Conference Speakers
Survive & Thrive Conference 2026, one of the premier cancer conferences in Texas, includes workshops and lectures led by local and national cancer experts. Veteran speakers have a servant’s heart and speak directly to the needs of those experiencing cancer. Many have been touched by cancer either personally or with a loved one.
Get to know our 2026 Speakers below.
Emcees
Prepare to be inspired. Crowd favorites Tamika Felder and Cindy Trice, DVM, return as our dynamic emcees.
Tamika FelderÂ
Cancer Survivor
Founder and Chief Visionary, Cervivor Â
Tamika Felder is a cancer survivor, award-winning women’s health advocate, and founder and chief visionary officer at Cervivor, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to cervical cancer advocacy and support. Tamika also has a mission to eradicate cancer and shine a spotlight on the patient voice in healthcare. Named a “Cancer Rebel” by Newsweek, Tamika is a highly sought-after speaker on cervical cancer advocacy, cancer prevention, HPV education, and living life with purpose. She’s shared her story on Presidential panels convened by the White House, trained thousands of ambassadors using her signature patient advocacy framework, and traveled internationally to share her experiences with women around the world.
Tamika currently serves as a co-chair on the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable, a member of the National Health Council Steering Committee, and a member of the National Cancer Advisory Board appointed by President Joseph Biden. She is regularly tapped by leading organizations and Fortune 500 companies around the globe to share her story and expertise. An award-winning television producer and host, Tamika is a captivating personality, as well as an engaging and talented storyteller. Her work has led to her being featured in Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” franchise, as well as a profile feature in the award-winning documentary “Someone You Love: The HPV Epidemic and Conquering Cervical Cancer in the USA.”Â
Cindy Trice, DVMÂ
Cancer Survivor
Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer, KickIt Recovery Wear
Cindy Trice, DVM is a Cancer Survivor and Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer, KickIt Recovery Wear
Dr. Cindy Trice is a veterinarian, speaker, serial entrepreneur, cancer survivor, and patient advocate for Cervivor. She is the co-founder and chief innovation officer at KickIt Recovery Wear, a company leading the way in providing beautiful, comfortable, and functional clothing for women during all stages of their cancer journey.
She splits time between Bradenton, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia, with her amazing husband and two long and low dogs.
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Physician Champions
Physician champions support the Survive & Thrive mission and its conference for patients, survivors, and caregivers.Â
Kathryn Hudson, MDÂ
Texas Oncology
Dr. Kathryn Hudson is a medical oncologist in Austin, Texas and the Director of Survivorship at Texas Oncology. She is also Director of breast cancer research for the Sarah Cannon Research Institute in central Texas and leads outcomes research for Texas Oncology.
Through her work, she is committed to improving the global quality of life and health of all Texan cancer survivors. She has been published in peer-reviewed journals and has spoken nationally on topics such as patient reported outcomes, quality of life of the cancer patient, and cancer therapeutics.
Manish Gupta, MD
Texas Oncology
Dr. Manish Gupta, M.D. is a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist who serves as a Managing Medical Director at Texas Oncology. He has over 30 years of medical experience.
Dr. Gupta received his medical degree in 1995 from American University of the Caribbean; internship in internal medicine at University of Oklahoma 1996-1997; residency in internal medicine at University of Oklahoma 1997-1999; and fellowship in hematology/oncology at the University of Oklahoma 1999-2002.
Dr. Gupta has memberships and accolades from the American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology, and American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin. In 2009 D Magazine elected Dr.
Gupta as one of the best hematology oncologists in Dallas, Texas.
Keynote Speakers
This year’s extended conference features an expanded slate of inspiring keynote speakers.
Simi Ranajee, Ph.D. Â
Cancer Survivor
Author and Healthcare Industry Leader
This year’s keynote speaker is Simi Ranajee, Ph.D, a two-time lung cancer survivor, author, and healthcare industry leader, Simi has an inspiring and important message to share.
Harry Campbell Â
Outlook PartnersÂ
Harry Campbell is an executive with a track record of success for more than 35 years. Campbell has been a president for two Fortune 500 companies, co-owner of an award-winning small business, CEO of an internet start-up, and founding member of the industry-changing Wal-Mart/P&G Customer Team. He has driven exceptional results in organizations of five to 3,500 employees in a broad range of industries. Most recently, he was CEO of Durrie Vision, a world-class refractive eye practice. Currently he is an investor, mentor, and speaker. Campbell has published three books and delivers keynote speeches on leadership, culture, and mindset.
Leticia Hernandez Â
NateraÂ
Leticia a strategic and compassionate marketing professional with more than five years of experience leading campaigns that connect people to the care, resources, and stories that matter most. Her background spans oncology centers, national nonprofits, and patient-first organizations where she’s helped translate complex health topics into human-centered narratives that engage, inform, and inspire. A four-year cancer survivor, she is deeply passionate about patient education and advocacy.
Ananya Nagendra Â
Letters of Light FoundationÂ
Ananya Nagendra is the founder and CEO of the Letters of Light Foundation, a 501(c)(3) working to give all cancer patients support and access to mental health care. Going to chemotherapy appointments with her mother made her consistently see how a terrifying number of cancer patients don’t receive any support as they go through treatment. So, Ananya became determined to offer support to patients in treatment in any way she could. Ananya soon noticed that letter writing is so rare nowadays, and the chances of receiving a heartfelt, handwritten letter are close to zero. Through seeing this, she realized letters are a special way for students of all ages to encourage and empower patients in treatment.
