For every survivor, cancer will be a very different and personal experience. Cancer survivors are some of the most vulnerable patients in the health care system and their care and the cancer journey do not end once active treatment ends.
With more than 18 million cancer survivors in the United States, and 26 million expected by 2040, the Cancer Survivorship Summit is a collaborative opportunity to shine a light on all those impacted by cancer throughout this journey, and discuss critical gaps in survivorship care, key policy proposals and providing national, state and community-based resources and support services.
The Summit will provide education and awareness about survivorship; highlight the survivorship journey for survivors, their family members and caregivers, and providers; ensure survivors are not lost along their journey and gain an in-depth understanding of what they will face and how to navigate their diagnosis; offer support through hope and community resources; and bring together like-minded individuals and organizations with the same goals and mission to forge connections and generate collaborative opportunities.
The Summit will host the following features:
1. Keynote: The Summit will feature a keynote speech from Bill Zito, President and General Manager of the Florida Panthers NHL Hockey Club.
2. Fireside Chat: The Summit will feature a fireside chat with Kristen Dahlgren, Founder and CEO of Cancer Vaccine Coalition and Dr. Duane Mitchell, Director of the UF Clinical Translational Science Institute (CTSI) at the University of Florida College of Medicine, to discuss the role and hope of cancer vaccines in the fight against cancer.
3. Special Guests: The Summit will feature a survivorship story from Lainie Jones.
4. Panels: The Summit will feature two panel discussions covering care planning and social determinants of health.
5. Presentations: The Summit will feature four speakers, each focused on a specific topic, including early detection, hereditary cancer, pediatric cancer, and mental health.
6. Workshops: The Summit will feature three interactive workshops focusing on Survivorship Connections, Thriving After Cancer: Healthy Living in Survivorship, and Financial Toxicity.
7. Resource Fair: The Summit will have a Resource Fair ongoing throughout the event. The fair will provide survivors, their families and caregivers, and providers with relevant information about resources in the community, education and awareness, and opportunities for networking and further outreach.
8. Mobile Vans: The Summit will host mobile units providing services to attendees. Services include primary care, health education, blood pressure check, glucose screening, HIV testing, and cancer screenings.
9. Video Messages: Throughout the Summit there will be video messages from survivors, advocates, caregivers, and more.
INFORMATION ON SPEAKERS & PANELISTS CAN BE FOUND HERE
Keynote Speech
The Summit will feature a keynote speech from Bill Zito, President and General Manager of the Florida Panthers Hockey Club.
Fireside Chat
Are we on the Cusp of a Cancer Free Future?
How AI and Immunology are Creating Hope for Survivors.
Purpose:
This engaging conversation brings together cancer survivor perspectives who have faced their journeys with resilience, alongside a leading research scientist dedicated to developing cancer vaccines. Discover personal stories of hope, healing, and perseverance, while also gaining insights into groundbreaking research that aims to prevent recurrence through vaccination. Learn how scientific progress is opening new doors for survivor-centered therapies and what the future holds for cancer prevention and care. Join us to explore the powerful connection between personal resilience and cutting-edge science in the fight against cancer.
Moderator: Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, FL-25
Participants:
1. Kristen Dahlgren, Cancer Vaccine Coalition
2. Dr. Duane Mitchell, University of Florida College of Medicine
Panels
The Summit will feature two panel discussions.
Survivorship Care: Planning and Supporting the Patient’s Journey
Purpose: This segment will begin the discussion on the survivorship journey after diagnosis. We will discuss the importance of survivorship care planning and care coordination, as well as how survivors can prepare to transition to post-treatment care. The speakers will talk about the importance of obtaining and using a robust care plan and what comes next, so survivors are not lost in transition, where they can get support, and how providers and their patients interact during this phase.
Moderator: Shelley Fuld Nasso, Cancer Nation
Speakers:
1. Dr. Frank Penedo, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
2. Dr. Jonathan D. Licht, University of Florida Health Cancer Center
3. Dr. Susan Vadaparampil, Moffitt Cancer Center
Addressing Social Determinants and Unmet Social Needs
Purpose: This segment will highlight social determinants of health and their impact on survivors. It will also highlight racial and ethnic disparities that affect certain communities.
Moderator: Maray Salina, Memorial Cancer Institute
Speakers:
1. Dr. Alejandra Perez, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
2. Dr. Michael Hall, Fox Chase Cancer Center
3. Dr. Loretta Erhunmwunsee, City of Hope Cancer Center
Presentations
The Summit will feature four presentations.
The Importance of Early Detection
Purpose: This set will provide education and awareness that highlights the importance of early detection. It will address different barriers to accessing preventive care that may reduce patients’ chances of being diagnosed and treated quickly. It will also provide an overview of different programs and resources available for people to seek preventive care.
Speaker: Dr. Sarah Temkin, American Cancer Society (ACS)
Demystifying & Dispelling Myths About Cancer Genetic Testing
Purpose: This set will focus on genetic disposition and hereditary cancers. The speakers can discuss how some people have higher predisposition to cancer, such as Ashkenazi Jews, Black women, and Hispanics, and talk about the value of genetic testing, as well as who should consider getting counseling or testing and when.
