- Patient Advocates at SABCS
- Supporting Patient Advocates at SABCS
- Patient Advocate Supporters
- Patient Advocate Affiliate and Ancillary Programs
Patient Advocates at SABCS
SABCS® proudly celebrates the vital role patient advocates play in advancing breast cancer research, discovery, and care. Each year, SABCS is honored to welcome nearly 500 patient advocates, representing more than 110 patient advocacy organizations worldwide.

Patient advocates are integral to the planning and success of the Symposium program. A total of 24 patient advocates will serve as panelists and speakers in the SABCS scientific program, ensuring that the patient voice is at the forefront of all discussions. Thank you to these advocates for their participation in the program, especially Carole Bass, Vernal Branch, Julia Maues, and Mary Jimenez for their invaluable contributions as members of the SABCS 2025 Program Committee.
Supporting Patient Advocates at SABCS
Patient Advocate Pavilion
Launched in 2024, the Patient Advocate Pavilion provides complimentary exhibitor space for a wide range of patient advocacy organizations, and offers advocates and attendees a unique opportunity to connect.
Special thanks to Pfizer for their generous support of the Patient Advocate Pavilion.
Patient Advocate Lounge

The lounge is an exclusive space for patient advocates to meet, network, and recharge during the Symposium. Breakfast and lunch will be served Tuesday, December 9, through Friday, December 12.
Special thanks to Eli Lilly for supporting the Patient Advocate Lounge.
Patient Advocate Registration
SABCS offers special discounted registration rates for patient advocates:
All patient advocates attending SABCS must register. Please note that this special registration category is reserved for individuals who work or volunteer for nonprofit 501(c)(3) patient advocacy organizations with a clear charitable mission focused on cancer patient support and advocacy. Attendees with five or more years of laboratory experience, those currently providing clinical care, or individuals working for industry are not eligible for this special rate.
Attestation Requirements
During registration, please upload an attestation verifying your role as a patient advocate. The attestation should include:
- A brief overview of the affiliated organization
- A description of past and current cancer-related advocacy work
- A summary of priorities and goals as a patient advocate
Registration Scholarships
SABCS is pleased to offer a limited number of patient advocate scholarships that provide complimentary registration. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and are distributed on a rolling basis. Organizations may receive up to two scholarships per year.
Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, November 18. Scholarships are non-transferable.
For more information on patient advocate programs at SABCS, please email advocacy@aacr.org.
SABCS Patient Advocate Supporters
SABCS is grateful to the following patient advocacy organizations for their unwavering support of Educational Sessions and attendee travel to the Symposium:
- Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation
Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation (ABCF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization focused on grassroots advocacy, education, and support. Formed in 1992, ABCF’s mission is to end breast cancer by assisting patients, informing policymakers and expanding knowledge through education and community outreach.
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer Network Foundation
The Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) Network Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) formed by IBC survivor Terry Arnold to educate everyone about IBC. The foundation funds research pertaining to IBC and provides proactive education to the general population and the medical community.
- Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance
The mission of the Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance (LBCA) is to make all who are touched by invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) aware of its unique characteristics and the critical need for more ILC research; to be the go-to source for information on ILC studies, clinical trials and educational tools; to foster partnerships among patients, scientists, clinicians, and breast cancer organizations to increase dialogue about ILC and research advocacy; and to fund vital ILC research.
- Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance
The Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, brings men with breast cancer together with researchers, clinicians, and oncologists around the world for the purpose of advancing research, clinical trials, and treatments. The Alliance advocates for all men diagnosed with breast cancer to ensure they receive equal access to support and treatment; serves as a source of support and resources for the men, their care partners, and families; and recruits volunteer “ambassadors” to increase awareness on a global scale.
- Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance
As a collective of cancer nonprofits, pharmaceutical and biotech industry members, and individual patient advocates, the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance serves as a national leader in collaborative action to transform and improve the lives of people living with metastatic breast cancer. We leverage the resources and knowledge of our dynamic group of trusted experts to increase awareness and education about the disease, and advocate for policy changes and increased funding for research that holds the potential to extend and enhance life—and ultimately end MBC.
For more information on how patient advocacy organizations and foundations can support SABCS, please email morgan.robinson@aacr.org.
Patient Advocate Affiliate and Ancillary Programs
A number of additional educational programs and networking events are developed by and for patient advocates attending SABCS. A daily schedule of events will be provided closer to the meeting.
Monday, December 8; 5:30-8:00 PM; San Antonio Country Club (4100 N New Braunfels Ave)
Join Susan G. Komen San Antonio for a free in-person education event designed for anyone impacted by breast cancer—whether you are newly diagnosed, living with metastatic disease, a long-term survivor, or a caregiver who wants to learn more. At this event you will learn from trusted experts, connect with others who understand, and access valuable resources to help you take charge of your care and well-being.
Monday, December 8; 2:30-4:00 PM; San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the Riverwalk (101 Bowie Street)
SABCS is proud to present its inaugural SABCS Salutes Survivors event. This special gathering will be held in conjunction with the annual Symposium and focuses on promoting long-term health and well-being to enhance quality of life by celebrating survivorship and providing educational resources. Mission: “Our goal is to empower you to navigate your breast cancer journey with the knowledge, strength, and support you need. This event is designed for breast cancer survivors at all stages of treatment and beyond. You don’t have to navigate your cancer journey alone.”
Tuesday, December 9; 9:30 AM-10:45 AM; Room 221 ABC
Effectively conveying complex information, managing emotions, and facilitating open dialogue helps those affected by cancer to better navigate decisions around treatment, clinical trials, and end-of-life care. This workshop, co-hosted by the MBC Alliance and ABC Global Alliance, is designed to empower patients and their families, prepare advocates to effectively guide others, and give healthcare professionals tools for getting their messages across with clarity and impact.
Tuesday, December 9-Friday, December 12; Room 225 ABC
Every year, the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation (ABCF) sponsors a host of special mentoring and education sessions for patient advocates attending SABCS or participating virtually. In the Hot Topics Mentoring Sessions, leading experts in the field of breast cancer provide commentary on symposium presentations and respond to advocates’ questions about the relevance of this scientific data. Daily Educational Programs provide additional advocate-focused scientific information. All programming is available on-site and online for virtual registrants and then archived for view on the ABCF YouTube channel.
The First Annual Advocate Program was held in 1997, in conjunction with the 21st Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. From inception, the program has been specially designed to address the needs of patient advocates and those who support them. Each year travel grants are awarded to a select group of international and national scholars to attend SABCS. ABCF also sponsors mentoring and educational sessions discussed above, which are open to all SABCS registrants and available virtually during the conference and then on the ABCF YouTube channel.
Administration of the Alamo Advocate Program is handled entirely by ABCF. In addition to the free onsite and virtual programming, ABCF awards a limited number of travel grants to patient advocates attending SABCS. Scholars are required to complete preparatory study, attend designated SABCS and AAP sessions, work with a patient advocate mentor, and prepare a paper on a topic covered at the meeting, for distribution to advocates in their home organization and by ABCF. For more information, email aap@alamobreastcancer.org or visit Alamo’s Booth on the Exhibitor Floor.
Tuesday, December 9; 6:30 PM-8:30 PM; Terrace (Level 3), Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
Invitation Only: The GRASP Reception at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium is a highlight and a meaningful opportunity for advocates, scientists, and clinicians to connect in person. This reception celebrates the relationships and collaborations forged through GRASP’s mission while reflecting on its remarkable impact over the years. Registration is required; contact Julia Maues (julia@graspcancer.org) or Christine Hodgdon (christine@graspcancer.org)
Tuesday, December 9; 8:00 AM-9:15 AM; Room 220 (Patient Advocate Lounge)