We invite you to "Your Voice, Your Power: Self-Advocacy Series," a two-part series focused on high-impact ways that cancer survivors and their families can best advocate for their health during and after treatment.
Part 2 of the series will focus on self-advocacy after cancer treatment, ensuring that survivors:
- Understand the impact and the late and long-term effects that a cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment may have on the quality of life for years to come.
- Request relevant resources to assist with the various impacts that cancer may have on one's life (spiritual, physical, practical, and emotional/mental).
- Can seek appropriate support structures to deal with the impact of a cancer diagnosis.
- Understand the various monitoring, health appointments, tests, assessments, etc. that may be necessary after treatment.
- Are aware of the importance of physical rehabilitation in post-cancer recovery (when applicable).
- Request a written summary of the treatment(s) received: drugs, dosage, amount of radiation, etc.
See Part 1
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Panelists:
Angie Caton, MSN, RN, OCN, CHPH
Angie Caton has been involved in the care of people with cancer for the last 34 years. In her current role, she helps to lead the outpatient infusion center, community outreach and patient education projects, and the lung cancer screening program at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville. Some of her current survivorship project work includes people with colon cancer and their care partners, the use of massage and light touch for survivors and care partners, identifying food insecurity, improving access to cancer rehabilitation, and increasing resources for young adults with cancer.
Tiah Tomlin
Tiah Tomlin is an advocate, a Cancer Coach and a Breast Health Educator. After overcoming Triple Negative Breast Cancer, she launched the My Breast Years Ahead sisterhood, an online support community created to help women who have been affected by cancer living in the Greater Atlanta area. She uses this group to connect women; share resources and provide support, ensuring that no sister walks this journey alone. Tiah also co-founded, My Style Matters, Inc., a 501c3 grassroots non-profit organization that is dedicated to supporting, empowering, advocating and educating cancer survivors, caregivers and the community at large about cancer and cancer risk reduction in an effort to end disparities. It is Tiah's life's mission to educate, motivate, and activate people to take charge of their health.
Bobbie Menneg
Bobbie Menneg is a cancer survivor who was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer in February 2011. She has had the honor of meeting some of the most incredible people along this journey, which she says is more about the journey of other survivors, caregivers, warriors and angels. Bobbie is the founder of Beyond the Ribbon, a cancer survivor support organization that holds seminars with doctors, oncologists, surgeons, genetic counselors, therapists and much more to empower cancer patients. Additionally, Bobbie has become involved in her community when it comes to fighting, giving back and paying forward to all that have been touched by this disease. She has been helping with a cancer support group at Northside Gwinnett Medical Center for several years and volunteers with the American Cancer Society's Hope Fashion Show and also Relay For Life Gwinnett County Survivor Reception.
Jade Gibson
Jade Gibson's successes are primarily due to her own Ovarian Cancer diagnosis at the age of 16. Navigating the transition from pediatric to adult oncology can be challenging when there is no roadmap to address the barriers to care. Now 32, Jade is using her voice to improve the quality of life for children, adolescents, and young adult fighters and survivors in Georgia. She has served as a resource, connecting the dots to care for Georgians for the past nine years. Her knowledge of state and federal programs has reduced medical debt and facilitated access to care for several uninsured individuals and families across the state. Jade’s pursuit for advocacy began with her studies of Patient Navigation at the Harold P. Freeman Institute and extended into her academic studies of Human Services.
Dr. Crystal Champion, PT, DPT, CLT-ALM, Cert. DN
Dr. Champion has over 14 years of experience as a physical therapist. She is also a breast cancer survivor and was diagnosed in 2019. She is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and currently specializes in cancer rehabilitation and also holds a certification in Advanced Lymphedema Management. Crystal is the owner of her own private practice Eminence Physical Therapy, LLC and is also the Executive Director and Founder of her non-profit organization Champions Can! Foundation for Cancer Wellness, Inc. The organization advocates for cancer survivorship for patients with all cancer diagnoses. Crystal also serves as an Elevate Ambassador for the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship and serves on the GC3 Advocacy Council for Georgia CORE. She is the author of “The Elements of Cancer Survivorship: A Guide to Navigating the Journey.”
Marquita Bass
Marquita Bass is a breast cancer patient advocate who was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a 9-year triple-negative breast cancer survivor. Her goal is to educate women about the different types of breast cancers. Marquita believes women should understand and manage their breast cancer risk factors to possibly avoid a breast cancer diagnosis. In her book, Orange is the New Pink: My Battle with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, she encourages patients to try to have a positive attitude. Also, she advises patients to advocate for themselves by asking questions, getting second opinions, and learning everything they can about their breast cancer diagnosis.
References:
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. Self-Advocacy A Ca