The Bench With Bedside Initiative

08/19/2025

You’re invited to an important and insightful webinar:
“Breast Cancer Basics: What You Need to Know”, presented by Dr. Maria Nelson, a nationally recognized leader in breast surgical oncology and clinical education.

Dr. Nelson is the Chief of the Division of Breast, Endocrine, and Soft Tissue Surgery and a Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. With advanced fellowship training from Cedars Sinai and a career dedicated to breast disease management, she brings a depth of knowledge and clarity to a complex topic.

In this webinar, Dr. Nelson will share:

The fundamentals of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment

Innovative surgical approaches and future-focused care techniques

Exciting research initiatives and clinical advancements at USC

What You’ll Learn:
Gain a strong understanding of breast cancer basics—from early detection and treatment options to what the future of surgical care looks like. Dr. Nelson will also spotlight USC’s ongoing research in breast imaging and decision-making in breast cancer care.

07/24/2025

Keynote Speaker Event: Empowering the Cancer Community
Join Us for a Special Webinar with Kenny Perkins – Host of All Talk Oncology

🗓 Date: Saturday, July 26th
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (PST)
📍 Location: Zoom - https://usc.zoom.us/meeting/register/7qLN3ZxXRvWceBx_O-7zgg #/registration

We invite you to a powerful and uplifting webinar featuring keynote speaker Kenny Perkins, author of The 5 Stages of Winning With a Cancer Diagnosis and founder/host of the acclaimed podcast All Talk Oncology.

Kenny is a seasoned Radiation Therapist, cancer advocate, and host to some of the most inspiring voices in the cancer community—including Alex Trebek, Ananda Lewis, and Samantha Harris. With decades of experience listening to patients and caregivers, Kenny brings heartfelt honesty and real-world insight to those navigating cancer.

In this special session, Kenny will share:

The 3 Untold Secrets Every Cancer Warrior (and Their Family) Needs to Know

How to shift your mindset and begin healing from within

Tools for breaking down emotional barriers and limiting beliefs

This webinar is especially meaningful for patients, survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals seeking practical wisdom, hope, and empowerment. Kenny’s dynamic storytelling and deep compassion will leave you inspired and ready to face any challenge.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and be uplifted. Register now to secure your spot.

03/14/2025

We invite you to an exclusive webinar, "Radiating Hope: Advances in Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer," featuring Dr. Jason Ye, MD, Associate Professor of Clinical Radiation Oncology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and Director of Clinical Operations, Department of Radiation Oncology at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Radiation therapy has evolved significantly, offering safer and more effective treatment options for breast cancer patients. This webinar will explore cutting-edge advancements in radiation therapy, including innovative techniques that improve outcomes while minimizing side effects.

Dr. Ye will cover:

- The role of multidisciplinary care in breast cancer treatment
- Past and current standards of care and how they continue to evolve
- Strategies for reducing radiation intensity for early-stage breast cancer
- Advanced radiation therapy techniques for metastatic breast cancer
- The latest clinical trials and their impact on the future of breast cancer treatment

This is a must-attend event for patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and advocates who want to stay informed on the latest breakthroughs in breast cancer radiation therapy.

Register Now: https://usc.zoom.us/meeting/register/UKhIlK_xSWubeXneCabdFA

01/16/2025

As we welcome the New Year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the challenges our community has faced, particularly the devastating fires in Los Angeles. To those directly affected, please know that our hearts are with you. We stand ready to support you in any way we can.

For LA and Orange County residents impacted by the fires who are also metastatic breast cancer patients or families who have experienced loss, an emergency fund is currently available. Eligible individuals may apply for up to $5,000 in assistance.

Information about the Family Grants Program and resources can be found here: https://runwayforrecovery.org/runway-for-recovery-home/programs-and-resources/family-grants-program/

Let us come together in this time of need and extend care and kindness to those affected. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and hopeful New Year.

The Family Grant Program provides $10-30K in funding for eligible families impacted by breast cancer to pay for resources and necessities.

12/16/2024

The Bench with Bedside Initiative invites you to join us for an afternoon of crafting, treats, and good company as we wind down together to make greeting cards!

Join us on Friday, December 20th, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 1450 Biggy St., Los Angeles, CA 90033, Harlyne J Norris Research Tower, 2nd floor Conference Room. Hosted by Graciela Riesgo, a breast cancer survivor, research participant, and USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center patient, this session will focus on making personalized greeting cards using scrapbooking and stamping techniques.

