Thriving Together: 2023 Conference on Metastatic Breast Cancer
The Power of Community: Seen. Heard. Connected.
Event details
We are excited to welcome an in-person audience for the first time since 2019, however we understand that not everyone is able or interested in gathering in-person. To honor that and this year's conference theme, “The Power of Community: Seen. Heard. Connected.” we have created a schedule of sessions and activities that will connect our in-person and virtual audiences for support and information sharing, as well as offer unique experiences for each group.
We begin our conference weekend with a joint virtual kickoff event on Wednesday, April 26th for both attendee groups. There will be breakout sessions and time to connect with each other via our virtual hangouts.
- View in-person participation for pricing and more information.
- View virtual participation for pricing and more information.
- View the full conference schedule to plan your conference experience.
This year’s conference features sessions on bone mets, the cost of cancer, recently approved therapies, side-effects management, diet, and the popular shared voices panel featuring a panel of people living with metastatic breast cancer. There are also virtual hangouts, stretch breaks, a hybrid session on “Reclaiming the body’s healing power through community movement”, and more.
We welcome and encourage participation from your family, friends, and support network. We have special in-person pricing and a format that provides the opportunity to build community and connection in-person and online.
Join us in-person or virtually for a weekend of information and connection.
Advisory committee
We are grateful to this year’s advisory committee who have partnered with us to ensure the annual conference remains relevant and inclusive of all the ways people experience this disease.
In person participation
👩🏾🤝👩🏼 If you plan to attend the conference in person in Philadelphia, here is all the information you need to know.
What are the benefits of attending in person?
LBBC is excited to welcome an in-person audience for the first time since 2019! This year’s conference is all about community and provides intentional time and space for connection. In-person attendees will engage in a bonus day of connection and support on Friday, April 28, with an on-site art therapy class, our opening networking dinner, and meet-ups. We have also planned an evening yoga class.
Enjoy a Saturday evening of sightseeing on the Philadelphia motorcoach tour and lots of in-person drawings and prizes. There will also be opportunities to network one-on-one with our exhibitors.
What are the registration costs to attend in person?
In-person attendee: $75
In-person caregiver: $25
In-person attendee and In-person caregiver tickets also include virtual platform access. You do not need to purchase an additional virtual attendee ticket to access the platform.
Travel grants and fee waivers are available for the in-person event. These applications must be submitted and approved before you register. Learn more.
Where is the conference being held?
The conference location is:
The Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing
201 South Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Learn more about the host hotel, and travel and lodging.
April is a great time to visit Philadelphia — the city of brotherly love! There are so many wonderful things to see and do and places to eat in Philadelphia that it can be hard to know where to begin. Get more information about where to eat and what to see and do in Philly at Visit Philadelphia!
If I am attending in-person, how do I participate in the virtual kickoff day of programming on Wednesday, April 26?
The conference will also take place virtually on the Webex Events (formerly Socio) platform/app. In-person attendee and In-person caregiver tickets also include virtual platform access. You do not need to purchase an additional virtual attendee ticket to access the platform.
Prior to gathering in person for the weekend of April 28 – 30, we will use the Webex Events platform to kick off our conference for all of our community, on Wednesday, April 26 from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (ET). This virtual kickoff will serve as our pre-conference day of programming and connection featuring live breakout sessions on topics important to you and opportunities to connect with others. See our full schedule and plan to join us virtually for this day of programming and connection before traveling to Philadelphia for the weekend’s event!
The Webex Events platform/app will also be where you submit questions for our speakers during live breakout and keynote sessions, whether attending in person or participating virtually, so we encourage you to access the platform and download the app before arriving in Philadelphia for the conference.
Access instructions for the Webex Events platform/app will be emailed to all conference registrants, both in person and virtual, in mid-April.
What is the COVID-19 protocol for this event if attending in person?
Your health and safety are our highest priority. Living Beyond Breast Cancer will adhere to all CDC and Pennsylvania regulations and guidelines pertaining to COVID-19 and may institute additional protocols.
