FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Trudean Haye
Executive Director
Byrd Cancer Education & Advocacy Foundation
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 215-512-6465
Website: www.byrdcancerfoundation.org
PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Byrd Cancer Education & Advocacy Foundation is proud to announce that Candice Coleman, educational beauty and lifestyle influencer, federal business development strategist, and breast cancer survivor, will serve as the official event host for the 3rd Annual All Things Cancer + Wellness Expo taking place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Center City.
Coleman brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the role, having transformed her personal cancer journey into a powerful platform for education, advocacy, and community empowerment.
In April 2023, Coleman was diagnosed with Stage 2B triple-negative breast cancer after discovering a lump during a self-exam. Her treatment included 14 rounds of chemotherapy, surgery to remove affected lymph nodes, 16 rounds of radiation, and five rounds of immunotherapy. She was declared cancer-free in November 2023 and rang her final bell in June 2024.
Throughout treatment, Coleman documented her journey in real time, openly sharing the physical, emotional, and spiritual realities of navigating cancer as a Black woman. Her transparency and advocacy have helped raise awareness about early detection, body awareness, equitable healthcare access, and participation in clinical trials — particularly within communities disproportionately impacted by aggressive breast cancers.
“We are honored to welcome Candice as our event host this year,” said Dr. Nia Imani Bailey, President of the Byrd Cancer Education & Advocacy Foundation. “Her story reflects strength, authenticity, and advocacy — the very values that define our mission. Having a survivor lead this space creates connection and hope for every person who walks through the doors.”
A graduate of the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Public and Community Health, Coleman combines academic knowledge with lived experience to educate, empower, and inspire audiences nationwide. She continues to use her platform to raise awareness about triple-negative breast cancer while promoting wellness, resilience, and informed healthcare decision-making for women.
The All Things Cancer + Wellness Expo is one of Philadelphia’s most comprehensive free community cancer events, bringing together healthcare professionals, advocacy organizations, survivors, caregivers, and community members for a full day of education, screenings, wellness resources, and support.
The event is free and open to the public. Registration is available at www.cancerwellnessexpo.com.
About Byrd Cancer Education & Advocacy Foundation
The Byrd Cancer Education & Advocacy Foundation is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing cancer disparities through education, patient navigation, community outreach, and advocacy. The Foundation works to ensure individuals and families affected by cancer have equitable access to care, resources, and support.