OncoDaily recently published its highly anticipated “100 Influential Cancer Survivors on Social Media: 2026 Edition,” celebrating the resilient voices turning personal adversity into global impact. Following the announcement, featured survivors and patient advocates took to LinkedIn and X to share their heartfelt gratitude, reflect on their journeys, and reaffirm their commitment to driving policy reform, clinical trial equity, and mental health support within the global oncology community.
Olivia Mannion:
“I’ve been recognized in OncoDaily’s 2026 Edition: 100 Influential Cancer Survivors on Social Media. The list features incredible survivors, some of whom I’ve had the distinct honor of advocating alongside – looking at you JJ Singleton and Alique Topalian, and others who I’ve admired and cheered on from afar.
National Cancer Survivors Month ended yesterday, and I’m proud of all I was able to accomplish in June in support of organizations and causes I care deeply about. While I celebrate being a survivor every day, I’m especially energized by the work below:
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN): I attended and tabled at Pride, helping to promote Cancer Votes, encouraging registration to ensuring cancer is a policy priority at the local, state, and national levels. LGBTQIA+ individuals face a disproportionate cancer burden, making it critical to advocate for evidence-based policies that can reduce this burden and eliminate disparities.
American Cancer Society of the Capital Region: This year’s Red, White, and Blue Party put on by the Associate Board of Ambassadors raised nearly $400,000. I personally raised $14,500 in sponsorships and was recognized at this year’s event. The money raised goes back into the community, helping to overcome social determinants of health (SDoH) and reduce care gaps by providing free nights of lodging, free rides to treatment, and grants for lodging and transportation locally.
Stupid Cancer: I raised $5,554 for another Stupid Challenge, which will provide scholarships for two adolescent young adult (AYA) cancer patients and/or survivors to attend CancerCon 2027, the only conference for AYA patients and survivors designed to foster education, community, and end isolation. It was also a treat to use my PAN PR skills and draft the press release announcing Joshua Rivera as the next Stupid Cancer Board Chair and announce the Junior Board I serve on alongside other incredible survivors and caregivers (as seen below!).
Blood Cancer United: Through the Blood Cancer United Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection program, I connected with a recently diagnosed patient for peer-to-peer support.
There are two million AYA cancer survivors in the US and I am dedicated to continuing this important work. Especially when it comes to advocating for mental health support for survivors, policy to reduce care gaps, long-term care plans for survivors, and helping other survivors – whether directly or indirectly.
I’m always looking to connect with organizations making an impact in the AYA cancer space and would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss how I might support your work.”
Vanessa Ghigliotty:
“In 2026, OncoDaily recognises 100 influential cancer survivors who refused to let their diagnosis be the end of their story and in doing so, have helped rewrite the story for all of us.
Huge congratulations to my fellow survivors and colleagues.”
Matthew Zachary:
“100 Cancer Survivors Just Got Named To A Very Special List That None Of Us Ever Asked To Be On.
OncoDaily just published their “100 Influential Cancer Survivors on Social Media for 2026“. I’m honored to be on it. But I’m writing this on behalf of everyone listed and everyone who should be.
We were welcomed into the club no one ever asks to join and then we had a terribly privileged opportunity to choose the Sisyphean path.
We chose to stop hiding the hardest chapter and start sharing it. Because somewhere out there, someone just got the call. Someone is sitting in a waiting room Googling their prognosis. Or, heaven forbid, letting AI tell them all the things that will soon kill them (beyond the pending Skynet apocalypse).
Someone is wondering if they’re the only one who feels this terrified. Someone needs to hear that we’ve been there too.
That’s what this list represents. 100 people who turned their worst days into someone else’s lifeline. Athletes, actors, physicians, parents, advocates. People who decided that silence wasn’t an option when speaking up could save a life.
If we didn’t do this, it wouldn’t get done.
The American Healthcare system doesn’t reward vulnerability. LinkedIn doesn’t optimize for pain. But we keep showing up anyway. We do this because it’s a responsibility we inherited when we survived.
To everyone on this list: thank you for refusing to disappear.
To everyone fighting the same fight without the recognition: you’re the reason we keep posting.
And to anyone reading this who just got diagnosed: welcome to the aforementioned club nobody wanted to join. We’re here. We’re pissed as fuck, too. We’ve been waiting for you, and we’re going nowhere.
Now go enjoy your Thursday.
Welcome to 2026: The Year of the Patient. The sick shall inherit the ballot. If this hits home, drop your story in the comments and/or tag a fellow survivor, caregiver or overall human who helped you feel less alone. What did their support mean to you?
Are you new here? My condolences and my thanks. Follow along and stay loud with the rest of us.”
Carmen Monge-Montero:
“I’m honoured and so grateful to be included in OncoDaily ‘s 100 Most Influential Cancer Survivors of 2026.
When I was diagnosed with cancer at 24 years old. I never imagined that one day my lived experience would let me to be part of a very special community. Actually at the beginning I was so afraid to say it aloud because I didn’t want it do my affect my studies and my work and now it’s the foundation of my work.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of learning from extraordinary people with lived experience, researchers, HCP’s, and advocates from around the world. Every conversation has reinforced my belief that the patient voice is not a ‘nice’ thing to have in healthcare, policies and research, it is essential.
This recognition is not only mine. It belongs to every person who has trusted me with their story on MANO Beyond Cancer every colleague who believes in meaningful patient engagement, and every survivor who continues to transform lived experience into something better.
Thank you, OncoDaily, for this honour. Congratulations to everyone featured on this inspiring list. I’m proud to be part of this community.”
Danielle Ripley-Burgess:
“Pretty honored to find myself on this list alongside some incredible cancer survivors. Thank you OncoDaily!”
Puneet Sharma:
“First of all, thank you OncoDaily for this incredible and unforgettable recognition. Being named among The 100 Influential Cancer Survivors on Social Media 2026 is truly a priceless gift.
This month is extra special for me. It’s my birthday month, today is Doctors’ Day, and receiving this honor at the same time feels like everything is beautifully connected.
My heartfelt gratitude to Dr. SVS Deo for giving me a second chance at life. Thank you to my husband Neeraj Sharma, my two wonderful sons, my parents, my brother, and my entire family for standing by me through every high and low.
This recognition belongs to all of you. Thank you for believing in me and giving me the strength to turn my journey into hope for others. I will cherish this forever.”
Neeraj Sharma:
“This is truly incredible.
Today, my wife, Puneet Sharma , has been recognized as one of Top 100 Most Influential Cancer Survivors of 2026 by OncoDaily.
I’ve witnessed the strength, compassion, and countless hours she has devoted to supporting patients, survivors, and caregivers through Cancer24x7. This recognition is a reflection of the lives she continues to touch every single day.
Congratulations, Puneet. You turned one of life’s toughest battles into a mission of hope for countless others.
I couldn’t be prouder.”
Grace B. Charrier:
“What an icing on the cake…
..for my birthday, my 10th cancerversary, National Cancer Survivor’s Month, and to the start of July!
To be included on this impressive list of: ‘The 100 Most Influential Cancer Survivors of 2026‘, is such an honor, especially for the communities that I serve. It is also super humbling to be mentioned alongside other cancer survivors and advocates whom I admire and respect.
Thank you so much, OncoDaily for the kind recognition and in elevating our diverse voices.”
Beth Blakey:
“In cancer care, patient advocates are among the most powerful forces for change.
They bring lived experience to conversations about treatment, survivorship, caregiving, research, access, clinical trials, and quality of life. They ask the questions others might not think to ask. They shine a spotlight on gaps in care. And they remind healthcare leaders, researchers, policymakers, and organizations that behind every statistic is a real person– a mother, daughter, father, son, sister, brother, spouse, friend, colleague. Someone who matters. Someone who is loved.