While masks for guests are not required, masks will be available, and attendees may wear them as they feel comfortable. By attending, you are acknowledging the inherent risk of exposure associated with any gathering such as this event, and you agree to waive all claim(s) related to COVID as against the event, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, the event’s sponsors, partners, vendors, and the venue, and their respective officers, directors, staff, and volunteers.
If you have symptoms or are exposed to someone with COVID-19, please consider testing prior to attending the event. Should you feel unwell or test positive for COVID-19, please contact programs@lbbc.org to cancel participation. We appreciate your understanding and collaboration.
If you are unable to attend in person, there is always the option to join the conference virtually or access the program via the Webex Events platform/app after the conference is over to watch available sessions at your convenience.
How can I connect with others during the conference?
Connecting with other people who have similar experiences can provide emotional benefits. Finding ways to support your emotional health is just as important as getting the right cancer treatment.
If you are attending in person, plan to join us for our on-site meetups and special activities to connect with other attendees throughout the weekend.
You can also choose to connect with all conference attendees, both in person and virtual, throughout the weekend via the Webex Events platform and on social media. Check them out here.
Virtual participation
💻 If you plan to participate in the conference virtually, here is what you need to know.
What are the benefits of participating virtually?
We are excited to offer a unique conference experience that allows attendees to join from anywhere! Find your most comfortable spot and get ready for an event of inspiration, information, and most of all, support.
The conference kicks off online, which allows a space for early connection for both our virtual and in-person audiences. Virtual participants will have the chance throughout the weekend to connect during video-enabled hangouts. Our interactive platform will provide a place for participants to chat and connect one-on-one.
In addition, access to programming will be available on the conference platform all weekend and participants can ask questions in the chat during livestream sessions. Connect with exhibitors in the virtual exhibit hall to access information about their services and products and join in our games for a chance to win prizes.
What are the registration costs to participate virtually?
Virtual attendee: $25
*Virtual registration waiver: $0
*for those experiencing financial hardship due to breast cancer
When is the virtual conference program and how do I participate online?
The virtual conference program takes place Saturday and Sunday, April 29-30, with our virtual kickoff day of programming and connection happening Wednesday, April 26, from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. (ET). See our full schedule for each day’s lineup of topics, activities, and opportunities for connection.
The Webex Events (formerly Socio) platform/app will provide you with access to the live sessions, including the ability to chat with others and submit questions, a library of on-demand content, virtual hangouts to meet in small groups, a showcase of our conference exhibitors and sponsors, and much more.
Access instructions for the Webex Events platform/app will be emailed to all conference registrants in mid-April.
How can I connect with others during the conference?
Connecting with other people who have similar experiences can provide emotional benefits. Finding ways to support your emotional health is just as important as getting the right cancer treatment.
If you are participating virtually, plan to join us for our video-enabled hangouts during our virtual kick-off on Wednesday, April 26 and during the virtual conference program on Saturday, April 29 to connect with other attendees.
There are several ways you can choose to connect with conference attendees throughout the weekend via the Webex Events platform and on social media. Check them out here.
Schedule
Below, see a day-by-day schedule of sessions and activities. Icons identify the different participation options for each event:
- 👩🏾🤝👩🏼 - In person
- 💻 - Virtual
- 👩🏾🤝👩🏼/💻 - In person & virtual
The conference takes place over the weekend of April 29-30, 2023. There is a virtual kickoff on Wednesday, April 26 for all attendees. In-person participants are invited to start their conference experience on Friday, April 28.
- 💻 Wednesday, April 26
- 👩🏾🤝👩🏼 Friday, April 28
- 👩🏾🤝👩🏼/💻 Saturday, April 29
- 👩🏾🤝👩🏼/💻 Sunday, April 30
Wednesday, April 26
All virtual kick-off day of programming featuring live breakout sessions and opportunities to connect with others.
All sessions are virtual; there is no in-person component.
