with other advocates, learning together, and sharing our experiences on #CapitolHill. This is #CancerAdvocacy. @CancerSurvivorship

Registration

X LinkedIn Instagram Facebook
Ready to kick off the @CancerAdvocacy CPAT Symposium! I’m excited to meet fellow advocates at #CPAT24 I’ve just registered for the @NCCSCancerSurvivorship CPAT Symposium and started networking with inspiring advocates. Excited to learn and make a difference! #CancerAdvocacy #CPAT24 #Networking [Selfie at registration desk]
Just got my badge and met some fantastic advocates. Ready for the @cancersurvivorship CPAT Symposium to begin! #CancerAdvocacy #CPAT24
Just registered and already meeting so many amazing advocates at the @cancersurvivorship #CPAT24 Symposium. Excited for what’s to come. #CancerAdvocacy

Opening Session – Option 1

X LinkedIn Instagram Facebook
Kicking off @CancerAdvocacy’s #CPAT24 with an inspiring opening session by @SFuldNasso. Let’s make a difference! This is #CancerAdvocacy. @NCCSCancerSurvivorship’s CEO @ShelleyFuldNasso has officially opened the #CPAT24 Symposium. I’m ready for 3 days of impactful advocacy and learning! #CancerAdvocacy [Selfie with Shelley Fuld Nasso speaking in the background] @CancerSurvivorship CEO @SFuldNasso kicked off the #CPAT24 Symposium with an inspiring opening session. Excited for what’s ahead! #CancerAdvocacy @CancerSurvivorship’s CEO Shelley Fuld Nasso has officially opened the #CPAT24 Symposium. I’m ready for 3 days of impactful advocacy and learning! #CancerAdvocacy

Opening Session – Option 2

X LinkedIn Instagram Facebook
Learning how to amplify my advocacy using social media. #CPAT24 @CancerAdvocacy #CancerAdvocacy #CPAT24 @NCCSCancerSurvivorship Marketing and Communications Manager @KaraKenan is empowering us with strategies to effectively use social media for our #CancerAdvocacy. [Selfie with Kara Kenan speaking in the background] @CancerSurvivorship is sharing tips on how to effectively use social media for advocacy. Let’s amplify our voices! #CPAT24 #CancerAdvocacy I’m learning about best practices for sharing my #CancerAdvocacy on social media. Feeling empowered at the @CancerSurvivorship #CPAT24 Symposium.

Networking Activity

X LinkedIn Instagram Facebook
Engaging in a fantastic networking activity at the @CancerAdvocacy #CPAT24 Symposium. Building connections and sharing ideas! #CancerAdvocacy Engaging in meaningful networking activities at the @NCCSCancerSurvivorship #CPAT24 Symposium. Building connections and strengthening our advocacy community. #CancerAdvocacy #Networking [Selfie with Veronika Panagiotou speaking in the background or Group Selfie during activity] Networking and connecting at the @CancerSurvivorship #CPAT24 Symposium. Together, we’re stronger! #CancerAdvocacy [Selfie with Veronika Panagiotou speaking in the background or Group Selfie during activity] Networking and connecting at the @CancerSurvivorship #CPAT24 Symposium. Together, we’re stronger! #CancerAdvocacy

Hill Day Preparation

X LinkedIn Instagram Facebook
Preparing for @CancerAdvocacy Hill Day with insights from @SfuldNasso and @VeronikaP88. Ready to advocate! #CPAT24 #CancerAdvocacy #NCCS Preparing for Hill Day with invaluable insights from @ShelleyFuldNasso, @VeronikaPanagiotou, and @ soapbox-consulting-llc. I’m ready to make my voice heard. #CPAT24 #CancerAdvocacy @NCCSCancerSurvivorship [Selfie with speakers in the background] Hill Day preparation in full swing! Thanks to @SFuldNasso, @VPanag and Soapbox Consulting for the great prep session! #ImReady #CancerAdvocacy #CPAT2024 @CancerSurvivorship [Selfie with speakers in the background] Hill Day preparation in full swing! Thanks to Shelley Fuld Nasso, Veronika Panagiotou and Soapbox Consulting for the great prep session! #ImReady #CancerAdvocacy #CPAT2024 @CancerSurvivorship

