We're bringing cancer support to you for 3 weeks beginning January 26!
Join over 100 cancer survivors and caregivers in a nurturing virtual community January 26 - February 16, 2023. Gain new knowledge and get support for thriving after a cancer diagnosis.
The Virtual Experience is like getting all the answers to "The Life After Cancer Test," in just 3 short weeks!
At the Texas Oncology Foundation, we know that living with a cancer diagnosis can be a tiresome and worrying experience. Without adequate resources and community support—especially when in-person interactions are limited—survivors and caregivers may find themselves carrying a bigger burden or experiencing emotional distress.
That’s why we created the Virtual Experience, a 3-week online program dedicated to relevant topics affecting cancer survivors and caregivers at any stage.
Participants are invited to explore interactive sessions, workshops and daytime or evening virtual support groups. All sessions will focus on preserving your physical and emotional wellbeing while you balance the demands of living with a cancer diagnosis.
With access to a virtual community and other life changing resources, survivors and caregivers can form connections in a safe space, learn ways to lead a full and satisfying life, all while avoiding in-person covid-19 risks. Participants will have access to:
- 3 weekly expert presentations led by oncology-focused healthcare providers and mental health professionals. With their own lived experiences tied to a cancer diagnosis, either personally or professionally, the speakers will address the selected topics and facilitate Q&A sessions each week.
- 13 engaging workshops featuring topics of interest to the community ranging from inspirational stories to practical activities to medical insights and lessons on thriving as a cancer survivor.
- 6 small, virtual support group meetings with a caring community and led by licensed oncology social workers. With a range of meeting times throughout the week to choose from, find the sessions that suit your preferred schedule.
All sessions will be hosted live on Zoom and will be recorded to access in case you miss it.
Register below to participate in this life impacting virtual experience.
Hosted By Tamika Felder!
Cancer survivor and award-winning women’s health advocate Tamika Felder is the Chief Visionary at Cervivor - a nonprofit dedicated to cervical cancer advocacy and support. Named a “Cancer Rebel” by Newsweek in a 2017 cover story, Tamika is a highly sought-after speaker on cervical cancer advocacy, cancer prevention, HPV education, and living life with purpose after cancer. She is the author of "Seriously, What Are You Waiting For? 13 Actions To Ignite Your Life & Achieve The Ultimate Comeback."
Virtual Experience alumnus McKinney B. shared how this community gave him the answers he was searching for.
Judith M. shared why she has signed up for the Virtual Experience numerous times.
Sponsored by
Weekly, live Q&A webinars featuring licensed oncology experts
Week 1
Panel Discussion: Late & Long-Term Effects of Cancer Treatment
- Monday, January 30, 2023
- 11:00am CT
Melissa Crawley, MD
Stephanie Broadnax Broussard, MSSW, LCSW-S, APHSW-C
Tamika Felder, Cancer Survivor, Chief Visionary at Cervivor & Camp Director
This selection of experts will discuss the late and long-term effects that many patients face after a cancer treatment. The panel consists of providers of varying backgrounds—a medical oncologist, a social worker, and a cancer survivor turned advocate—who work with people at different phases in their cancer experience. The panelists will provide an overview of the cancer treatment and care process from their perspectives, and discuss some potential post-treatment effects.
Week 2
Cancer & Intimacy
- Monday, February 6, 2023
- 11:00am CT
Francesca Caponi, LMSW, C-DBT
In this session we will explore intimacy and sexual function with cancer changes. We will understand the cancer related effects that are experienced, discuss the psychological impact, and reclaim sexual health.
Week 3
Cancer: The Great Disruptor
- Monday, February 13, 2023
- 11:00am
Sydney Townsend, MPAff, PMP
Sydney Townsend was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia when her newborn daughter was 12 weeks old. Learn how Sydney navigated her treatment, new motherhood, and found a path to survivorship.
About The Experts
Tamika Felder (Camp Director)
Cancer survivor and award-winning women’s health advocate Tamika Felder is the Chief Visionary at Cervivor – a nonprofit dedicated to cervical cancer advocacy and support. Named a “Cancer Rebel” by Newsweek in a 2017 cover story, Tamika is a highly sought-after speaker on cervical cancer advocacy, cancer prevention, HPV education, and living life with purpose after cancer. She is the author of “Seriously, What Are You Waiting For? 13 Actions To Ignite Your Life & Achieve The Ultimate Comeback.” Tamika currently serves on the steering committee of the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable. She’s shared her story and experiences on Presidential Cancer Panels convened by the White House. An award-winning television producer, Tamika is currently filming a documentary about cervical cancer, the women living with it, and the vaccine to prevent it. Her story of patient-to-advocate / survivor-to-Cervivor inspires and mentors not only patients and medical communities, but anyone who has struggled with obstacles in their life. Learn more about Tamika’s work at Cervivor.org and TamikaFelder.com.
