Attendees at CAC 2015 Midwest Conference

Cancer and Careers held its second Midwest Conference on Work & Cancer on Friday, April 10 — and what a turnout! The ballroom at Chicago’s Hotel Monaco was filled to capacity with 126 patients, survivors, healthcare providers and caregivers from 6 states.

Cancer and Careers’ own chief mission officer, Rebecca Nellis, was one of the speakers, joined by cancer rights attorney Monica Bryant, Esq., COO of Triage Cancer. Together they provided expert information on key practical and legal issues affecting working people with cancer and answered numerous questions from the engaged audience.

Whereas Rebecca spoke in particular about disclosure in the workplace, working through treatment, job-search & job re-entry, flexible work options, and managing one’s online reputation, Monica focused on health insurance, the ADA & FMLA, employer policies, reasonable accommodations, and benefits & income options. The collaborative presentation included current data, useful tips, real-life examples, and a list of valuable resources. In addition to the packet of printed material from both CAC and Triage that each attendee was given, it’s clear that everyone took home some newfound knowledge as well.

Of course none of this would have been possible were it not for the generous support of our sponsors: Genentech (Gold), QVC (Silver) and Novartis Oncology (Bronze). A huge thank-you to them!

If you’re in the Chicago area and were unable to attend this year’s conference, not to worry – we’ll be back next year!

For those of you on the East Coast, register now to join us in New York City on June 12 for our fifth annual National Conference on Work & Cancer.And for those on the West Coast, Cancer and Careers is hosting its first-ever West Coast Conference on Work & Cancer in the fall. Information and registration for that inaugural event will be available on our site soon, so be sure to check back frequently.