Attend a free speaker event March 5 about latest in breast cancer research, treatment and survivorship

Prairie Dragon Paddlers is sponsoring a free speakers panel about breast cancer at 7 p.m., March 5, 2025, at the Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green St. The public is welcome to attend the event, to be held in the library’s Robeson Pavilion Rooms A & B.

Featured speakers are Betsy Barnick, Manager of Oncology Research, Carle Cancer Institute; Dr. Maria Grosse Perdekamp, Oncology, Cancer, Hematology, Brain Tumor Program, breast cancer survivor, Carle Cancer Institute; and Kate Graff, Oncology Nurse Navigator, Mills Breast Cancer Institute.

The format is casual and conversational. Topics to be covered include an overview of the current standard of care for breast cancer, research studies available locally; new/recent changes to breast cancer treatment as a result of research studies supported with local participation. Understanding the role of an oncology nurse navigator and how to utilize this resource will also be discussed, as well as survivorship care planning.

Attendees will also learn about how to access other resources and meet with survivors.

Prairie Dragon Paddlers is a not-for-profit organization that inspires hope and contributes to the health and well-being of breast cancer survivors through the sport of dragon boating, as well as other programs.