Download full schedule💻 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (ET) | Breakout sessions | Virtual
Newly diagnosed: A guide for understanding a diagnosis of MBC
Speaker: Zanetta Lamar, MD
Whether this is your first breast cancer diagnosis, or you have had breast cancer before, learning you have metastatic breast cancer is likely to be overwhelming. This session is designed to provide you with the medical information and practical support necessary to help you make informed decisions about your treatment and to get your bearings during the first months after a metastatic diagnosis. This session may also be helpful to those who aren’t newly diagnosed but need a basic understanding of metastatic breast cancer and how it is treated.
Living long term with MBC: Making treatment decisions
Speakers: Virginia Borges, MD, MMSc and Abigail Johnston
As a person living long term with mets, you may have experienced several lines of treatment or changes to your treatment. We’ll explore the variables involved in making these decisions, the questions you can ask to better understand available treatment options, ways to honor your quality-of-life goals (including when to halt or stop treatment), and how to communicate your decisions and needs effectively with your provider and your family.
Bone mets
Speakers: Carmen Bergom, MD, PhD and Katherine N. Weilbaecher, MD
The bones are the most common place for breast cancer to spread. In this session, learn about treatment options, and get strategies to limit side effects, manage bone pain, and maintain bone strength. We’ll also discuss how to understand screening tests, and we’ll share updates on clinical trials studying new treatments and quality of life.
Managing side effects
Speaker: Kimberly A. Curseen, MD
Managing side effects of your treatment is crucial to living well with metastatic breast cancer. In this session, learn about effective strategies to manage side effects from targeted, localized, and systemic treatments. Ask questions of our expert and share tips with others in the chat throughout this session.
💻 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. (ET) | Video-enabled hangouts | Virtual
Small group hangouts to connect you with others, share experiences, and give and receive support virtually in the Webex Events (formerly Socio) platform/app
💻 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (ET) | Breakout sessions | Virtual
Newly diagnosed: Managing emotions
Speaker: Celeste Vaughan-Briggs, LCSW
A metastatic breast cancer diagnosis can feel like a shock to the system. If you’ve recently been diagnosed, we know that you may be experiencing intense emotions and uncertainty. Join this breakout to explore these complex emotions, hear from others who have been there and get strategies for managing feelings now and as you go forward.
Living long-term with MBC: A panel discussion on the tough stuff
Facilitator: Cheryl Hughes, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Panelists: Stephanie Walker
Living with metastatic breast cancer can feel like a roller coaster. You may have experienced several changes in treatment, managed many side effects, and had to make hard choices about practical matters like career, relationships, and how to spend your time and energy. Join this breakout session to discuss these challenges, hear from others like you, and get strategies for managing the toll that these medical, emotional, and everyday matters take from you over time.
The cost of cancer for MBC patients
Speakers: Mary E. Costello and Pam Traxel
According to a poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation, around 20% of adults who have personally had cancer or have a family member who had cancer said they owe $10,000 or more in medical debt. This debt has been fueled in part by the "eye-popping price tags" of new treatments. For those living with metastatic breast cancer, that dollar amount is most likely much higher. This workshop looks at the costs of cancer seen through the lens of metastatic breast cancer patients. The cost of cancer care and potential advocacy solutions will be explored by American Cancer Society’s Pam Traxel, while Mary E. Costello, an MBC advocate, will share her story of facing staggering medical costs.
Managing pain
Speaker: Joshua A. Jones, MD, MA
Understand different types of pain, and hear about medicines and methods to manage pain while preserving your quality of life. Learn how to include pain management in your overall treatment plan, including ways to communicate with your doctor about concerns and finding resources and pain specialists.
Friday, April 28
All sessions and activities are in person; there is no virtual component.
Download full schedule👩🏾🤝👩🏼 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. (ET) | Early registration | In person
Get checked in and receive your name tag and conference bag.
👩🏾🤝👩🏼 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. (ET) | Special event: Art therapy for grounding in the present moment | In person
Speaker: Stephanie McLeod-Estevez, LCPC
In this interactive workshop you’ll learn how to use art therapy to bring your whole self into the present, so you feel grounded and ready to experience the power of connection. You do not need to be an artist to benefit from this practice; you will be guided through the process by the speaker.
