Please join us for the 5th Patient and Care Partner Education Conference hosted by Northside Hospital Cancer Institute!

The Power of Your Story

Every cancer journey is a story - one filled with challenges, resilience, uncertainty, growth, and hope. The 2026 Patient and Care Partner Conference sponsored by Northside Hospital Cancer Institute will bring together patients, care partners, and healthcare professionals to explore how storytelling can help us better understand our experiences, strengthen relationships, and improve the care we give and receive. 

Throughout the day, attendees will discover how personal stories shape the cancer experience and provide opportunities for healing, connection, and empowerment. Beginning with "Everyone Has a Story," participants will reflect on the unique experiences that define their cancer journey and learn how sharing those experiences can foster understanding and support. 

Sessions such as "We Are Supporting Characters – The Roles Your Care Team Plays" will explore the important role healthcare providers play in each patient's story, while "Feeding Your Story – How Nutrition Provides Support" will highlight how nutrition can help patients maintain strength and well-being throughout treatment and beyond. 

Open and honest communication will be another key theme of the conference. During "Redactions to Your Story – How to Talk About Things You're Afraid to Say," attendees will gain tools and confidence to discuss difficult topics, express concerns, and deepen conversations with loved ones and care teams. 

The conference will also provide opportunities for meaningful dialogue among patients and care partners through an interactive discussion session, allowing participants to learn from one another's journeys and recognize the strength that comes from shared understanding. 

As the day continues, attendees will be encouraged to look toward the future in "Strength Through Connection: Writing Your Next Chapter," a session focused on personal growth, resilience, and creating a path forward beyond the challenges of cancer. The conference will conclude with "The Stories That Carry Us: Finding Strength, Meaning and Hope Through the Cancer Journey," inspiring participants to draw from their experiences, relationships, and values as sources of purpose and hope. 

This event is designed to remind patients and care partners that while cancer may become an important chapter in life, it is not the entire story. By embracing storytelling, attendees can find connection, discover new perspectives, and gain practical and emotional tools to navigate the cancer journey with courage, meaning, and hope. We invite you to join us for a day of learning, reflection, and inspiration as we celebrate the stories that shape who we are and guide us forward.

Throughout the day, attendees are encouraged to take advantage of complimentary chair massages, visit our Community Resource Area to learn more about community support organizations and services offered by Northside (including behavioral health, nutrition, physical therapy/rehab, navigation, genetics and more) and enter a raffle for giveaways! Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be served. 

Registration and parking are both free of charge.

We hope to see you in September!