Conference Sessions

Breakout Session
Jennifer Gile, MD

Medical Oncologist, Hematologist
Willamette Valley Cancer Institute & Research Center

CAR-T therapy and bispecific antibodies are changing the treatment landscape for certain blood cancers. Dr. Jennifer Gile will discuss how these newer therapies are being used, who may benefit, what patients can expect, and what they may mean for the future of cancer care. Let’s talk about the promise, the limitations, and the questions patients and families should be asking.

Breakout Session
Khaleed Alston, ND

Naturopathic Physician, Founder NuriQ

Cancer appointments can come with a lot of information all at once: test results, treatment options, medication changes, side effects, follow-up instructions, and unfamiliar medical terms. It can be hard to remember what was said, what questions to ask next, or how to explain it all to family afterward.

This session will explore how patients and caregivers can use digital tools, including patient portals, appointment-recording apps, and AI summaries to better understand and organize their care. We’ll also talk about important things to consider, including privacy, consent, accuracy, and when to go back to your medical team for clarification.

Breakout Session
Andreá Leiserowitz, PT, DPT, CLT

Board-Certified Specialist in Oncologic Physical Therapy
Cascade Health

The lymphatic system is a critical component of your body's defense against infection and cancer. Many cancer survivors (head and neck, lymphoma, melanoma, gynecological, prostate, breast) have a risk of lymphedema but don't realize it. Lymphedema is not currently curable; this session will teach you what lymphedema is, strategies to reduce the lifetime risk of it developing, and treatment recommendations.

Breakout Session
Michael Oakes, MD

Medical Oncologist, Hematologist
Willamette Valley Cancer Institute & Research Center

Clinical trials may be an option at different points in cancer care - not only after other treatments have stopped working. Learn how trials work, how participants are protected, how to search for an appropriate study, and what to consider before deciding whether to enroll. 

Breakout Session
Jennifer Gordon, MD, FACOG

Gynecologic Oncologist
Willamette Valley Cancer Institute & Research Center
Cancer treatment can affect sexual health in ways people are not always prepared for, including changes in desire, treatment-induced menopause, vaginal dryness or pain, pelvic symptoms, body image, and intimacy. Yet these concerns often go unspoken, leaving many women wondering what is normal and whether anything can be done.

In this candid and supportive session, Dr. Jennifer Gordon will discuss common sexual, hormonal, and pelvic health changes that can occur during and after cancer treatment. She'll explore why these changes happen, options that may help, and when to seek additional support. Attendees will also gain practical guidance for starting conversations with their healthcare team and finding the right resources and specialists when needed.

Grounded in gynecologic oncology, this session is intended for women affected by cancer who want a better understanding of sexual health during treatment and survivorship.

Breakout Session
Yaakov Levine, FNTP

Nutritional Health Coach
Natural Grocers

Eating on a budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the quality or flavor of your food. In this class, we’ll explore the impact of conventional budget foods and why they can cost more in the long run. You’ll learn how to build healthy, satisfying meals for less as we share practical tips to save money without compromising nutrition, so every dollar and bite goes further.

Breakout Session
Khaleed Alston, ND

Naturopathic Physician, Founder NuriQ

Cancer survivorship often comes with new questions about weight, nutrition, fatigue, muscle loss, inflammation, blood sugar, and long-term health. But advice like “eat healthy” or “be more active” can feel vague, overwhelming, or difficult to apply in real life.

In this session, Dr. Khaleed Alston, a naturopathic physician will explore what metabolic health means and why it may matter during and after cancer treatment. We’ll talk about practical, sustainable ways to think about nutrition, movement, body composition, energy, and overall wellness without shame, extremes, or one-size-fits-all advice. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of questions to ask their oncology team, primary care provider, or other trusted clinicians.

Breakout Session
Tara Hubbird

Cascade Health

Confronting serious illness is one of life’s toughest challenges, and the choices that follow are never easy. Join us for a candid and compassionate conversation about the full continuum of care—from home-based rehabilitation to symptom management and end-of-life support.

Breakout Session
Yaakov Levine, FNTP

Nutritional Health Coach
Natural Grocers

We all hope for more time with the people and experiences that matter most. But after a cancer diagnosis, many of us wonder: Are the years ahead going to be healthy ones? For many, lifespan—the total years we live—outpaces healthspan—the years we feel strong, vibrant, and well. Let’s talk about practical ways to close that gap. This session will explore strategies to help you put more health, energy, and meaning back into your days, so you can keep living life to the fullest.

Breakout Session
Peter Dudley, PCC and Antoinette LeCouteur

Gray Bear Advisors

Learn the three core principles (the Three Cs of Caregiving) that help caregivers stay grounded, confident, and capable so they can make the best decisions. Attendees will walk away with practical techniques to help them flourish instead of flounder through this complex and trying time.

Breakout Session
Corey Jackson, MA, LPC-S and Stephanie Jackson, QMHA

Cancer brings losses that often go unspoken. It can change your body, your relationships, your plans, your confidence, your finances, and your sense of safety in the world. Grief can show up at any point in the cancer experience. It can be part of diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, caregiving, recurrence, advanced disease, or life after loss. This session will help patients, survivors, and caregivers better understand the grief they may be carrying, name what has changed, and explore practical ways to care for their emotional well-being and find support.

Breakout Session
Siva Kolluri, PhD and Kari Hampton

Every breakthrough in cancer care is supported by a network of advocates working to ensure that patients receive the care they need and researchers have the resources to pursue lifesaving discoveries.

In this session, Siva Kolluri, Ph.D. and Kari Hampton will share their unique perspectives on the intersection of cancer research, healthcare, and public policy.

Attendees will learn how advocacy efforts have shaped the oncology landscape and discover practical ways to use their voices to influence decisions that affect cancer patients, survivors, and families.