Community Event for Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors April 23, 2026
A new educational gathering—supported by the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation—focuses on the “what now?” questions after treatment and connects attendees with practical tools and local resources.
When breast cancer treatment ends, many patients describe a mix of relief and uncertainty. The follow-up care schedule may be clear, but the bigger questions—How do I rebuild strength? Where do I find support? What lifestyle changes actually help?—can feel harder to answer.
To help fill that gap, a breast cancer survivorship event, Thriving After Breast Cancer: A Day of Hope and Healing, is being hosted by the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute to encourage, uplift and support individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, with an emphasis on the continuum of care after treatment. The event was first held in January 2026, and a repeat of the program is being held this month.
“Survivorship begins at the moment one is diagnosed,” organizers note—meaning support matters during active treatment and long after the last appointment. This event is designed for patients and survivors, and it also welcomes those who want to better understand survivorship needs through a community-centered approach that makes it easier to connect with others on the same road to healing.
Attendees can expect practical takeaways and time for connection, including:
- Guidance on what to expect after completing treatment and how to stay consistent with follow-up care.
- Community resources and referrals for ongoing psychosocial support.
- Small, realistic lifestyle changes—nutrition, movement and stress support—that can be started right away.
- Mindfulness/meditation strategies to support mental wellness.
- Opportunities to meet and talk with other survivors, providers and community ambassadors so no one feels alone.
Featured educational components include:
- “Food Is Medicine” presented by radiation oncologist Julie A. Bradley, MD, MHCDS, University of Florida professor and director of the breast cancer program at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute
- “Follow-Up Care After Breast Cancer” presented by radiation oncology nurse practitioner Teena Burchianti, MSN, APRN, ANP-BC, OCN, who specializes in survivorship care and education to patients treated for breast cancer or gynecologic cancers.
There will also be a talk focused on mental wellness. Healthy food options will be available for attendees to sample, reinforcing that healing can be supported through everyday choices.
“We always hear about early detection, which is important, but not much on survivorship,” said Tamara Sorrye, LMHC-QS, director of social services at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
Event details: Thriving After Breast Cancer: A Day of Hope and Healing • April 23, 2026 @ 9AM – 12PM • UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 N. Jefferson St., Jacksonville, Fla., 32206 • For more information, contact Tamara at (904) 588-1293 or tsorrye@floridaproton.org • Registration Link for this Free Event: https://bit.ly/SurvivorshipEvent1
If you missed the event in January, join us on April 23rd! The goal is for everyone who attends to leave with a stronger knowledge base, a sense of support and at least one new habit they feel confident implementing to improve quality of life and help lower the risk of recurrence.