👩🏾🤝👩🏼 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (ET) | Networking dinner | In person
Get to know your fellow attendees during this light dinner, and hear our evening remarks to welcome and orient you to tonight’s activities.
👩🏾🤝👩🏼 7:00 – 7:45 p.m. (ET) | Meetups and desserts | In person
Take some time to mingle and network with fellow attendees, reconnect with old friends, and meet new ones while enjoying some sweet treats.
👩🏾🤝👩🏼 8:00 – 8:45 p.m. (ET) | Yoga nidra | In person
Speaker: Farah Hassanbhai-Kapoor
Saturday, April 29
Sessions are held as indicated: in person, virtual, or in person & virtual.
Download full schedule💻 8:00 a.m. (ET) | Virtual exhibit hall | Virtual
Virtual exhibit hall opens. Exhibitors can be accessed online via our Webex Events (formerly Socio) platform/app at any time throughout the weekend.
👩🏾🤝👩🏼 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. (ET) | Registration | In person
Get checked in and receive your name tag and conference bag.
👩🏾🤝👩🏼 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (ET) | Exhibits | In person
Visit with our in-person exhibitors. Exhibitors can also be accessed online via our Webex Events platform/app at any time throughout the weekend.
👩🏾🤝👩🏼 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. (ET) | Breakfast & exhibits | In person
Enjoy breakfast, network with others and visit with our in-person exhibitors.
👩🏾🤝👩🏼/💻 9:45 – 11:00 a.m. (ET) | Keynote: Ask the expert: Diet, physical activity and sleep | In person & virtual
Speakers: Rachel Beller, MS, RDN and Pallav K. Mehta, MD
We all know a good diet, exercise, and adequate rest help to optimize well-being. As a person living with metastatic breast cancer, you may face unique challenges in these areas. In this 60-minute Q&A session, ask your questions and gather strategies from our experts about optimizing your nutrition and getting the sleep and physical activity you crave.
👩🏾🤝👩🏼 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. (ET) | Breakout: Care for the caregiver: When someone you love has metastatic breast cancer | In person
Speaker: Gregory Garber, MSW, LCSW
A diagnosis of MBC not only affects the person who has been diagnosed but also the people who care and share in their lives. Caregivers face many challenges including fears for the future, juggling everyday matters, and navigating communication. Join this session to safely explore these issues and identify your needs as a caregiver, while gaining tools for managing stress, concern, and fear.
👩🏾🤝👩🏼 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. (ET) | Stretch and snack break & exhibits | In person
Enjoy a stretch and light snacks and visit with our in-person exhibitors. Exhibitors can also be accessed online via our Webex Events platform/app at any time throughout the weekend.
💻 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. (ET) | Video-enabled hangouts | Virtual
Small group hangouts to connect you with others, share experiences, and give and receive support virtually in the Webex Events platform/app!
👩🏾🤝👩🏼/💻 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (ET) | Keynote: Recently approved therapies and promising approaches for the future | In person & virtual
Speaker: Nancy U. Lin, MD
Hear about drugs that have been approved for metastatic breast cancer over the last 2 years and how they impact each subtype of breast cancer. Learn how these latest approvals compare with previous standard-of-care therapies, what we know, and what we don’t, and hear about the exciting drugs and approaches in the pipeline for the next 3 to 5 years.
💻 1:00 – 1:45 p.m. (ET) | Break | Virtual
Take a screen break, enjoy some food, be in your life, and rejoin us at 1:45 p.m. (ET) for our virtual facilitated hangouts.
👩🏾🤝👩🏼 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. (ET) | Lunch and exhibits | In person
Enjoy lunch, a time out from the conference, or a visit with our in-person exhibitors. Exhibitors can also be accessed online via our Webex Events platform/app at any time throughout the weekend.
