Join Crossroads4Hope and leading voices in oncology care for a powerful one- day professional development conference focused on some of the most critical and compassionate aspects of cancer support.
Gain expert led knowledge on best practices and therapeutic approaches for delivering comprehensive support for individuals and families impacted by advanced cancer.
Whether you’re a healthcare provider, community leader, mental health professional, or part of a care team, this is your opportunity to deepen your impact,grow your expertise, and connect with a community committed to whole-person care.
Together, we’ll elevate the standard of support - when it matters most.
Introducing Our 2026 Conference Speakers:
(STILL NEED- WILL UPDATE SECTION BELOW) Keynote Speaker: Dr. Moshel CREDENTIALS
Plenary Presentation: Rachael (Rae) Shuster, DSW, LCSW, OSW-C & Caitlin Novelli, BS, CCLS Supporting the Whole Family Through an Advanced Cancer Diagnosis
During registration, each participant may select one of the three courses offered in Breakout Session One and one of the three courses offered in Breakout Session Two. To view presenter biographies, please click on each presenter’s button.
Breakout Session One
Breakout Session Two
Making the Uncomfortable (More) Comfortable: Normalizing Conversations on Death and Dying
This interactive workshop will begin with definitions of loss, grief and mourning and then will explore the reasons why we are uncomfortable talking about death and dying. Participants will learn about how and when to initiate conversations about end of life, and practice exploring their own values when it comes to this transition. They will learn specific tools for companioning someone who is living through a loss, whether that be a new illness or diagnosis, anticipatory grief or death.
The Value of Choice at the End of Life: An Exploration of Medical Aid in Dying
This session will introduce Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD), explaining the law in NJ, an overview of an active program providing this service, the barriers to access and what patients and loved ones can expect. This will be followed by a testimonial from a loved one whose partner chose to use MAiD at the end of her illness. A question-and-answer period will be provided at the end of the talk.
This workshop provides practical guidelines for conducting life review and legacy work with patients and families. It explores the practice of deep listening, which includes the art of asking fruitful, open-ended questions.
Supporting Children through Their Disease Progression
Interdisciplinary care and support professionals, including social
service providers, community health workers, case managers, nurse
navigators, educators, and patient advocates, play a vital role in
helping patients with cancer and their families live well throughout
serious illness. This session will explore how palliative care, a
specialized approach focused on relieving symptoms, stress, and
suffering, enhances quality of life for patients, caregivers, and families.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of how palliative care
differs from hospice, when and how it can be introduced, and why it is
essential at any stage of serious illness. The session will also highlight
New Jersey’s forthcoming Medicaid Community-Based Palliative Care
benefit, launching in 2026, and the crucial role these professionals will
play in promoting equitable access and continuity of care. Through
real-world examples and actionable strategies, attendees will learn
how to recognize when patients could benefit from palliative care,
initiate supportive conversations, and collaborate across disciplines to
ensure that care aligns with each person’s values, goals, and quality-of-life priorities.
Pain is one of the most common issues facing cancer survivors. The causes of pain in this group is often complex and interconnected. Pre-existing issues such as arthritis and other degenerative disorders, nerve issues, depression, anxiety and other problems often worsen as a result of cancer and its treatment. Much of the pain seen in cancer survivors is not due to the cancer itself, but the various toxic treatments such as surgery, systemic therapy and radiation therapy used to control it. This presentation will discuss the pathophysiology, evaluation, and comprehensive management of pain in cancer survivors.
Register Today or Click Below to Receive Conference Updates & Reminders!
If you have any questions about our conference, please email our program team at programteam@crossroads4hope.org
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