The Byrd Cancer Education and Advocacy Foundation will present a featured panel discussion focused on blood cancer at the 2026 All Things Cancer and Wellness Expo, taking place April 18 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Center City. The session, titled “Blood Cancer: Patient and Care Team Perspectives,” will be held from 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. in the Orchestra Room on the second floor.

Presented in partnership with Blood Cancer United, the discussion will center on the lived experiences of individuals navigating blood cancer diagnoses, treatment, and long-term care. The panel will be moderated by Ruby Nava-Ramos, Senior Manager of Patient and Community Outreach for Blood Cancer United in Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Panelists include Jill Farabelli, LCSW, APHSW-C; Richard Armstrong; and Dr. Nikita Dave, a Hematology/Oncology Fellow at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Together, they bring a combination of clinical expertise, patient advocacy, and lived experience to the conversation.

Blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, present unique challenges that often require complex, long-term treatment strategies. This session aims to provide a comprehensive view of the care journey, highlighting both clinical and personal perspectives. By fostering dialogue between patients and providers, the panel seeks to emphasize the importance of communication, trust, and coordinated care.

The discussion will also address broader themes of access to care, emotional well-being, and the role of advocacy organizations in supporting patients throughout their treatment journey. As part of the expo’s mission, the session reinforces the importance of education and community engagement in addressing disparities and improving patient experiences.