Hill Day Kick-Off

X LinkedIn Instagram Facebook
I’m feeling energized and ready to meet with my congressional leaders! #NCCSHillDay2024 here I come! #CPAT24 #CancerAdvocacy @CancerAdvocacy I’m feeling energized and ready to meet with my congressional leaders! #NCCSHillDay2024 here I come! #CPAT24 #CancerAdvocacy @NCCSCancerSurvivorship I’m feeling energized and ready to meet with my congressional leaders! #NCCSHillDay2024 here I come! #CPAT24 #CancerAdvocacy @CancerSurvivorship I’m feeling energized and ready to meet with my congressional leaders! #NCCSHillDay2024 here I come! #CPAT24 #CancerAdvocacy @CancerSurvivorship

Hill Meetings

X LinkedIn Instagram Facebook
I just met with [insert legislator’s handle] and feel confident they see the benefits of supporting #CancerSurvivorship legislation. #CPAT24 #NCCSHillDay2024 This is #CancerAdvocacy #QualityCancerCare for all! @CancerAdvocacy [Image of meeting with congress members] Hill Meetings are underway! Passionately discussing cancer policy with congressional leaders [or insert/tag handle]. #CPAT24 This is #CancerAdvocacy #NCCSHillDay2024 #QualityCancerCare for all! @NCCSCancerSurvivorship [Image of meeting with congress members] Hill Meetings are underway! Passionately discussing cancer policy with congressional leaders [or insert/tag handle]. #CPAT24 This is #CancerAdvocacy #NCCSHillDay2024 #QualityCancerCare for all! @CancerSurvivorship [Image of meeting with congress members] Hill Meetings are underway! Passionately discussing cancer policy with congressional leaders [or insert/tag handle]. #CPAT24 This is #CancerAdvocacy #NCCSHillDay2024 #QualityCancerCare for all! @CancerSurvivorship

Improving Doctor-Patient Communications Activity

X LinkedIn Instagram Facebook
Starting the last day of @CancerAdvocacy’s #CPAT24 with an activity on improving doctor-patient communication, led by Dr. Ana Maria López. #CancerAdvocacy The final day of the @NCCSCancerSurvivorship #CPAT24 Symposium began with an insightful activity on improving doctor-patient communication, led by Dr. Ana Maria López. Enhancing these skills is vital for effective advocacy. #CancerAdvocacy #Communication [Selfie with Dr. Ana Maria López speaking in the background] Starting day 3 of @CancerSurvivorship’s #CPAT24 Symposium with a valuable session on improving doctor-patient communication led by Dr. Ana Maria López #CancerAdvocacy Kicking off the final day of the #CPAT24 Symposium with Dr. Ana Maria López leading an activity on improving doctor-patient communication. #CancerAdvocacy @CancerSurvivorship

Demystifying Palliative Care

X LinkedIn Instagram Facebook
Demystifying Palliative Care with Dr. C. Robert Bennett @CancerAdvocacy’s #CPAT24 Symposium. Important insights for all #CancerSurvivors #CancerAdvocacy Learning about palliative care with Dr. C. Robert Bennett at the @NCCSCancerSurvivorship #CPAT24 Symposium. This session has me feeling empowered with crucial knowledge. This is #CancerAdvocacy! [Selfie with Dr. C. Robert Bennett speaking in the background] Learning about palliative care with Dr. C. Robert Bennett at the @CancerSurvivorship #CPAT24 Symposium. This session has me feeling empowered with crucial knowledge. This is #CancerAdvocacy! Dr. C. Robert Bennett provided valuable insights on demystifying palliative care. This is essential knowledge for all of us. #CPAT24 #CancerAdvocacy #CancerSurvivorship

Keynote: Skin in the Game

X LinkedIn Instagram Facebook
Listening to an inspiring keynote by Drs. Samantha and Samuel Siegel on cancer survivorship. Their stories are incredible! They really do have #SkinintheGame #CPAT24 #CancerAdvocacy The @NCCSCancerSurvivorship #CPAT24 Symposium keynote on cancer survivorship with Drs. Samantha and Samuel Siegel has me feeling inspired and empowered! This is #CancerAdvocacy #CancerSurvivorship #SkinintheGame [Selfie with Drs. Samantha and Samuel Siegel speaking in the background] Keynote on cancer survivorship with Drs. Samantha and Samuel Siegel. Feeling inspired and empowered. #CPAT24 #CancerAdvocacy #CancerSurvivorship #SkinintheGame The @CancerSurvivorship #CPAT24 Symposium keynote on cancer survivorship with Drs. Samantha and Samuel Siegel has me feeling inspired and empowered! This is #CancerAdvocacy #CancerSurvivorship #SkinintheGame

