Edmonton AB
Canada
Connect & Learn | Edmonton
Join us in Edmonton, Alberta for connection, conversation and community.
Connect & Learn is a chance to come together with others affected by a blood cancer – including people living with a diagnosis, caregivers, healthcare professionals and supporters – to learn, share experiences and feel part of a stronger community.
Hear from experts on topics including CAR-T theapy, modern treatment approaches such as immunotherapies, advances in side effect management and the connection between mental health and blood cancer care. You’ll also gain valuable insights from people with lived experience who understand the challenges and realities firsthand.
More than an educational event, Connect & Learn is an opportunity to ask questions, make meaningful connections and leave feeling informed, supported and empowered.
Whether you are newly diagnosed, supporting someone you love or simply want to better understand blood cancer, everyone is welcome.
Explore the full agenda below and save your spot today.
Location:
Sandman Hotel Edmonton West
17635 Stony Plain Rd, Edmonton AB T5S 1E3
Click here for a map
Registration is now closed.
For any questions, please contact Desiree Naylor, Community Services Lead, Prairies: [email protected].
Schedule:
10:00 – 10:15 am – Registration
10:30 – Opening remarks
10:40 – 11:40 am – CAR-T Therapy Explained: What It Is, Who It’s For, and What to Expect in Alberta – Nicole Duerksen
This session offers a clear, easy-to-understand overview of CAR T-cell therapy, from how immune cells work to how they’re collected, engineered, and returned to the body to fight cancer. Learn what to expect before, during, and after treatment, including side effect management and long-term follow-up.
11:40 – 11:55 am – Survival Testimonial | Meghan Parlee
11:55 am – 12:30 pm – Lunch
12:30 – 1:15 pm – The Modern Treatment Experience: More Than Chemo | Dr. Anthea Peters
Topics include:
- Targeted therapies & immunotherapies (in plain language)
- Oral cancer drugs: freedom + adherence challenges
- Managing treatment at home vs hospital
- Side effect management advances
- When “watch and wait” is actually active care
1:15 – 1:25 pm – Refreshment break
1:35 – 1:55 pm – The Hidden Side of Blood Cancer: Mental Health, Fear & Resilience | Kim Crosby, PhD, RPsych (she/her)
Topics include:
- Depression and anxiety in long-term treatment
- Scanxiety and fear of recurrence
- When and how to access the psychosocial department
1:55 – 2:00 pm – Closing remarks
Dr. Kim Crosby is a registered psychologist at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton supporting cancer patients and their families. She has worked with patients across many stages of illness, from newly diagnosed, those receiving active treatment, individuals in survivorship, and those who are living with chronic or advanced cancers. In addition, Dr. Crosby is a clinical lecturer with the Department of Oncology at the University of Alberta with a specific focus on Palliative Care. She provides education and teaching for students and other professionals working in cancer care. She completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of British Columbia and completed a pre-doctoral internship at the Edmonton Clinical Psychology Residency Consortium at Alberta Health Services.
Dr. Anthea Peters is a hematologist based at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton, Alberta and an Associate Professor in the Department of Oncology at the University of Alberta. She completed her MD at the University of Saskatchewan, internal medicine residency training at the University of Alberta and hematology training as well as a lymphoma fellowship at the University of Calgary. Her clinical and research interests are centered around chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and lymphoma including post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD).
No. This event is free to attend.
Everyone is welcome. Connect & Learn is open to people living with a blood cancer diagnosis, caregivers, family members, healthcare professionals and anyone interested in learning more about blood cancer care and support.
Yes, advance registration is encouraged to help us plan for seating and event materials.
Connect & Learn is designed to be an engaging and welcoming day featuring expert speakers, practical education, lived experience perspectives and opportunities to connect with others in the blood cancer community. Come out and learn about:
- CAR-T Therapy Explained
- The Modern Treatment Experience: More Than Chemo
- The Hidden Side of Blood Cancer: Mental Health, Fear & Resilience
- A blood cancer survivor’s experience
Yes. There will be opportunities throughout the event to ask questions and engage with speakers and other attendees.
Not at all. Whether you are newly diagnosed, in treatment, post-treatment, supporting a loved one or simply looking to learn more, the event is open to you.
A light lunch will be provided, as well as snacks. Please complete the registration form to indicate your dietary restrictions concerns.
We aim to host events in accessible spaces, including this Connect & Learn event. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, please contact us in advance so we can help support your attendance.
Yes, there is free parking available. You're encouraged to use the shared parking with Denny's and Chophouse, and enter the Sandman Hotel through that entrance.
Enter through the Sandman entrance, walk through the lobby, go down the hallway to the left.
If you have questions about the event or need support with registration, please contact Desiree Naylor, Community Services Lead, Prairies: [email protected] or 403-451-5430.
This event was made possible thanks to the support of:
