Cancer Nation
Ambassador Application

From experience to action—leading the way to a Cure for Care.

2026 Cancer Nation Ambassador Application

The Cancer Nation Leadership Academy brings together survivors, caregivers, and health care professionals who are ready to improve cancer care in their communities and care settings.

Through the Cancer Nation Leadership Academy, advocates gain training, mentorship, and a national network to help turn their experiences and insights into real change. From in-person training to ongoing collaboration, Cancer Nation Ambassadors develop and lead projects that address gaps in care and improve how people experience cancer at every stage.

Changing cancer care isn’t easy. It takes time, commitment, and the willingness to challenge what isn’t working. We know that the people closest to the problem are closest to the solution. This is an opportunity to step forward to lead, collaborate, and build something better for the people around us navigating cancer care.

2026 Cancer Nation Ambassador Program Application Deadline: Sunday May 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.

Learn about the current Cancer Nation Ambassadors and what they have been working on here.

Cancer Nation Ambassador Criteria

An applicant must be:

  • A cancer survivor, caregiver, or survivorship professional (researcher, health care professional, or nonprofit professional), age 18 or older, who has been touched by cancer.
  • Committed to working in a local or virtual community to improve cancer care.
  • A resident of the United States of America.

Preferred Expertise & Composition. Ideal applicants have a foundational understanding of cancer care systems, established relationships within the cancer community, and the ability to communicate effectively in both virtual and in-person settings.  We’re looking for individuals who are ready to collaborate, share their perspective, and lead conversations that drive change.

Program and Time Commitment

Program expectations include:

  • Project Leadership:
    Participants will design and lead a care improvement project, including identifying gaps in care, defining goals, building a project plan and timeline, and implementing solutions that move us closer to a Cure for Care.
  • Virtual Kickoff:
    Participation in a virtual kickoff session to connect with fellow ambassadors and begin program development training.
    Wednesday, July 8, 2026, 4:00 – 6:00 PM ET
  • In-Person Training:
    Attendance at a required in-person Cancer Nation Leadership Academy training in Washington, DC. This experience will focus on program management, storytelling, understanding the cancer care landscape, and systems change. Travel and lodging will be provided by Cancer Nation.
    Thursday, August 13 to Friday, August 14, 2026
  • Learning Collaborative Sessions:
    Participation in a series of virtual sessions designed to deepen skills, share progress, and learn from peers and experts across the cancer community.

    • Wednesday, October 14, 2026
    • Wednesday, December 9, 2026
    • Wednesday, February 10, 2027
    • Wednesday, April 14, 2027
    • Wednesday, June 9, 2027
  • Mentorship and Support:
    Ongoing guidance from the Cancer Nation team, along with peer collaboration and shared learning across the cohort.
  • Progress and Accountability:
    Participants will track and share progress on their project goals, milestones, and impact throughout the program.
  • Collaborative Partnership:
    Participants are expected to work with at least one committed collaborator (e.g., community partner, health care professional, or organization) who will support project development and implementation. This partnership is central to ensuring real-world impact and sustainability.

Application Form

All applicants who successfully submit an application will receive a confirmation email. Please check your spam folder. Contact Veronika Panagiotou, PhD at vpanagiotou@canceradvocacy.org before the deadline if you have any questions.

Incomplete applications will not be considered for the Cancer Nation Leadership Academy. The letter of recommendation must be uploaded into the application and will not be accepted via email.

Applications will be reviewed by Cancer Nation staff, Ambassadors, and mentors.  Applicants will be notified of acceptance into the program by June 18, 2026.

The deadline for 2026 Cancer Nation Ambassador applications has passed. Subscribe to Cancer Nation email updates, and you’ll be informed when the Ambassador opportunity is available again. If you have any questions about the program, please contact Veronika Panagiotou at vpanagiotou@canceradvocacy.org.

"*" indicates required fields

Applications must be submitted by Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.
Name*
Examples: she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc...
Address*
Date of Birth*
Email*
Are you a Cancer Survivor and/or a Caregiver?*
Cancer Type(s) (Optional)
Select any/all that apply.
Are you a...?*
Select any/all that apply.
If you're not affiliated with an organization, type "N/A"
Gender*
Do you identify as LGBTQ+?*
Race/Ethnicity*
Select all that apply.
e.g. @CancerAdvocacy
e.g. https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronikapanagiotou/
e.g. @CancerSurvivorship

Expertise and Interests

Cancer Nation recommends that you save your answers to the following questions in a separate document and copy/paste them into the form before submitting your application.
Tell us what drives you to step into leadership and how you want to help improve cancer care.
This could include physical, emotional, financial, or system-level barriers across the cancer care continuum.
Your project proposal should include:
  • Proposed project name
  • Location
  • Who it serves
  • Potential collaborations or partners
  • Three goals
  • Desired outcomes and impact
This can include personal experience, caregiving, clinical work, advocacy, or community involvement.
Share examples of your voice in action (OPTIONAL)
Include links to articles, videos or other works that reflects your perspective and leadership.

Click the "Plus" symbol to add more than one link.
Description
Link
 
In-Person Training Attendance*
Do you understand and commit to the time required to fully participate in the Cancer Nation Leadership Academy and lead a project?*
(MS Word, PDF, Google, RTF, or OpenOffice formats accepted.)
Drop files here or
Accepted file types: doc, docx, pdf, gdoc, rtf, odt, Max. file size: 10 MB, Max. files: 3.
    Your letter must come from a collaborator connected to your proposed project (e.g., a community partner, health care professional, organization, or institution).

    The letter should speak to:
    • Your ability to lead and collaborate.
    • Your commitment to improving cancer care.
    • The collaborator’s role in supporting your proposed project.
    • The potential impact of your work.
    (MS Word, PDF, Google, or OpenOffice formats accepted.)
    Accepted file types: doc, docx, pdf, rtf, gdoc, odt, fodt, Max. file size: 10 MB.
    Certification*

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