💻 1:45 - 2:15 p.m. (ET) | Video-enabled hangouts | Virtual
Small group hangouts to connect you with others, share experiences, and give and receive support virtually in the Webex Events platform/app!
👩🏾🤝👩🏼/💻 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. (ET) | Keynote: Coping with grief | In person & virtual
Speaker: Kelly Grosklags, LICSW, BCD, FAAGC
In this session, we will discuss the implications of daily loss while living with MBC. There are both subtle and profound losses that can influence feelings of sadness, anxiety, and depression. Our speaker will discuss the concept of anticipatory grief and how important it is to name your losses and allow others in for support.
👩🏾🤝👩🏼/💻 3:30 – 4:00 p.m. (ET) | Stretch and snack break & exhibits | In person & virtual
Enjoy a stretch, light snacks and visit with exhibitors. Exhibitors can also be accessed online via our Webex Events platform/app at any time throughout the weekend.
👩🏾🤝👩🏼/💻 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. (ET) | Keynote: Reclaiming the body’s healing power through community movement & dance | In person & virtual
Speaker: Nancy Herard-Marshall, MS, LCAT, BC-DMT
Thousands of years ago, our ancestors understood the mind-body-spirit connection through using dance among other art modalities as healing arts. As we know, living with MBC can give us a feeling that our bodies have betrayed us. In this session, we will explore movement and dance as a way to reconnect and reclaim our bodies by renewing us with strength and power. This approach works towards integrating movement and dance with our feelings, emotions, images, and spirit so that participants can connect to their own creative expressions and experiences. No dance experience is necessary. Just be open to the possibilities of renewing your life force through this holistic and creative approach.
👩🏾🤝👩🏼 7:00 p.m. (ET) | Optional special event: Philadelphia Motorcoach Tour | In person
Evening motorcoach tour of Old City Philadelphia. Tour departs from hotel lobby on Christopher Columbus Boulevard. Pre-purchased tickets are required for this event.
Sunday, April 30
Sessions are held as indicated: in person, virtual, or in person & virtual.
Download full schedule👩🏾🤝👩🏼 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. (ET) | Yoga nidra | In person
Speaker: Farah Hassanbhai-Kapoor
👩🏾🤝👩🏼 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. (ET) | Continental breakfast | In person
👩🏾🤝👩🏼/💻 9:45 – 11:00 a.m. (ET) | Keynote: Shared voices: Learning from each other | In person & virtual
Panelists: Thomasina Butler, Sheila Godreau, Cheryl Law, and Deb Ontiveros
Listen to, learn from, and share with a panel of your peers. Topics will include living with uncertainty, setting goals and having hope, parenting, navigating relationships with friends and family, managing finances, work and insurance matters, and much more.
👩🏾🤝👩🏼/💻 11:00 –11:30 a.m. (ET) | Break | In person & virtual
Take a quick break before coming back to join us for our closing keynote session.
👩🏾🤝👩🏼/💻 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (ET) | Closing Keynote: Living well with metastatic breast cancer | In person & virtual
Speakers: Stephanie Broadnax Broussard, LCSW, ACHP-SW and Don S. Dizon, MD, FACP, FASCO
Get the information and tools you need to manage the physical and emotional impact of metastatic breast cancer and its treatments. Explore the quality-of-life issues that impact living well, the gift of self-care, and how to define well-being for yourself to live as fully as possible. Speakers will take your questions and comments live throughout his presentation.
👩🏾🤝👩🏼/💻 12:30 p.m. (ET) | Closing remarks | In person & virtual
Gather as a conference community for our closing conference remarks.
