Escaping to Find Community and Solidarity

This is a guest post by Annamaria Scaccia, a kidney and thyroid cancer survivor, patient advocate, and member of the KCA’s Patient & Caregiver Advisory Council.

As a cancer survivor, I sometimes feel like an imposter. Even years after my diagnosis, I catch myself questioning if my experiences really “qualify” me to be in certain spaces. But in mid-January, something changed when I attended Bag It Cancer’s Escape to THRIVE Cancer Advocacy Leadership Conference.

For four days at Miraval Resorts in Tucson, Arizona, I was surrounded by advocates, survivors, and change-makers — people working tirelessly to raise awareness and create a more inclusive, supportive cancer community. Despite my doubts about whether I truly belonged, I quickly realized my voice, my story, and my experiences mattered just as much as anyone else’s.

The sense of solidarity at the conference was palpable. I arrived unsure of my place, but I left with a deep sense of empowerment. I realized that every survivor’s journey is different, and the power we have lies in sharing those journeys, no matter how “incomplete” they might feel. Cancer advocacy isn’t about fitting into some mold — it’s about honoring our differences and uniting for change.

At Escape to THRIVE, I saw firsthand how a small cohort of passionate people can create a ripple effect in cancer advocacy — the energy was contagious. And if there’s ever been a time to act and make a difference, it’s now. Here are a few things I took away, along with actionable steps you can take as an advocate, starting right where you are:

1. Partner with organizations that share your values.

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to make an impact. Look for organizations — like the Kidney Cancer Association — whose missions align with your advocacy goals. Whether it’s signing up for their newsletters, sharing their materials, or volunteering your time, every small action amplifies their reach. If you’re inspired, consider offering your expertise to help strengthen their work.

2. Focus on your local community.

Change often begins at home. Reach out to your local representatives or legislators and raise awareness about the issues that matter most to you. Ask them to support policies that benefit kidney cancer patients or survivors. You can also organize community-based events—like KCA’s Illuminate Your City initiative or regional 81K Challenge—to engage people who might not have access to larger efforts. Local actions can spark broader change.

3. Engage in virtual advocacy.

You don’t need to travel far to make an impact. Many organizations offer virtual opportunities — webinars, advocacy days, or online petitions — where you can engage with policymakers and other advocates. Whether you’re sharing your story, signing petitions, or pushing for policies from home, virtual advocacy makes it possible for anyone, anywhere, to be part of the conversation.

4. Promote equity and inclusion in cancer advocacy.

Advocacy is about making sure everyone’s voice is heard — particularly those from underserved communities. Share resources about the disparities faced by marginalized groups, such as access to care or financial barriers. Support initiatives that guarantee equitable representation in research and care. By advocating for inclusivity, you help create a more just cancer care system for all.

5. Support yourself and fellow advocates.

Advocacy can be draining, especially if you’re navigating your own survivor journey. Prioritize self-care by connecting with support groups or others who understand what you’re going through. Create spaces to share stories, offer encouragement, and prevent burnout. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you need it—whether through counseling, peer support, or just talking to someone you trust. A month later, our Escape to THRIVE group is still going strong, turning to each other for support in both our advocacy and personal lives. Taking care of ourselves helps us stay energized and more committed to our work.

After leaving the Escape to THRIVE conference, I felt something shift inside me. Cancer advocacy isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about showing up as yourself and leaning on others. Because every voice has something valuable to offer. If you’re not sure where to begin, just take one step.

Change happens when we move forward together.