Melissa Crawley, MD
Melissa Crawley, MD, specializes in hematology and medical oncology at Texas Oncology—San Antonio Medical Center. She is board certified in medical oncology and internal medicine. Dr. Crawley received her medical doctorate at Rosalind Franklin University of Medical and Science (Chicago, IL). She went on to completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ). She served as the Chief Fellow of Quality Improvement while completing a fellowship of hematology and oncology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (Memphis, TN). Dr. Crawley is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology.
Stephanie Broadnax Broussard, MSSW, LCSW-S, APHSW-C
Stephanie Broadnax Broussard, MSSW, LCSW-S, APHSW-C, is the Director of Palliative Care and Social Work at Texas Oncology and is a member of a Private Practice in Fort Worth, TX LCS Counseling and Consulting Agency. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Social Worker (ACHP-SW). Stephanie is also a Certified Advanced Care Planning Facilitator and Trainer and enjoys educating the community and other clinicians on the importance of communication and having difficult conversations with patients. Her passion for helping others navigate the complexities of life, lead her to Palliative Care where she specializes in helping patients and their families cope with illnesses and life transitions.
Francesca Caponi, LMSW, C-DBT
Francesca Caponi, LMSW, C-DBT, is a licensed Master Social Worker who has worked in the social work profession for over seven years. Francesca holds specialized experience in the medical field, providing integrated behavioral health and psychosocial support for clinics and hospitals. Therapeutically, Francesca supports a range of mental health diagnosis associated with cancer including: depression, anxiety, intimacy, adjustment, and guilt; as well as help in navigating the complex resource needs patients might encounter in their treatment journey.
Sydney Townsend, MPAff, PMP
Sydney Townsend, MPAff, PMP, is excited about the opportunity to help build Virtual Care – a revolutionary way to more easily access quality care and to improve health outcomes for all. After a childhood stint as an expert Band-Aid applier, Sydney’s passion for health care grew carried through her graduate work in public policy. She joined Texas Oncology as Director, Virtual Care in 2021 to build a robust virtual care program that will help redefine how, when, and where oncology care is delivered for the best experience and outcomes, at the lowest cost. Sydney is now the Executive Director of Digital Health and also leads Patient Experience at Texas Oncology. Prior to Texas Oncology, she led the project management office for Ascension Seton’s Virtual Care and Innovation team. Sydney captained a virtual care digital clinic, telemedicine between facilities and remote patient monitoring. Additionally, she served as the legislative liaison for the Virtual Care and Innovation team, to ensure their approach aligned with the relevant legislation and lobby for changes when needed.
What previous attendees are saying
Tap Into Your Creative Side And/Or Get More Zen With These Holistic Lifestyle Workshops
Participant Meet Ups
- Mondays, January 30, February 6, 13
- 7 - 8pm CT
This weekly session is a space for participants to gather together as a community! It is an opportunity to network, to share what you are experiencing and to reflect on what you are learning throughout the 3-weeks alongside your peers. The Steering Committee of our Ambassador group will be hosting these weekly meet ups, ready with discussion questions to kick off the conversation.
Yoga
- Tuesdays, January 31, February 7, 14
- 1 - 2pm CT
Capital of Texas Team Survivor collaborated with Art Beat Dance Center to provide this Yoga workshop! This Gentle Hatha Yoga class will focus on reducing stress and a ‘head, shoulders, knees and toes’ full body stretch. It
would be helpful to have a yoga block or large book, a blanket or pillow, and a yoga strap or towel for class!
Brenna Kuhn
Art Beat Dance Center, Cedar Park, TX
Brenna Kuhn is the Owner/Director of Art Beat Dance Center in Cedar Park, TX and the Board President of The Art Beat Foundation. She is a 200-hour registered yoga teacher with the National Yoga Alliance and the Director of the Austin Tap Ensemble. She’s an anatomy nerd and a student of tap dance history. She is passionate about spreading dance, music, rhythm, and community wherever she goes. She also loves her husband and her dog Lily.
QiGong
- Wednesdays, February 1, 8, 15
- 11am - 12pm CT
Nancy Samano, CQMI
Nancy Samano, CQMI, is a Certified Medical Qi Gong Movement Instructor (CQMI). She discovered the practice of Qi Gong while undergoing treatments for Stage 3 breast cancer in 2016. Experiencing Qi Gong during her cancer journey proved so healing and transformative, that it awakened her to a new purpose. This new purpose resulted in Nancy undertaking a Medical Qi Gong program of study and dedicating herself to the practice of Qi Gong, as well as sharing this amazing ancient self-healing art form with others.
As a survivor, Nancy is keenly aware of the challenges associated with cancer and is sensitive to the emotional and physical demands of that journey. Nancy credits her Qi Gong practice with providing her with a perspective that allows her to be compassionate and empathetic to the healing journey of others.