Individually, patient advocates help others feel seen and heard. Collectively, their voices shape policies, advance research, improve supportive cancer care, and help create a healthcare system that is more responsive to the needs of patients and their families.
Progress happens when people are willing to share their stories and use their experiences to help others. Thank you OncoDaily for recognizing the incredible advocates on your list, including Cancer Hope Network peer mentors Dee Sparacio and Maggie McCloskey, and my dear friend Matthew Zachary whose new book, We The Patients, is an absolute masterclass in patient advocacy. We are grateful to all who continue to show up, speak up, push forward, and make life better for those facing cancer now and in the future.”
Cancer Hope Network:
“We’re proud to celebrate two Cancer Hope Network Peer Mentors who were recognized in OncoDaily’s 100 Most Influential Cancer Survivors 2026: Dee Sparacio and Maggie McCloskey. Their impact extends far beyond their own cancer journeys and one-on-one peer mentorship support to offering hope, guidance, and connection to many others facing cancer.
Congratulations to all of this year’s notable influencers, and especially to our incredible mentors. Read the full list, then learn how you can make a difference as a CHN mentor.”
Chris White:
“I had no idea until I saw my picture. Wow! I’m honored and blessed to be a part of this group. Thank You OncoDaily.”
Stacy Hurt:
“Truly an honor to be named among OncoDaily’s Top 100 Influential Cancer Survivors. Advocacy is the best job I never asked or applied for, and it’s a privilege to pay it forward for those in need. I’m grateful every day for this thing called life that I love so very much.”
Teresa G Coutee:
“Well that’s pretty amazing to be listed among these truly hardworking, talented, and inspiring individuals! Thank you OncoDaily and it sure makes celebrating DiepC Foundation ten year anniversary a whole lot more special.”
Adiba Zeito:
“Thank you for the recognition OncoDaily. Grateful to Gevorg Tamamyan and the awesome editorial team at OncoDaily for boosting our voices, and supporting us in making impact for cancer patients worldwide! Humbled and honored to be listed with advocates I admire and learn from daily.
Apply to become one of the world’s first certified AI-Literate Patient Advocate at aicancerpatient.org.”
Megan-Claire J. Chase:
“Oh my goodness! Thank you bunches, OncoDaily! I’m pleased as punch and deeply honored to be recognized among these incredible powerhouses in cancer care and survivorship as one of the 100 Most Influential Cancer Survivors.
For far too long, we have been invited into rooms only after decisions have already been made. We are asked to share our stories, yet too often our expertise is overlooked and unpaid.
- Our lived experiences are evidence.
- Our insights are expertise.
- Our recommendations are solutions.
However, the greatest honor isn’t just being included on a list. It’s seeing researchers, pharma, advocacy organizations, health ad agencies, and policymakers genuinely value patient expertise enough to actually ACT on what we share.
Like I said in my ASCO Voices talk…
- Invite us earlier.
- Compensate us equitably. (READ that again)
- Include us as partners in decision-making, not as an afterthought or a checkbox.
Every time I speak up in my signature Megan-Claire and Warrior Megsie flair, I’m advocating for Every patient who has ever felt unseen, unheard, dismissed, or left behind. Why? Because that was me then and is me now. I Know what it’s like to be dismissed and gaslit.
When our recommendations lead to real Changes in research, clinical trials, healthcare delivery, communications, or patient support, that’s when I know the pain, trauma, long-term side effects, and nine surgeries I’ve endured since my breast cancer diagnosis have become part of something bigger than me.
Let’s move beyond performative patient engagement and toward authentic and Equitable partnership.
Change is possible. Impact is possible. But only when listening is followed by Action.”
Gitte Henssel Joergensen:
“Honored to be included in OncoDaily’s 100 Influential Cancer Survivors on Social Media: 2026 Edition!
I’m especially happy that both Laurie Hutcheson and I are included and able to represent the Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance Inc. and the incredible lobular breast cancer community.
