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.
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 |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner |
Thursday, June 26
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 7:30 AM | Hill Day Kick-Off on Capitol Hill, Group Photo |
| 9:00 AM | Hill Meetings |
| 6:00 PM | Igniting Hope Awards Reception
Susan Leigh, BSN, RN Desirée A.H. Walker Gov. Larry Hogan Igniting Hope Event Page » |
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 | Hope Heals: Reigniting Purpose and Peace in the Journey of Advocacy
Dr. L. Imani Price |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM | Understanding Mental Health Care for Caregivers
Claire C. Conley, PhD Karen Archer, LCSW, OSW-C Lindsey Wamsley, LPC-S Shelley Fuld Nasso, MPP |
| 1:45 PM | Farewell and Evaluations |
Speaker Biographies
Laurel Braitman, PhDKaren Archer, LCSW, OSW-CClaire Conley, PhDAndrea HansKara KenanShelley Fuld Nasso, MPPDr. LaRay PriceLindsey Wamsley LPC-SDebra Curtis
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.
Download Take-Home Writing Prompts from the Workshop (PDF) »
Karen Archer, LCSW, OSW-C
Behavioral Health Therapist, Oncology
Inova Health System’s Life with Cancer program
Karen is a licensed Clinical Social Worker and has an Oncology Social Work Certification. She earned her master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2001. She has worked in the field of oncology for over 35 years. She joined Life with Cancer (LWC) in 2014. Prior to coming to LWC she worked at Inova Loudoun Hospital in the Radiation Oncology department for 17 years. In December 2014, she moved to Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (IFOH), and assumed the role of a behavioral health therapist, oncology for Life with Cancer. She has special interest in offering complementary modalities and counseling in cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety, compassion-focused therapy, end-of-life care, grief/bereavement, and survivorship. In addition to providing counseling to individual patients and caregivers, she facilitates support groups and develops programs with the LWC team. She enjoys spending time with her family, her cats and in nature.
Claire Conley, PhD
Assistant Professor of Oncology
Georgetown University
Claire Conley, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Oncology and a member of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program within the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University Medical Center. She obtained her PhD in clinical health psychology from the Ohio State University in 2018 and completed post-doctoral training in the NCI-funded T32 Behavioral Oncology Training Program at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida.
As a clinical health psychologist, Dr. Conley has worked in a variety of medical settings, including providing inpatient and outpatient services to people with cancer. Her research broadly focuses on psychosocial issues across the cancer continuum, from prevention to end-of-life. Key themes of her work include: (1) prevention and early detection among those at increased risk for cancer, (2) quality of life and survivorship issues for people living with advanced cancer, and (3) reducing cancer-related health disparities. Dr. Conley’s ultimate goal is to support decision-making and improve quality of life for people with cancer through novel behavioral interventions. She has received research funding from the National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Dr. Conley also advocates for continued funding for cancer research at the state and national levels. She has served as a scientist advocate at “Moffitt Day” at the Florida legislature in Tallahassee, FL, and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Medical Research Hill Day in Washington DC. Dr. Conley has also trained other psychologists in advocacy best practices through the American Psychological Association.
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.
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.
Dr. LaRay Price
Licensed Psychologist
Centers for Counseling and Wellness, Int’l
Dr. LaRay Imani Price, “The Resilience Doc,” is a licensed clinical psychologist, Army veteran, author, and founder of the Women’s InnerFitness & Wellness Center, a multi-state and global practice dedicated to the mental wellness of women, veterans, and families. With a passion for resilience and holistic healing, Dr. Price has dedicated her career to creating safe and empowering spaces for individuals facing life’s most challenging challenges, including a cancer diagnosis.
She is the founder of Pink Pearls of Hope, a breast cancer awareness and support organization that has distributed chemo comfort baskets, hosted health education forums, and developed breast self-awareness kits for communities nationwide. Her commitment to psycho-oncology began during her doctoral training at Purdue University, where she conducted groundbreaking research on “Spirituality and Psychological Wellbeing in Women with Breast Cancer.” That dissertation laid the foundation for her lifelong work in cancer survivorship and whole-person healing.
Dr. Price is also the creator of the HOPE Protocol™, an integrative, mind-body wellness approach that helps women facing cancer embrace healing through Higher Power, Optimism, Purpose, and Empowerment. Her workbook, Hope Heals the Heart After a Cancer Diagnosis, combines clinical insights with spiritual encouragement to support women in navigating anxiety, depression, and pain with compassion and faith.
Through her clinical practice, nonprofit work, and national advocacy, Dr. Price remains a voice of healing and hope. She believes in the resilience of the human spirit and empowers others to find strength and peace, even in life’s hardest seasons.
Lindsey Wamsley LPC-S
Pediatric Behavioral Health Therapist III, Oncology
Inova Peterson Life with Cancer
Lindsey holds a BA in Psychology from the University of North Texas, an MA in Counseling from Dallas Baptist University, and is a licensed professional counselor-supervisor in the state of Texas and Virginia. Her research background includes work with pediatric hematology/oncology healthcare workers, implementation of the psychosocial standards of care, and attachment theory.
She is a trust-based relational intervention practitioner with over fifteen years of clinical experience heavily focused on serving children and adults who have experienced complex developmental trauma, survivors of domestic violence, and pediatric medical traumatic stress. She currently works alongside the most incredible team at INOVA where she is a pediatric behavioral health therapist, parent advisory team leader, and counseling supervisor. Lindsey is actively involved in the APOS, SIO, and her recent published works include a chapter focused on integrative approaches to stress in the new Comprehensive Integrative Oncology textbook.
In 2019 she joined the “best-worst” club of caregivers to childhood cancer warriors when her three-year-old daughter was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After surviving—not thriving during the COVID-19 pandemic her three children, husband, dog, and two cats can all be found living every day to it’s fullest and appreciating the little things like not sleeping on a hospital couch. When she’s not advocating for advances in childhood cancer research, she can be found writing fiction where at least one character in her novels is impacted by a chronic health condition.
Debra Curtis
McDermott+ Consulting
Debra Curtis is a highly-respected health policy authority who helps clients advance their missions in Congress and beyond. With more than three decades of experience working both on the Hill and with the health insurance exchange marketplace, she helps clients execute payment strategy, see around the corner on policy and regulatory changes, and pursue effective advocacy. In addition, Debbie has deep experience working closely with payers, industry stakeholders and government officials at the federal, state and local levels.
During her 24 years as a Congressional Staffer, Debbie served most recently in a joint position as Chief of Staff to US Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), and as a professional staff member on the US House of Representatives Committee on Ways & Means, Health Subcommittee. Debbie was integrally involved in the creation and movement of health legislation through the committee, with a focus on improving and protecting Medicare. She was a key staffer in the development of the Affordable Care Act, and worked closely with the Administration and other Congressional committees and Leadership on the implementation of the law.
Debbie joins McDermott+ from the DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority, where she was part of the founding team that established and operated DC Health Link, the District of Columbia’s online state-based health insurance exchange marketplace. In that capacity, she worked closely with stakeholders, advocates and government officials at the local and federal levels and led the Authority’s interactions with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
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. NCCS 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 Symposium. 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 blue!
- For the Igniting Hope Awards Reception on June 26, cocktail or business attire is suggested. We are excited to celebrate advocacy and survivorship.
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.
2025 CPAT Program 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.