Letters of Light has grown to become so much more through its free preventive healthcare information sessions for high school and college students, as well as the Books of Light initiative, which provides newly diagnosed cancer patients from minority communities with access to education on mental wellness during cancer treatment, support resources, diet plans, and more. Partnering with social workers and oncology care organizations worldwide, Letters of Light collaborates with Baylor Scott & White, Methodist Health, Children’s Medical, Texas Oncology, Kits to Heart, and others, with the goal of one day providing comprehensive support to all cancer patients throughout their treatments.
Ananya has been named a Riley’s Way Call for Kindness Fellow, Chipotle Mexican Grill Do Good Grant recipient, Volunteer McKinney Youth Leader of the Year 2025, and has received special recognition from the Dallas mayor. Ananya has now been driving the Letters of Light mission for almost three years, and she has made it her life’s goal to get more and more patients into remission while teaching the youth about the importance of community support.Â
Katie Ozuna, LMSW, OSW-CÂ
St. David’s HealthCareÂ
Katie Ozuna, LMSW, OSW-C, is a licensed oncology social worker with over 10 years of experience. Following her husband’s cancer treatment, Katie dedicated her career to improving the cancer experience for all those impacted by a cancer diagnosis. Her focus is developing evidence-based psychosocial programming within large healthcare systems, creating patient resource networks, and implementing behavioral health research.Â
Session Speakers
A talented group of speakers share their personal experiences and expertise on a wide range of topics.Â
Diana BosseÂ
Diana Bosse is an American author, advocate, and corporate retiree best known for writing The Perks of Having Cancer. She gained widespread recognition for using humor and social media-based levity to document and cope with her journey through Lymphoma cancer. Diana has dedicated 15 years of her life to working for the Alzheimer’s Association and spends her free time volunteering with community organizations.
Stephanie Broussard, DSW, LCSW-S, APHSW-C Thyme Care
Eden Carter, Sound AlchemistÂ
Eden’s Love and Light
Eden Carter is a breast cancer survivor who has navigated life’s deepest challenges and emerged as a meditation guide and sound alchemist. Drawing on her experiences, she now dedicates herself to helping others discover inner peace and healing. With a heart full of passion for paying it forward, Eden spreads love wherever she goes, finding immense joy in guiding others on their transformative journey toward a more mindful and harmonious life.
Mayra Diaz, PT, DPT
Baylor Scott and White Rehab
Mayra Diaz, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist with eight years of clinical experience, including the last three years specializing in pelvic health rehabilitation. She is passionate about helping individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction and supporting cancer survivors through recovery, improved function, and enhanced quality of life.
Katie Gerschke, OTR/L, OTD, CLT
Baylor Scott and White Rehab
Katie Gerschke is an occupational therapist at Baylor Scott & White specializing in Cancer Rehab as a ReVital Certified Therapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist. I am very passionate about supporting cancer patients and survivors before, during, and after treatment to maximize independence and improve overall quality of life.
Mayra Guevera, ATR-BC, LCATÂ
Art Therapy HoustonÂ
Mike Herman, M.D.
Texas OncologyÂ
Dr. Michael Herman is a radiation oncologist with Texas Oncology–Austin and Round Rock. He has a passion for personalized patient care. He has published and presented at national conferences, and is inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society, recognizing excellence in clinical care, leadership, and service.
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Laura Moore, RYT 200, Yoga 4
Cancer Certified, Adaptive Yoga Certification
Laura Moore found yoga after a cancer diagnosis in 2013. She became certified to teach yoga and completed additional training in Oncology Yoga in 2021. Laura teaches many different types of yoga and mindful fitness : Vinyasa, Chair Yoga and Chair Pilates, Yin Yoga, Mat Pilates, Balance Recovery and Senior Fitness. A Texas Oncology patient herself, she is thrilled to share the scientifically proven benefits of yoga with other cancer patients. Her classes are thoughtful, and come from a place of compassion and firsthand experience.
Emily Pearcy, LCSW-S, OSW-C Â
Texas OncologyÂ
Emily Pearcy, LCSW-S, OSW-C, has worked in oncology since 2004, supporting both pediatric and adult patients and families across the cancer continuum. She brings extensive experience in clinical practice and program leadership and serves on the Board of Directors for the Board of Oncology Social Work Certification. As Director of Social Work for Texas Oncology, Emily is committed to expanding access to specialized oncology social work services so more patients and families may receive support, guidance, and compassionate care throughout the cancer journey.
Carly Roop, MA, RD, CSO, LDN Â
Abramson Cancer Center Penn Medicine
For over 15 years, Carly Roop, advanced clinical dietitian at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center has had the privilege of working with oncology patients, helping them to navigate their nutrition needs before, during and after treatment. As a Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition, she is recognized for her expertise in the area of oncology nutrition and continuous pursuit of education. Carly’s goal is to give simplified, evidenced-based nutrition guidance that patients and families can follow everyday and feel confident in their food choices.
David Zuniga, PhD, MDIV, MAÂ
Dr. David Zuniga, PLLC
David Zuniga is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Austin, Texas. Previously, he was a faculty member in the integrative medicine department at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Previously he earned a master’s degree in comparative religion from Harvard University and worked as a healthcare chaplain for over a decade. He also holds a master’s degree in English literature, has published widely, and spoken internationally at leading academic conferences on many dimensions of wellness and healthcare.
Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor:
Supporting Sponsors:
