2022 ACS CAN Research and Innovation Forum

The October 13 event, hosted by Sleep Number, focused on the cancer patient experience and what we can do to make sure all patients have equitable access to the care they need to fight their disease. Speakers discussed innovative approaches to patient navigation, clinical trial enrollment, strategies to resolve financial toxicity, and access to targeted therapies. 

You can view the event recording here.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, is the nation’s leading cancer advocacy organization working every day to make cancer issues a top priority. ACS CAN unites and empowers cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and their loved ones, giving them the training and tools they need to be heard.

AGENDA

10:00AM - WELCOMING REMARKS
Emily Myatt, Minnesota Government Relations Director, ACS CAN
Shelly Ibach, Chair, President and CEO, Sleep Number

PATIENT AND SURVIVOR PANEL
Kelly Leibold, Cancer Survivor
Bryan Rause, Cancer Survivor
Victoria Seamon, Cancer Survivor
Moderator: Representative Heather Edelson, District 49A, Assistant Majority Leader, Minnesota House of
Representatives

PROVIDER AND PUBLIC HEALTH PANEL
Emmanuel S. Antonarakis, MD, Clark Endowed Professor of Medicine, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota
Talaya Dendy, Cancer Thriver & Cancer Doula
Dan Endreson, MPA, Sr. Director of Policy and Government Affairs, Minnesota Council of Health Plans
Laura Kurland, Patient Navigator, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center 
Moderator: Lance Barbour, MPH, Director, State & Local Campaigns – Health Equity, ACS CAN

CLOSING REMARKS
Dana Erickson, President and CEO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT HOST

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS

DONATIONS 

Donate to ACS CAN Minnesota. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 Research and Innovation Forum might look different this year but our passion and commitment to fight cancer is unchanged. The health and safety of all our guests and participants is our number one goal. Please see below for important details which will continue to be updated based on our unique needs and review the COVID-19 Waiver.

If you are feeling sick or have been recently exposed to someone who recently tested positive for COVID-19, you should stay home. People who have underlying health conditions or taking medications that weaken the immune system should talk to their healthcare provider before attending large gatherings.

RECOGNIZE COVID-19 SYMPTOMS The CDC has identified the symptoms of a COVID-19 infection. If you have one or more of these symptoms on the day of the event, please stay home. If you are waiting for COVID-19 test results or have had close contact with a person who has tested positive for or who has COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home unless you get a negative test result before the event.

YOUR SAFETY IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY The COVID-19 virus and its variants are highly contagious. Some people infected with these viruses get severely ill, become hospitalized or die. Event attendees acknowledge the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus, assume all such risk, and the American Cancer Society, Inc., shall not be held liable.