Thank you, OncoDaily, for this recognition, and congratulations to everyone on this inspiring list. Together, we’ll keep raising awareness, amplifying patient voices, and advocating for better outcomes for everyone affected by cancer.”
Karen Woodward:
“People see the survivor part of cancer. What we don’t see is how hard it is to hold hope for yourself while advocating for other patients who are struggling to understand what it means to fight for their lives. Maggie has carried the weight of lung cancer for five years. She has been a tireless advocate, for herself and for others, for almost as long.
Thank you, OncoDaily, for recognizing Maggie McCloskey in this incredible group of survivor-influencers. And thank you, Maggie, for being my chosen sister through all of it. You earned every bit of this.
Look at what one MET Crusaders can do!”
Niranjala Siriwardena:
“I’m incredibly honoured to be recognised as one of OncoDaily’s 100 Influential Cancer Survivors on Social Media – 2026 Edition.
When I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, I never imagined that sharing my experience would grow into a movement for workplace inclusion and survivorship advocacy.
Cancer may have changed my life, but it did not define my future.
Since then, I’ve been using my voice to advocate for:
- Better workplace support for cancer survivors.
- Greater awareness of the challenges people face when returning to work.
- Policy reform to ensure no one has to choose between their health and their career.
- Hope, resilience and dignity for those navigating life after cancer.
This recognition isn’t just about me-it belongs to every survivor who continues to show up, speak up and keep moving forward despite the obstacles.
Thank you to OncoDaily for this honour, and thank you to everyone who has supported, encouraged and believed in my mission.
The work is far from over. Together, we can build workplaces where surviving cancer is not the end of a career but the beginning of a new chapter.”
PALTOWN Development Foundation:
“Congratulations to our very own Manju George and Tim McDonald who were both named as two of ‘The 100 Most Influential Cancer Survivors of 2026’ by OncoDaily! Because of voices like theirs, someone feels less alone, finds the courage to keep going, and sees that even in the hardest moments, there is still light ahead. We are honored to work beside them and all survivors who continue to make our Community thrive.”
Sarah Buck:
“Pretty amazing to wake up and find I’ve been included in the OncoDaily 100 Influential Cancer Survivors of Social Media (and one of 26 on Instagram pages, and even less of Breast Cancer survivors!). What an honour. My ‘why’ remains the same: to also support, and encourage others to support, organisations and research that can offer earlier detection and gentler and more patient specific treatment options for the next generation.”
Brittanny Groover:
“I want to send a huge congrats to some truly incredible humans I am lucky know, both irl and virtually, for making it onto the list of influential cancer survivors by OncoDaily:
First off, my partners at the FDA GRASP workshop: Gitte Henssel Joergensen, Stacey Tinianov, Julia Maués, Abigail Johnston
My ACS CAN sisters: Olivia Mannion, Alique Topalian
My insta-queens: Annie Bond, Anna Crollman
And last but absolutely not least: My melahomie, my twin in this journey – same disease, opposite everything else – Chris White
I am so proud to see all of you on this list. You deserve every bit of recognition.
Waking up to this today was genuinely so cool; a reminder of how powerful, brilliant, resilient, and selfless you all are. You inspire me every single day to keep growing into a better, smarter, stronger, more vulnerable, more resilient, and more powerful survivor‑turned‑advocate.
And I know I’m speaking for thousands of us (like several hundred thousands) when I say: thank you for everything you do for the cancer community. Your work is selfless. Your impact is real. You are saving lives.”
Sandy Duarte:
“I’m deeply thankful to OncoDaily for recognizing me as one of the 100 Influential Cancer Survivors on Social Media – 2026 Edition. To be included alongside so many remarkable survivors and advocates is truly humbling.
Cancer Ramblings (my book) and personal journey are meant to walk alongside others—from cancer and beyond, offering hope, strength and the knowing that you are not alone.
Read the latest newsletter here, like, comment and share with anyone who need this.”
100 Influential Cancer Survivors on Social Media: 2026 Edition