Sexual Health and Intimacy in Survivorship

X LinkedIn Instagram Facebook
Ending the @CancerAdvocacy #CPAT24 Symposium with a crucial discussion on sexual health and intimacy in survivorship with Dr. Georgia Anderson. Learned so much! #CancerAdvocacy #CancerSurvivorship Ending the @CancerAdvocacy #CPAT24 Symposium with a crucial discussion on sexual health and intimacy in survivorship with Dr. Georgia Anderson. Learned so much! #CancerAdvocacy #CancerSurvivorship [Selfie with Dr. Georgia Anderson speaking in the background] Wrapping up the @CancerSurvivorship #CPAT24 Symposium with a crucial discussion on sexual health and intimacy in survivorship with Dr. Georgia Anderson. Learned so much! #CancerAdvocacy #CancerSurvivorship Wrapping up the @CancerSurvivorship #CPAT24 Symposium with a crucial discussion on sexual health and intimacy in survivorship with Dr. Georgia Anderson. Learned so much! #CancerAdvocacy #CancerSurvivorship

Hill Day Training Videos & Resources

Please watch the recorded videos linked below if you are participating in Hill Day meetings to help you prepare. We will provide an overview and answer questions during the Hill Day Prep Session on June 26, but we provide more in-depth information in the videos below.

Preparing for Hill Meetings

In this presentation, CEO Shelley Fuld Nasso describes what you can expect in your Hill meetings, including dos and don’ts for meetings, how meetings are typically structured, what to do after a meeting (e.g. tweet your legislator, send a thank-you email, etc.), and how to stay involved with your members of Congress when you return home.

Running time: 20:09

Video Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:35 Congress Basics
07:23 What Role Do Advocates Play?
09:19 DOs and DON’Ts for Hill Meetings
15:18 Conducting the Meeting
16:20 After the Meeting, Maintaining Relationships
17:53 CPAT Hill Day Information

Legislative Ask Details 2024

This presentation gives you more background about the two bills that we’re advocating for during this year’s CPAT Hill Day. The Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act (CCSA), is a large package with a number of provisions to improve survivorship, treatment, and transition for all survivors. The Cancer Care Planning & Communications Act (CCPCA) is a standalone bill that is very similar to the care planning provision in the CCSA. Learn about how each bill will help cancer survivors.

Running time: 15:52

Video Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:22 Our Two Legislative Asks: CCSA & CCPCA
03:08 CCSA (H.R. 4363/S. 2213) Details
12:57 CCPCA (H.R. 5183) Details

CCSA Fact Sheet (2023 Version)
This fact sheet summarizes the need for the CCSA and highlights some of the most important provisions.
CCSA Fact Sheet

CCSA: Section-By-Section Summary
This document breaks down each of the provisions in the CCSA and describes them in detail.
CCSA Section-By-Section Breakdown

How to Tell Your Story

This short Telling Your Story presentation that walks you through how to use the Telling Your Story worksheet 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.

Running time: 6:23

Telling Your Story Slide Deck (PDF)

Media Training Webinar

Press Release Template (Word Doc) – A template press release that you can personalize and share with your local TV media in your community about your Hill meetings with Members of Congress.

Example Advocate Press Release (Word Doc)

Hill Meeting Scheduling

NCCS is working with Soapbox Consulting to schedule Hill meetings for those attending this year!

Soapbox will email you your preliminary schedule the week before Hill Day. That email will include a website for each attendee to enter a unique schedule code. 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 the email addresses of others in your group.

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, 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. Soapbox will join us during our Hill Day Prep Session on June 26 to distribute final schedules and answer any questions.

Event Logistics

2023 CPAT In-Person Symposium Virtual Meet and Greet

Join Shelley, Haley, and Veronika to ask any logistics and policy questions about joining us in DC. Kara and Michael Holtz will be in attendance to answer any social media or traditional media questions too.

June 14, 2023, 04:00 PM Eastern Time

Hotel

  • The Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill is located at 400 New Jersey Avenue NW. The hotel has a map and directions on their website.
  • Registration and the Symposium sessions on Wednesday and Thursday will take place in the Congressional A room. Programming on Friday will be in the Thornton Room.

Getting Around

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. 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 and encouraged at the Symposium. Some legislative office may ask you to put them on when you visit. 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 NCCS colors of yellow and blue!