Crossroads4Hope's

March 21st, 2025 | 8:30am – 3:30pm | Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick, NJ

Join us for a professional development conference where Crossroads4Hope and other trusted leaders will equip professionals with knowledge and tools focused on the needs of the Youth and AYA (Adolescent and Young Adult) Cancer populations; one of the fastest growing communities diagnosed with cancer. 

We are honored to bring Matthew Zachary back home
as this years' Keynote Speaker.

29- Year Cancer Survivor

Founder: Stupid Cancer

Host: Out of Patients Podcast

Crossroads4Hope Member

Matthew Zachary is an American advocate passionate about putting the patient at the center of every conversation, with a storied career spanning entertainment, advertising, marketing, nonprofit, digital health, public policy, life sciences, and broadcast media. 
 
As Founder of the award-winning nonprofit Stupid Cancer, Matthew started the young adult cancer movement in 2007, where he hosted and produced ‘The Stupid Cancer Show,’ America’s first healthcare talk radio show (before podcasts existed.)
 
Between his award-winning documentary, The Cancer Mavericks: A History of Survivorship, and his Top-10 award-winning podcast Out of Patients, Matthew—whom some dub ‘The Podfather of Healthcare’—is one of the country’s most visionary voices and influential talents.
 
Matthew is currently principal at Matthew Zachary Worldwide, a multifaceted organization encompassing a media production company, a digital health platform, a talent agency, and a consulting group serving the life science and nonprofit sectors.
 
He lives with his wife and twins in Brooklyn.

Introducing our Plenary Topic

From Patient to Person: Identity Development and
Life Milestones for AYA's with Cancer

Conference Breakout Sessions

Breakout Session One

Participants will chose one of the following:

Breakout Session Two

Participants will chose one of the following:

Navigating Transitions in Care
for AYA Patients

Presenter: Alexandra Russo, LCSW

Presenter: Rachel Henesy (Marks), LMSW

This session will focus on the various transitions that adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer undergo through their treatment experience and offer guidance on how to support them in a meaningful way.

From Googling to Healing: Technology's Role in Cancer Care for the Digital Generation

Presenter: Katie Devine, PhD, MPH

This presentation will cover the role of technology in cancer care for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors, including potentially helpful and harmful ways technology can influence coping.

The Disclosure Dilemma: Considerations for Sharing a Diagnosis with Youth

Presenter: Rachel Werner, MS, CCLS, GC-C​

This presentation delves into the "Disclosure Dilemma," exploring the benefits of open communication, along with common concerns that families may have. Disclosure, in this context, refers to the act of revealing a cancer diagnosis or prognosis to a child in an honest and age-appropriate way. This presentation equips professionals with the knowledge and resources necessary to support families in their disclosure decisions. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on navigating this sensitive conversation with compassion, clarity, and a focus on the best interests of the child.

Empowering Young Caregivers:
Balancing Challenges and Changes While Embracing Resilience

Presenter: Hayley Feuchs, LMSW

This presentation will focus on young adult caregivers and will explore the unique challenges that individuals in the 18 to 39-year-old age range experience when caring for a loved one navigating their cancer journey. The presentation will highlight the emotional and practical challenges that this population can face in the wake of a loved one’s cancer diagnosis. The presenter will provide psychoeducation on balancing caregiving with work, school, and relationships, by introducing coping strategies that can help this population manage stress, avoid burnout, and maintain physical and emotional health.

HPV Vaccine as Cancer Prevention/Education

Presenter: Yareni Sime, MPH

Description

Sibling/Peer Support

Presenter: Jennifer Costa, MSW, CCLS

Description