Mid-Atlantic Ovarian Cancer Community Education Program
Friday, May 8, 2026
9:00 am – 2:30 pm (ET)
Blue Bell Country Club
1800 Tournament Drive, Blue Bell, PA 19422
Parking: On-site parking available.
Agenda
9:00 am – 9:30 am | Breakfast & Registration |
9:30 am – 9:45 am | Welcome |
9:45 am – 10:45 am | Palliative Care |
10:45 am – 11:45 am | Oral Health & Cancer Survivorship: What You Need to Know |
11:45 am – 12:45 pm | Lunch |
12:45 pm – 1:30 pm | NIA Holistic Movement |
1:30 pm – 2:15 pm | How to Make Friends with Your Microbiome |
2:15 pm – 2:30 pm | Closing Remarks |
*Schedule is subject to change; all times shown above are Eastern.
Session 1: Palliative Care
Together we will explore how this specialized form of compassionate, whole-person care focuses on easing symptoms, managing side effects, and supporting emotional well-being throughout the cancer journey. Palliative care can be provided alongside active treatment at any stage and is designed to help patients feel more supported.
Presented by: Dana Rosario AGACNP-BC, MSN, CMSRN
Dana Rosario
AGACNP-BC, MSN, CMSRN
MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper
Dana Rosario, AGACNP-BC, MSN, CMSRN, has been a nurse practitioner for four years. She obtained her nursing degree from Helene Fuld School of Nursing, later earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Immaculata University. She went on to pursue and complete her Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University. After working the first few years of her career in hospital medicine, Dana decided to follow her calling to specialize in hematology and oncology. She is currently working as one of the nurse practitioners at MD Anderson’s Infusion Center at Cooper. Dana is a firm believer in providing quality, patient-centered care, and she enjoys getting to know the people she works with. She takes pride in doing everything she can to help her patients and is passionate about understanding the individual needs and preferences of each patient, tailoring her care accordingly.
Session 2: Oral Health & Cancer Survivorship: What You Need to Know
This informative session will focus on oral health during cancer survivorship. We will explore the importance of maintaining good oral care during and after treatment, share practical tips for managing side effects like mouth sores and dry mouth and help you understand when it is important to seek care from a dentist.
Presented by: Cynthia Scott
Cynthia Scott
Registered Dental Hygienist
Cooper's Center for Comprehensive Health
Cynthia Scott is a Registered Dental Hygienist with Cooper's Center for Comprehensive Health. She began her career as a dental assistant in 1989. After becoming a Dental Hygienist, she worked in various practice settings before focusing on medically integrated dental care and oral systemic health. She holds Certificates in Oral Systemic Education and Oncology Care from The National Network of Healthcare Hygienists. In her work with the Cooper Center for Comprehensive Health, she strives to deliver collaborative, patient-centered care, connecting the oral health with the rest of the body.
Session 3: NIA Movement Therapy (Neuromuscular Integrative Action)
NIA is a holistic movement practice that works with elements from martial arts, dance, and relaxation techniques and brings together body, mind, and soul. This movement can be done from the comfort of your chair or standing. Suitable for all! We encourage you to bring a scarf to enhance the activity!
Presented by: Lisa Zahren
Lisa Zahren
Certified Brown Belt NIA Instructor & Moving to Heal Instructor
Lisa Zahren is a certified Brown Belt NIA Instructor and Moving to Heal Instructor through the NIA Technique. She started practicing NIA a decade ago and discovered a passion for movement. She brings a playful energy to every class she teaches while guiding her students to find the most healing way to move and live in their bodies. In addition to cancer support classes, Lisa facilitates community NIA dance classes through Mt. Airy Learning Tree, at Allen’s Lane Art Center and other locations around Philadelphia.
Session 4: How to Make Friends with Your Microbiome
Your gut is home to trillions of microbes that play a vital role in digestion, immunity, inflammation, treatment tolerance, and overall well‑being. Cancer therapies—including chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and long‑term medications—can disrupt the delicate balance of this microbial community, contributing to symptoms such as nausea, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, and changes in appetite. In “How to Make Friends with Your Microbiome,” Registered Dietitian Linda Goldsmith will guide survivors through practical, evidence‑informed nutrition strategies that support a more resilient and diverse gut microbiome. Participants will learn which foods help nourish beneficial bacteria, how to reintroduce fiber safely after treatment, and the difference between probiotics, prebiotics, and fermented foods. The session also covers realistic ways to ease lingering GI side‑effects, support immune function, and rebuild confidence in eating after treatment.
Presented by: Linda Goldsmith, Registered Dietitian
Linda Goldsmith, MA, RD, TTS
Registered Dietitian
Linda Goldsmith is a Registered Dietitian with two decades of experience specializing in oncology nutrition at the MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science from The Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Arts in Nutrition Education from Immaculata University. With a deep passion for nutrition and patient-centered care, Linda is committed to helping individuals navigate the nutritional challenges that accompany cancer diagnosis and treatment. She brings compassion, enthusiasm, and a love for education to every interaction, empowering patients to nourish and support their bodies through all stages of care.
Organizer
For more information, please contact Jenai Cerquoni, Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager
Thanks to our dedicated sponsors for their support!
This program is made possible by individuals and partners dedicated to providing
learning opportunities and a platform for our TEAL community to be inspired.
National Sponsors
Local Sponsors
Hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Region of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) and Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia, this program is designed for ovarian cancer survivors, caregivers, and others impacted by ovarian cancer. The program will bring our community together, connect attendees, and provide valuable information and practical tools to support individuals at every stage of their journey.
Attendees will hear from leading experts and community voices, gain insights into important topics related to ovarian cancer care and survivorship, and learn strategies to support physical and emotional well-being after a diagnosis. Participants will also have the opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences in a supportive, welcoming environment.
Together, we move forward—stronger, informed, and supported.