Iowa Market Ovarian Cancer Community Education Program
Monday, May 18, 2026
9:30 am – 3:15 pm (CT)
Raccoon River Nature Lodge
2500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Parking: Onsite parking is available
Agenda
9:30 am – 10:00 am | Registration & Light Refreshments |
10:00 am – 10:15 am | Welcome |
10:15 am – 11:00 am | Linked By A Word |
11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Understanding Clinical Trials |
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | Lunch |
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Pen to Paper, Heart to Healing: Journaling |
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Seated & Strong: Chair Pilates |
3:00 pm – 3:15 pm | Closing Remarks |
*Schedule is subject to change; all times shown above are Central.
Session 1: Linked By a Word
To help foster connection and recognize the strength of the community that surrounds you, each participant will receive a friendship bracelet featuring a single word, such as hope, strength, or courage. This word may serve as a reminder, a reflection of your journey, or simply something meaningful you wish to carry throughout the day. During the program, participants will be invited to briefly share the story or significance behind their word. As conversations unfold, there will be opportunities to exchange bracelets, symbolizing the shared understanding, resilience, and connection that bring us together.
Presented by: Pamela Banning, LISW, APHSW-C, OSW-C
Pamela Banning, LISW, APHSW-C, OSW-C
John Stoddard Cancer Center
Pamela is an oncology social worker who supports patients and their families with the practical, social, and emotional issues related to a cancer diagnosis. Pamela joined Stoddard Cancer Center in August of 2022.
Prior to joining the team at John Stoddard Cancer Center, she was a palliative care social worker with John Muir Health in Concord, California. She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and graduated with a master’s degree from the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. She has been working as a social worker in health care settings since 2011.
Pamela has additional certification in Advanced Palliative and Hospice Social Work (APHSW-C) and is certified in Oncology Social Work (OSW-C), which represents an advanced level of competence, commitment, and experience in the field of oncology social work.
Pamela also provides free short-term counseling services for patients and their support systems, available in person or through virtual care, through the John Stoddard Cancer Center Counseling Services.
Session 2: Understanding Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are a pathway to hope. Together, we will learn how to navigate the clinical trial process, gain a better understanding of each phase, and learn about emerging therapies made possible through research. This session will include insights from a healthcare professional and a survivor who will share their lived experiences, providing a meaningful perspective on the impact clinical trials can have on treatment and the future of care. Q&A to follow.
Presented by: Dr. Arshin Sheybani, MD
Dr. Arshin Sheybani, MD
Radiation Oncology, Unity Point Health
Dr. Sheybani completed her undergraduate education at Louisiana State University and earned her medical degree from LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. She completed an internship in general surgery at Iowa Methodist Medical Center before going on to complete her residency at the University of Iowa Department of Radiation Oncology.
Session 3: Pen to Paper, Heart to Healing: Journaling
Journaling can be a gentle, effective wellness practice—helping us process emotions, notice patterns, and make room for hope alongside the hard moments. In this guided session, each participant will receive a journal and be invited to write privately in response to supportive prompts. There will also be an optional opportunity to share a reflection with the group, for those who choose. No writing experience is needed—this is about expression, not perfection.
Presented by: Jaclyn Dehner, LMHC
Jaclyn Dehner, LMHC
Founder, Narrative Healing LLC
Jaclyn Dehner is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, writer, and spoken word poet who believes in the power of story to heal, connect, and transform. As the founder of Narrative Healing, she helps individuals explore the stories they carry, make meaning of their experiences, and gently reconnect with who they are in the midst of life’s challenges.
Her work blends therapy and creative expression, offering space for both reflection and release. She is especially passionate about using writing as a tool for navigating moments of grief, uncertainty, and identity shifts, helping people put words to experiences that can often feel difficult to name.
Session 4: Seated & Strong: Chair Pilates
Chair Pilates is a low-impact movement session designed to support strength, mobility, posture, and relaxation—using a chair for stability and comfort. Guided by a trained instructor, participants will move through gentle, mindful exercises that focus on breath, core support, and improving range of motion. Every movement is optional and can be modified, making this a welcoming activity where participants can honor their own comfort and energy levels.
Presented by: 
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 Iowa Market of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC), this complimentary program, designed specifically for ovarian cancer survivors and caregivers, brings our community together to share knowledge, foster connections, and provide practical tools for every stage of the journey.
Attendees will hear from leading experts and community voices 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.