Speakers
Rachel Beller MS, RDN
CEO, Beller Nutritional Institute
Carmen Bergom MD, PhD
Associate Professor in Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine
Virginia Borges MD, MMSc
Medical Oncologist and Director of The University of Colorado Breast Cancer Research Program
Stephanie Broadnax Broussard LCSW, ACHP-SW
Director of Palliative Care and Social Work, Texas Oncology
Thomasina Butler
New York
Mary E. Costello
Patient Advocate
Kimberly Curseen MD
Director of supportive & palliative care outpatient services, Emory Healthcare
Don S. Dizon MD, FACP, FASCO
Professor, Medicine & Surgery, Brown University; Director of Pelvic Malignancies, Lifespan Cancer Institute; Head of Community Outreach & Engagement, Legoretta Cancer Center at Brown University
Gregory D. Garber MSW, LCSW
Administrative Director, Division of Supportive Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Jefferson Health
Sheila Godreau
Florida
Kelly Grosklags LICSW, BCD, FAAGC, FT
Clinical social worker
Farah Hassanbhai-Kapoor
Yoga Instructor
Nancy Herard-Marshall
Patient Advocate; Dance/Movement Therapist
Cheryl Hughes MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Oncology Clinical Therapist II, Inova Life With Cancer
Abigail Johnston
Patient Advocate
Joshua A. Jones MD, MA
Director, Palliative Radiotherapy Service, University of Pennsylvania Health System
Zanetta Lamar MD
Medical Oncologist, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
Cheryl Law
Alabama
Nancy U. Lin MD
Associate Chief, Division of Breast Oncology; Director, Metastatic Breast Cancer Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Stephanie McLeod-Estevez LCPC
Licensed clinical professional counselor; art therapist
Pallav K. Mehta MD
Medical Director, Reimagine Care
Deborah Ontiveros
Utah
Pam Traxel
Senior Vice President, ACS CAN
Celeste Vaughan-Briggs LCSW
Program Manager, Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program; Oncology Social Worker at Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson
Stephanie Walker
Registered Nurse
Katherine N. Weilbaecher MD
Oliver M. Langenberg Distinguished Professor, Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine
Connect with other attendees
Connecting with other people who have similar experiences can provide emotional benefits. Finding ways to support your emotional health is just as important as getting the right cancer treatment. There are several ways to connect with other conference attendees during the conference weekend.
👩🏾🤝👩🏼 At the host hotel | In person
If you are attending in person, plan to join us for our on-site meetups and opportunities to connect with other attendees in a variety of special activities throughout the weekend.
💻 In the Webex Events platform/app | Virtual
Video enabled hangouts
If you are joining us virtually from the comfort of your home, tune into our video-enabled small group hangouts to meet others, share stories, and give and receive support.
Led by LBBC’s Leadership Volunteers who are also living with MBC, these hangouts are scheduled throughout the virtual conference program to provide you with multiple opportunities for connection.
These small group hangouts are hosted within our conference platform, Webex Events (formerly Socio). No extra registration or link required. Turning on your video and microphone is encouraged, but not required to participate. Choose one hangout to participate in or move around the groups as you like.
The social wall
Write posts, share pictures, and connect with each other throughout the weekend on the LBBC Social Wall.
Make a one-on-one connection
Make new friends or connect with familiar faces by sharing about yourself on your attendee profile in the Webex Events platform/app and sending connection requests to other attendees. In the conference platform you can direct message and video chat with your connections throughout the conference weekend and beyond.
💻 On social media | Virtual
#LBBCMetsConf
Follow the conversation and share your own takeaways and questions by using #LBBCMetsConf on Twitter and Instagram. We find that many attendees, experts, and supporters are active on Twitter during the conference weekend. And of course, don’t forget to tell your network ahead of time that you’re attending Thriving Together!
Visit the Events section of our Facebook page and join “2023 Conference on Metastatic Breast Cancer” to connect with other conference attendees.
Thank you
Presenting sponsor
Leadership sponsor
Lead Organizational Sponsor
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Title Sponsor
Signature sponsors
Benefactors
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Cancer Today Magazine/American Association for Cancer Research
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Foundation Medicine
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Genentech
Supporters
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Celcuity
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GE HealthCare
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Menarini Stemline
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TerSera
Friends
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BJNB Foundation
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BriaCell
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Lynda Gross Guardian Angel Fund
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Natera
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Paula A. Seidman Fund
