Jasmine Souers Updated on Apr 25, 2025 3 min read

Leadership Linkup Q2 Recap: Encouragement and Collaboration Among CHAINgemakers

Thirteen cancer advocates and community leaders came together for a lively discussion at our first Leadership Linkup.

Thirteen cancer advocates and community leaders came together for a lively discussion at our first Leadership Linkup, a quarterly power-hour hosted by The Missing Pink Breast Cancer Alliance for those working to support people affected by cancer in all arenas.

Together, we held space for the personal and professional impact of the political climate on the state of healthcare, and brainstormed solutions to community challenges submitted by participants.

Below is a recap of our meeting including, ideas from our Link & Lift roundtables, the leadership wellness activity, and upcoming opportunities and more.

Link & Lift

The Link & Lift segment is a collaborative problem-solving activity that invites participants to offer recommendations, resources and ideas to overcome a problem related to cancer advocacy or the community leadership experience.

CHALLENGE #1

How can I engage an uninterested cancer center?

Challenge: “I need to connect with a community leader to educate and offer support in partnership with the local cancer center. They don’t currently have a support group. I am part of a support group for all cancers and all women, we just can't seem to get the cancer center involved. The community as a whole is underserved and underrepresented in the cancer space.”

Feedback:

Express concerns about the lack of patient support to the cancer center’s leadership or outreach department. Offer to help improve their community engagement as a community advocate or community advisory board member.
Keep in mind, cancer centers are under a lot of strain. Present partnering with your support group as a solution to a problem that won’t create additional work for them.
Consider approaching social workers or nurse navigators at the cancer center.

CHALLENGE #2

How can I help people understand the value of second opinions?

Challenge: “We offer two services, access to a second opinion and an AI Health Companion to address health literacy. Our greatest challenge is educating people on why they should and have time for a second opinion after being diagnosed with cancer.”

Feedback:

Recognize the limitations for AI to address cultural and health literacy.
Barriers to seeking second opinions were identified, such as fear of slowing down treatment, financial concerns, and not wanting to offend doctors.
Keep in mind, many people aren’t always aware that they have options. They may also feel burdened by life happening beyond – or as a result of – the diagnosis.
Make second opinions a viable option by identifying barriers for the target population and lead with the solution to the barrier.
Many people don’t know what to ask or when, making family members and friends essential to the conversation.
Educate patients on when second opinions are most valuable.
Use a patient testimonial to highlight the value and impact of second opinions.
Develop patient self-advocacy tools, trainings and literature.
Develop tools to help caregivers and co-survivors better support the patient.
Present second opinions as a benefit that outweighs the perceived inconvenience, especially in underserved communities.

Leadership Wellness Activity

Advocacy burnout is real and it was one of the top concerns for registered participants. According to the Social Health Network, reconnecting with your “why,” prioritizing self care, setting boundaries, and seeking support can help alleviate burnout. Use the following prompts to explore what alleviating burnout in these areas means to you:

RECONNECT WITH YOUR WHY

Why did you start the work you do?
Why have you continued to do the work?
What’s changed for you over time?

KNOW WHAT YOU NEED

Prioritize self-care

When was the last time I felt truly rested? What would it take to make that happen again?
What’s one way I can honor my body, mind, or spirit in the next 7 days?

Set boundaries

What have I been saying “yes” to that I need to start saying “not right now” to?
Where in my life or leadership do I feel most stretched thin?

Seek support

Who pours into me—and when was the last time I let them?
What kind of support do I need right now, and who could I ask for it?

Opportunity Exchange

Here's a roundup of shared events, opportunities and resources:

Editorial

More Life Magazine is accepting submissions for the 2025 MBC Issue

Trainings

Events

Resources

Chrysalis Initiative (Patient navigators and cancer coaches)
The Creative Center (Art therapy for people living with cancer or chronic illness, their care team and co-survivors)
The Light Collective (Digital patient rights advocacy/AI)
The MBC Alliance (Nonprofit member event calendar)
Painted Pink (Prevention education and support for young women w/ breast cancer)
Sista’s Daughters ( Medical insurance navigation)