Laura Esfeller: What did ASCO24 mean to me as a patient advocate and cancer survivor?

Laura Esfeller shared a post on X:

“What did ASCO24 mean to me as a patient advocate and cancer survivor? Allow me to explain…

Even though I’m using my mom pose here, it’s the fact that my voice is heard at these meetings. I feel comfortable speaking up bc the incredible doctors and researchers I work with have created an environment where I feel seen as an advocate and former clinical trial participant.

Because of the incredible support of The Hope Foundation for Cancer Research I’m able to be a member of ASCO and attend meetings, because SWOG and Hope Foundation believe in their advocates and I get to connect with other advocates I learn from. The amount of lived experience in these photos is breathtaking.

And let me tell you…we are in such great hands as this next generation of GUonc doctors are coming up. WOW. I am blown away by their dedication and compassion, the tenacity they have for research and results.

And finally…these incredible physician rockstars and so, so many others I know & admire. I don’t know if it’s possible to convey how meaningful it is that you have create a true seat at the table for patients like me. I am humbled to have walked amongst heroes this week.

The dedication and passion I see from all the oncologists, surgeons, researchers and other HCPs that I’m so incredibly lucky to know is unparalleled to anything I’ve ever seen. I am truly honored to know you and help you in any small way I can. Thank you for what you do for us.”

Source: Laura Esfeller/X

Laura Esfeller is a Patient Advisory Board member for KCCure and a Kidney Cancer Patient Advocate at SWOG Cancer Research Group. Laura is a survivor of metastatic papillary kidney cancer.

Previously, she served four years as a Consumer Reviewer for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program’s Kidney Cancer Research Program. Apart from advocacy, Laura works as a marketing professional in the hospitality industry.