Speaker: Dr. Sue Friedman, Facing Hereditary Cancer Empowered (FORCE) and Dr. Carman Calfa, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Beyond Survival: Managing the Lasting Impact of Pediatric Cancer Treatments
Purpose: September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and this set will be dedicated to discussing the unique challenges children face, especially during transition to adulthood. It will focus on side effects and patient impact, such as socialization, employment, fertility, and quality of life.
Speaker: Dr. Haneen Abdella, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Mental Health
Purpose: This set will focus on mental health in cancer care, including common struggles patients encounter like the side effects of treatment. It will discuss follow up care and management of persisting side effects after various treatments.
Speakers: Dr. Timmy Nguyen, Cleveland Clinic
Workshops
Survivorship Connections – Gilda’s Club South Florida
In this interactive presentation, Gilda’s Club South Florida will describe the 5 core support services it uses to address cancer care and the social determinants of health core. They’ll provide emphasis on psychological impact of cancer and their services to address it. They’ll begin with an activity to illustrate social connection, discuss core services, and end with a mindfulness activity.
Learning Objectives:
· Describe the five core services provided by Gilda’s Club South Florida and their role in supporting individuals and families impacted by cancer.
· Recognize the impact of community-based programming in reducing social isolation and promoting emotional well-being among those affected by cancer.
· Experience and reflect on the use of wellness-based interventions as effective tools for fostering connection and increasing engagement.
Team Members: Kahli Mercik, VP Programs and Services
Thriving After Cancer: Healthy Living in Survivorship - Baptist Health Cancer Care
This interactive workshop explores strategies for maintaining physical, emotional, and social well-being after cancer treatment, with a focus on holistic survivorship care. Participants will learn practical tools for managing common post-treatment challenges, building resilience, and embracing healthy lifestyle habits that support long-term wellness.
Learning Objectives:
• Identify common physical, emotional, and social challenges faced by cancer survivors.
• Understand evidence-based strategies to reduce fear of cancer recurrence and improve mental well-being.
• Explore nutrition, movement, stress management, and wellness practices that promote recovery and vitality.
• Learn about available survivorship programs, support networks, and community resources.
Team Members: Dr. Kristina Espinosa, Psy.D, PMH-C, Miami Cancer Institute; Darci McNally, LCSW, OSW-C, Lynn Cancer Institute; Rosemary Carrera, 305 Pink Pack
Navigating Financial Toxicity for Cancer Survivors – Blood Cancer United (formerly Leukemia & Lymphoma Society)
The presentation "Navigating Financial Toxicity for Cancer Survivors" will cover the economic strain of cancer treatment costs, the importance of understanding Explanation of Benefits (EOB), and the process of managing insurance appeals. It highlights various financial assistance resources, including pharmaceutical aid, nonprofits, and government programs. The presentation also emphasizes the importance of open communication with healthcare providers and financial counselors to explore different options.
Learning Objectives:
• Understanding Financial Toxicity in Cancer Care
• Deciphering Your Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
• Navigating Appeals and Maintaining Insurance Coverage
• Accessing Financial Assistance and Support Resources
• Collaborating With Your Healthcare Provider
Team Members: Seth Berkowitz, LCSW, CCLS, Blood Cancer United (formerly Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) and Angela Dill, LCSW, OSW-C, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Special Guests
Video Messages
*Please note that there may be additional videos featured in the program. Videos are subject to change.
1. Ambassador Nancy Brinker
2. Senator Amy Klobuchar
3. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick
4. Congressman Jamie Raskin
5. Congresswoman Lucy McBath
6. State Representative Marie Woodson
7. Katie Couric
8. Alonzo Mourning
9. Andrea Mitchell
7:30am Doors Open / Registration Open
8:00am-3:00pm Resource Fair Open - Mobile Vans Available
9:00am-9:15am Set 1: Welcome Messages
Dr. Chad Perlyn, M.D. - Chief Medical Officer for NSU, Executive VP for NSU Health and Dean of NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine
Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz, FL-25
9:15am-9:30am Set 2: The Importance of Early Detection
Dr. Sarah Temkin, ACS-CAN
9:30am-9:35am Set 3: Survivorship Story
Lainie Jones, The Early Detective
9:35am-10:20am Set 4: Survivorship Care: Planning and Supporting the Patient’s Journey
Shelley Fuld Nasso, Cancer Nation
Dr. Frank Penedo, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. Jonathan D. Licht, University of Florida Health Cancer Center
Dr. Susan Vadaparampil, Moffitt Cancer Center
10:20am-10:35am Set 5: Demystifying and Dispelling Myths About Cancer Genetic Testing
Dr. Sue Friedman, FORCE
Dr. Carmen Calfa, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
10:35am-10:45am Break: Video Messages
10:45am-11:00am Set 6: Mental Health
Dr. Timmy Nguyen, Cleveland Clinic
11:00am-11:45pm Set 7: Addressing Social Determinants and Unmet Social Needs
Maray Salina, Memorial Cancer Institute
Dr. Alejandra Perez, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. Michael Hall, Fox Chase Cancer Center
Dr. Loretta Erhunmwunsee, City of Hope Cancer Center
11:45am-12:00pm Set 8: Beyond Survival: Managing the Lasting Impact of Pediatric Cancer Treatments
