10:30 - 15:00

Vancouver BC
Canada

In-person event Events

Connect & Learn: Vancouver

Join us in Vancouver for a day of 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 the latest developments in blood cancer care, explore important topics like treatment innovation and managing side effects and 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.

  • The who, what, and why of CAR T cell therapy
    • 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. 
  • Mental and emotional support in the face of uncertainty 
  • Managing brain fog, fatigue, and insomnia 
  • Lived experience testimonial from a patient & caregiver
     
Location:

Museum of Vancouver
1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9
Click here for a map

Dr. Ryan Stubbins
Dr. Ryan Stubbins
MD, MSc, FRCPC
Dr. Ryan Stubbins is a Hematologist and Transplant/Cell Therapy physician in the Leukemia/BMT program of BC. He previously did his medical school, residency training, a MSc, and hematology/BMT training at the Universities of Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia.

He has performed additional research training at the BC Cancer Genome Sciences Center and the University of Chicago. He has clinical and research interests are focused on leukemia, rare hematologic diseases, and cellular therapy/CART
Michele Rosko and Randy Taylor
Michele Rosko LDA, B.Ed., TESOL and Randy Taylor B.Ed., MA, Ph.D.
Michele is a dental professional and faculty member celebrating 40 years in the School of Health Sciences Dental Programs at Vancouver Community College. Randy, a successful broadcaster in many BC markets, taught in the School of Business Radio Program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology for over 30 years.

Randy was diagnosed with MPAL in 2013 and had an anonymous donor transplant in 2014. He faced several life-threatening complications. Once they had settled into their new normal and had the privilege of meeting their donor, they knew they had to find a way to pay forward the gift they had been given. They found that path through the First Connection Volunteer Program. Together, they support both caregivers and patients navigating a blood cancer diagnosis.

Michele and Randy are the 2026 recipients of the LLSC Tricia Antonini First Connection Volunteers of the Year.
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