Thank you to Novartis for sponsoring our Educational Panel in New York City!

Through honest dialogue and lived experience, we aim to deepen understanding and expand the public narrative around survivorship through this years educational panel.

Survivorship is often seen as a return to “normal.” In reality, it is a complex and deeply personal chapter. Life after treatment can include physical recovery, long-term side effects, identity shifts, emotional healing, and ongoing medical care. For many, it also includes navigating the persistent and very real fear — and risk — of recurrence. For members of the metastatic community, survivorship looks different still: living, thriving, and redefining stability while in continuous treatment.

Meet our Expert Panelists:

Dr. Elizabeth Brém, MD

UCI Health Hematology/Oncology

Dr. Elizabeth Brém is currently a Clinical Associate Professor and Vice Chief of Clinical Affairs for the Division of Hematology/Oncology at UC Irvine with a clinical focus in blood cancers. Dr. Brém is active in clinical research and really enjoys the opportunity to help figure out the best ways to treat and take care of cancer patients. A lifelong dancer, she understands the many benefits dance can offer and serves on our Medical Advisory Board.

Dr. Ellie Kraft, MD

Hoag Hospital Breast Surgeon

Dr. Ellie Kraft is a fellowship-trained breast surgeon and oncoplastic surgeon at Hoag Breast Center and a passionate advocate for patient education and empowerment. Through her surgical practice, her podcast, and her digital platforms, she works to guide patients through the breast cancer journey and meet them where they are. She does this to ensure no patient navigates survivorship feeling uninformed or alone and keep their quality of life and life after surgery at the forefront of her care.

Christina Thammasen

Patient Advocate and MBC Thriver

Christina Thammasen is a wife, mom, and patient advocate who works part-time as a mental health counselor hosting online support groups. She has been actively living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) for 8.5 years and brings both her personal and professional experiences to the breast cancer space.

Abigail Simon

Patient Advocate, Ballet Coach, Master Teacher, and Professional Ballet Dancer

Abigail Simon trained at the School of American Ballet and danced professionally with American Ballet Theatre and The Joffrey Ballet. In 2025, she returned to the stage following breast cancer treatment, an experience that deepened her belief in the healing power of movement, both physically and emotionally.

Thank you to Novartis for sponsoring our Educational Panel on the Reality of Survivorship.

Learn more about Novartis at https://www.novartis.com/us-en/about/therapeutic-areas/oncology.