Journaling
- Wednesdays, Feb 1, 8, 15
- 2 - 3pm CT
Melissa Hudler, PhD
Melissa Hudler, PhD, is a professor of writing and literature at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, and a member of the Editorial Board for Survive and Thrive: A Journal for Medical Humanities and Narrative as Medicine. She completed her PhD in Renaissance Studies at Anglia Ruskin University, during which time she developed an interest in the Medical and Health Humanities. To pursue this interest, she created and teaches literature courses focusing on illness and trauma narratives and the Ethics of Care. This research and teaching interest, combined with her personal interest in journaling and creative writing, inspired Melissa to start a local journaling group for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers to promote healing and well-being through personal expression. Topics from the journaling group can be found on her website: www.nurtureyournarrative.com.
Libido, Desire & Pleasure During & After Cancer
- Tuesday, February 14
- 3:30 - 4:30pm CT
This workshop will be a continuation of the Feb. 6 presentation Cancer & Intimacy. Francesca will break down the dual model of desire, share the different desire styles, and what factors can lower desires. Methods will be introduced to help support sex and intimacy.
Francesca Caponi, LMSW, C-DBT
Francesca Caponi, LMSW, C-DBT, is a licensed Master Social Worker who has worked in the social work profession for over seven years. Francesca holds specialized experience in the medical field, providing integrated behavioral health and psychosocial support for clinics and hospitals. Therapeutically, Francesca supports a range of mental health diagnosis associated with cancer including: depression, anxiety, intimacy, adjustment, and guilt; as well as help in navigating the complex resource needs patients might encounter in their treatment journey.
Join one of the small support groups and connect with others in the community who understand what you are going through
Oncology social worker Debbi Newton, LCSW, OSW-C outlined what an online support group is like and the impact it has on attendees.
Virtual Experience alumnus McKinney B. discussed the new opportunities and perspectives he gained from others.
Virtual Experience alumnus Judith M. shared what she enjoyed most about the support group and how it has continued on.
Evening Support
Tuesdays
Jan 31, Feb 7, 14
6 – 7pm CT
Debbi Newton, LCSW, OSW-C, CGP, CCTP
Texas Oncology
Debbi Newton, LCSW, OSW-C, CGP, CCTP, is a licensed clinical social worker located at the Texas Oncology sites in Denton, Flower Mound, Carrollton, and Lewisville. She received a bachelor of social work degree from Eastern Washington University (Cheney, WA), a master of social work degree from Stephen F. Austin University (Nacogdoches, TX) and a master of public administration degree from Capella University. She is currently pursuing her doctorate of social work. Debbi has over 15 years of social work experience. Debbi assists patients and caregivers through all phases of the cancer experience by providing counseling, psychosocial support, and knowledge of community resources. She has facilitated numerous support groups in Denton, Flower Mound, Carrollton, and Lewisville on coping with a cancer diagnosis, caregiving, grief, and loss.
Jackeline Castillo, LCSW
Mary Crowley Cancer Research Center
Jackeline Castillo, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Mary Crowley Cancer Research. Jackie is bi-lingual and has over 15 years of experience in a variety of settings and with diverse clients including adults in various forms of crisis. In her current role she works with patients and their family to help address any barriers or concerns they may face during their cancer diagnosis. Jackie is passionate about educating and informing people about their rights that allows them to make the most informed decision.
Daytime Support
Thursdays
Feb 2, 9, 16
10 – 11am CT
Emily Pearcy, MSSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Texas Oncology
Emily Pearcy, MSSW, LCSW, OSW-C, is a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience providing psychosocial oncology and hematology care. Since 2003, Emily has provided supportive care services in both pediatric and adult outpatient oncology settings, as well as through a non-profit organization. She has facilitated numerous support groups and workshops on cancer coping, survivorship, caregiving, and grief & loss. Emily enjoys empowering patients and families by connecting them with the knowledge, resources, and support available to more confidently navigate cancer and blood disorders.
Rebecca Clinton, MSW, MBA, LCSW, OSW-C
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Rebecca Clinton, MSW, MBA, LCSW, OSW-C, received her Master’s in Social Work in 2009 from the University of Oklahoma. She furthered her education by completing her MBA in Healthcare Administration in 2018. She has extensive experience in counseling psychology, crisis counseling/intervention, grief counseling, family care/therapy, group therapy, and individual counseling. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Rebecca has several years providing education, identifying financial resources, and promoting advocacy for both inpatient and outpatient cancer patients.
13 Engaging Holistic Lifestyle Workshops
6 Welcoming Support Group Sessions
3 Expert Discussions on thought-provoking Medical and Mental Health related topics
FREE to Participate!
*Questions: please contact Kelly.Condon@usoncology.com