Dr. Haneen Abdella, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
12:00pm-12:30pm Set 9: Fireside Chat: Are we on the Cusp of a Cancer Free Future? How AI and Immunology are Creating Hope for Survivors
Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz, FL-25
Kristen Dahlgren, Cancer Vaccine Coalition
Dr. Duane Mitchell, University of Florida College of Medicine
12:30pm-12:55pm Set 10: Keynote Remarks
Intro by Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz
Bill Zito, Florida Panthers Hockey Club
12:55pm-1:00pm Set 11: Closing Remarks
Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz, FL-25
1:00pm-1:30pm Lunch Break
1:30pm-3:00pm Workshops Begin
Survivorship Connections – Gilda’s Club South Florida
Thriving After Cancer: Healthy Living in Survivorship - Baptist Health Cancer Care
Navigating Financial Toxicity for Cancer Survivors - Blood Cancer United
1:30pm-2:15pm Session A
2:15pm-3:00pm Session B
1 – BAPTIST, MCI
The Kathryn Krickstein Pressel MammoVan travels throughout South Florida to provide early breast cancerdetection services and breast health education. The MammoVan combines comfort and high quality care. The customized exam suites offer the most advanced 3D mammography in a lovely, calming setting. The MammoVan is an extension of the Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute and the Schmidt Family Center for Breast Care. For more information, please visit: www.baptisthealth.net/mammovan
2 - BROWARD COMMUNITY & FAMILY HEALTHCARE CENTER (BCOMM), MOBILE UNIT
BCOMM’s Mobile Unit goes out to the community at large in Broward County and provides services like health education, blood pressure check, glucose screening, and HIV testing. They serve everyone in general while focusing on those with no or insufficient health coverage. For more information, please visit: www.BCOMMHealth.org
3 - MAMMOLINK
Mammolink is a mobile breast cancer screening service that brings advanced 3D mammography and breast ultrasound directly to workplaces, schools, medical offices, and community locations. We have 5 buses that serve a big portion of the state of Florida. Appointments take 10 minutes, require no prescription, and are read by a fellowship-trained breast radiologist, Dr. Ryan Polselli. We accept all insurance plans, medicare and medicaid and there’s no cost for organizations to host us on-site. Our goal is to make early detection easy, convenient, and accessible... helping more women get screened without the barriers of travel, time off work, or complicated scheduling. For more information, please visit:
https://www.3dmobilemammography.com/
4 - MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, PRIMARY CARE MOBILE HEALTH CENTER
The Memorial Healthcare System Primary Care Mobile Health Center provides free healthcare services to uninsured adults residing in South Broward Hospital District. The Mobile Health Center provides the following services: COVID-19 Vaccines, general medical exams, screening, and sick visits, prevention screening examinations, general medical exams, and video telehealth appointments available for sick patients. For more information, please visit: https://www.mhs.net/locations/memorial-mobile-health-center
5 - MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
The Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Mobile Health Center provides free, pediatric healthcare services to uninsured children residing in South Broward Hospital District, including: School physicals and vaccines, Vision and hearing screenings, Flu vaccine, Immunizations, Primary care physician referrals, Video telehealth appointments are available for sick patients. For more information, please visit: https://www.jdch.com/locations/mobile-health-center
6 - UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SYLVESTER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER, GAME CHANGER VAN
The University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, through its Outreach and Engagement team, is dedicated to bridging critical gaps in access to cancer education, prevention, and research, especially within underserved and underrepresented communities. One of our flagship initiatives is the Sylvester Game Changer mobile clinic, which delivers free cancer screenings and prevention education across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Our services include free screenings for cervical, colorectal, liver, and prostate cancers, informative educational sessions, and referrals for additional health-related needs. To learn more and attend an event where we can offer these screenings, visit SylvesterGameChanger.com. For more information, please visit: https://umiamihealth.org/en/sylvester-comprehensive-cancer-center/research/community-outreach-activity/game-changer-vehicles
7 - UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SYLVESTER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER, FIREFIGHTER CANCER INITIATIVE (FCI) MOBILE CLINIC
The Firefighter Cancer Initiative (FCI) Cares-to-Go Mobile Clinic is a community-based health service designed to bring cancer prevention, screening, and education directly to fire departments. By meeting firefighters where they work, the mobile clinic reduces barriers to care, promotes early detection, and supports the long-term health and wellness of the fire service. Individualized appointments focus on comprehensive health screenings for prevention and early detection of cancer. The dedicated medical staff is trained to address active and retired firefighters’ unique needs. Screenings will include, but are not limited to, breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, prostate, thyroid, and skin cancers. For more information, please visit: https://umiamihealth.org/en/sylvester-comprehensive-cancer-center/research/firefighter-cancer-initiative
