Conference Sessions

LET’S TALK ABOUT WHAT WE’RE NOT TALKING ABOUT

Cancer brings more than just physical challenges—it touches every part of life, often in ways that feel isolating, overwhelming, or hard to talk about. In this candid and compassionate keynote, Dr. Audrey Garrett sets the tone for the day by exploring why open, honest conversations matter—especially about the messy, emotional, and deeply human parts of the cancer experience.

Through the lens of her work as a gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Garrett reminds us that healing doesn’t just happen in the body—it also happens in connection with others.

Option A:

Navigating Relationships After a Cancer Diagnosis

Presented by: Corey Jackson, MA, LPC-S and Stephanie Jackson, QMHA

A cancer diagnosis impacts more than just the person receiving it—it shifts the dynamics of every relationship. In this candid and heartfelt session, cancer survivor Stephanie and her husband Corey, a licensed therapist, explore how people process illness differently and how those differences affect relationships with partners, friends, and family.

Together, they’ll share insights from both sides of the cancer experience—patient and caregiver, personal and clinical—highlighting how understanding nervous system responses, attachment styles, and emotional coping mechanisms can reduce hurt and misunderstanding. This session offers validation, perspective, and practical tools for navigating the complex and often unexpected changes that come with cancer—because it’s not just your body that goes through it.

Option B:

Maximize Your Healthspan

Presented by: Yaakov Levine, FNTP

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.

Option A: Building Strength & Bone Health

Option B: Home Health, Palliative Care & Hospice

Presented by: Michelle Niesley, ND, MS, FABNO

What does it mean to take an integrative approach to cancer care? Join Dr. Michelle Niesley, a naturopathic physician specializing in integrative oncology, for a conversation about combining conventional treatments—like chemotherapy and radiation—with evidence-informed natural medicine. We’ll explore how nutrition, supplements, acupuncture, and mind-body practices can support well-being, ease side effects, and improve quality of life during and after cancer treatment.

Dr. Niesley will share practical guidance, discuss common myths, and answer your questions about safely incorporating integrative care into your cancer journey.

Presented by: Jennifer Gile, MD

Cancer screening matters for everyone—whether you’ve never had cancer, are living with it now, or are a survivor. In this session, we’ll talk about the recommended tests for cancers like breast, colon, lung, cervical, and prostate, and why they’re important. We’ll also introduce new blood tests that look for many types of cancer at once, and what they might mean for the future. You’ll leave with easy-to-understand information to help you and your loved ones make smart choices about screening and health.

Presented by: Michael Oakes, MD

Learn how precision medicine is transforming cancer care. Learn about biomarker testing, genomic profiling, and targeted therapies - and how they can help create a treatment plan customized for your cancer. This session will also cover genetic testing, what results mean, and how to talk with your care team about personalized options.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, in treatment, living with metastatic disease or navigating survivorship, this is your chance to have your questions answered directly by the experts. From treatment options, side effect management, and clinical trials to screening, prevention, and survivorship concerns, no topic is off limits. Our panelists will provide clear, compassionate, and evidence-based answers in real time.