Cancer Policy & Advocacy Team (CPAT) Symposium
June 25 – 27, 2025
The Morrow Hotel
222 M Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
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:
- Visit Capitol Hill to share your story with your representatives and advocate for quality cancer care.
- Learn about topics including survivorship legislation, mental health, and self care in advocacy.
- Join the Igniting Hope: Celebrating Advocacy & Survivorship, where NCCS will present the 2025 Ellen L. Stovall Awards.
- Participate in 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.
Symposium Agenda
Note: All times are Eastern Time.
Tentative Symposium Agenda (PDF)
Wednesday, June 25
| 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 Soapbox Consulting Staff |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner |
Thursday, June 26
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 8:00 AM | Hill Day Kick-Off on Capitol Hill, Group Photo |
| 9:00 AM | Hill Meetings |
| 7:00 PM | Igniting Hope: Celebrating Advocacy & Survivorship |
Friday, June 27
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 8:30 AM | Capitol Hill Debrief
Shelley Fuld Nasso, MPP Andrea Hans |
| 9:00 AM | Writing Medicine Workshop
Dr. Laurel Braitman |
| 10:45 AM | Break |
| 11:00 AM | Mental Health in Survivorship Keynote |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM | Self-Care In Advocacy |
| 1:45 PM | Farewell and Evaluations |
Speaker Biographies
Laurel Braitman, PhD
Bestselling Author
Director of Writing and Storytelling
Stanford School of Medicine
Laurel Braitman is a bestselling author, speaker, educator, and a trailblazer in the field of medical storytelling. Laurel inspires healing and mental wellness through her books and her work as the Director of Writing and Storytelling at the Stanford School of Medicine. She is author of the memoir What Looks Like Bravery: An Epic Journey Through Loss to Love (Simon & Schuster) and the popular science book Animal Madness. She holds a PhD in Science, Technology and Society from MIT and is the founder of Writing Medicine, a global community of writing healthcare professionals. Her work has been featured on the BBC, NPR, Good Morning America and Al Jazeera. Her writing has appeared in The Guardian, on Radiolab, in The Wall Street Journal, Wired, National Geographic and other publications.
Laurel lives on her family’s citrus and avocado ranch in Southern California.
Kara 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, MPP
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.
Andrea Hans
Public Policy Manager
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
Andrea Hans manages public policy at the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. 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.
Survivorship Challenge: The Road to CPAT
Join the Survivorship Challenge: The Road to CPAT fundraiser to raise funds for NCCS and help other survivor advocates attend the CPAT Symposium.
- Raise $300+ and receive an exclusive CPAT t-shirt.
- Raise $500+ and receive special recognition during the first night at CPAT.
- The top fundraiser will be recognized at the Igniting Hope: Celebrating Advocacy & Survivorship reception on June 26.
We recommend that you first read the Survivorship Challenge Fundraising Guide and then create your fundraising page here.
Learn How to Fundraise
The Survivorship Challenge Fundraising Guide provides instructions to help you have a successful fundraiser. Instructions include:
- How to successfully set up your fundraising page.
- Tips for crafting compelling fundraising messages and stories.
- Access to 2024 CPAT photos to use on your fundraising page.
- Email and social media templates to help share your fundraiser.
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
Travel and Day One
Traveling to CPAT
| X | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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
Hill Day Kick-Off
| X | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 |
Day Three
Improving Doctor-Patient Communications Activity
| X | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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
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)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
- From Reagan National Airport (DCA), you can take Metro to Union Station, which is two blocks from the hotel.
- From Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI), we encourage you to take a shuttle.
- If you are driving, note that parking at the hotel is $62 overnight. A less expensive alternative is the Hall of The States Garage (Colonial Parking), which is 2 blocks from the hotel.
- The Washington Metro is a great option for getting around Washington, DC, if you are doing any sight-seeing while you are here.
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!
2025 CPAT Program Supporters
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:
or email Kara Kenan (kkenan@canceradvocacy.org) photos you’d like shared by NCCS.
Symposium Graphics Template (Canva):
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.