Graciela will share her personal story of how crafting became a source of peace and mindfulness during her diagnosis and treatment. Through this interactive workshop, you’ll discover how creative activities can help manage stress, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of calm. Whether you’re new to crafting or an experienced creator, this is a chance to unwind, connect with others, and make something beautiful to share with loved ones.

Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Space is limited, so RSVP soon to join us for this memorable and uplifting experience!

https://calendly.com/salhialab/card-making-with-the-bench-with-bedside-initiative

10/17/2024

Keynote Speaker for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we invite you to a very special webinar “Detecting Cancer’s Return: Insights from Health Professionals”, with renowned expert Dr. Joyce Ann O’Shaughnessy, the keynote speaker for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Dr. O’Shaughnessy is a leader in breast cancer prevention and treatment. With an outstanding background, including founding the School of Breast Oncology and serving as the co-chair of Breast Cancer Research at Baylor, she brings deep expertise in clinical management. Her knowledge is vital for anyone seeking to understand the latest advancements in detecting breast cancer recurrence early.

Dr. O’Shaughnessy will cover essential topics, including:
- What Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) is and why it matters for breast cancer patients
- How new tests help detect cancer recurrence earlier
- Real-life stories showing how MRD detection has improved patient outcomes

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the most distinguished voices in oncology.

Register Here: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/usc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUkfu2uqj4sEtQKqUZhnTzojApcQGIycbVy__;!!LIr3w8kk_Xxm!ovt1OWM5UjAvpOpjgu2OBWCylrHE3w7_fXpbMmmDxnKqYEBUcxXUCp2_Q-ETOtmR7K00JhDuP0CrDVnCImOfaw$

Date: Saturday, October 26th
Time: 10am PST
Location: Zoom

09/17/2024

As October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it brings an important reminder of how this disease affects so many of us. With 1 in 8 women diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, it’s likely that we all know someone—a grandmother, mother, sister, or friend—who has been impacted.

We invite you to join us on October 5th at Exposition Park for the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk. You can register to be a part of our team, “USC Norris Survivors & Thrivers,” led by our Team Captain, Audrey Saghian.

https://secure.info-komen.org/site/TR/RacefortheCure/MoreThanPinkWalk?pg=entry&fr_id=10522

Registration Instructions:
1. Go to 2024 Komen Los Angeles More Than Pink Walk
2. Click on “Register Now”
3. Select “Join a Team”
4. Create an account or log in
5. Follow the instructions to register under our team:
Team Name: USC Norris Survivors and Thrivers
Team Captain: Audrey Saghain

We believe in the strength of community and know that, together, we can make a difference. We would love to have you on our team!

09/16/2024

We’re excited to announce our upcoming webinar: "Lived Experiences: Cancer and Health Professionals," happening on Saturday, September 28th from 10am-12pm PDT

https://usc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lPsQxNOzSK6246SToMokJA

This special event will feature powerful conversations with researchers, community leaders, and cancer survivors who will share their personal experiences of how cancer has impacted their lives, careers, and advocacy efforts.

Panelists include:
- Bodour Salhia, Associate Professor of Translational Genomics Interim Chair of the Department of Translational Genomics
- Wendy Setiawan, PhD, Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences, Jane and Kris Popovich Chair in Cancer Research, Co-Leader of the Cancer Epidemiology Program in the NCCC, Associate Director for Population Sciences in the Liver Center in the Department of Medicine

- Pastor Rhonda Holbert, M.Min., Founder, CEO, Chaplain, Celebrate Life Cancer Ministry

- Mary Aalto, Patient Adviser, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Breast Cancer Survivor and Advocate, USC Norris Cancer Survivorship Advisory Council Chair

We aim to unite our community by sharing personal stories and insights from scientists, researchers, and advocates about battling cancer. This webinar will highlight the hope and support available through health education, community involvement, and medical innovation. Our goal is to show that no one is alone in their journey and to inspire proactive steps and engagement in cancer survivorship care and advocacy.

08/01/2024

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming webinar "Origin Stories: How Our Experience Shapes Our Research" with Kimberly Miller, PhD, MPH, Associate Professor at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

https://usc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEkc-qvqjMoG9xWJQpLmekNjN-7moKlqhQo #/registration

During the webinar, Dr. Miller will discuss the impacts of BRCA2, how research questions are developed, and the importance of patient-centered research. Attendees can expect to learn how research questions often derive from and are shaped by deeply personal experiences.
Kimberly Miller, PhD, MPH is an Associate Professor in the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. Her research focuses on understanding the health behaviors, healthcare engagement, and quality of life of children, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors. She is the Principal Investigator of two National Cancer Institute R01-funded studies and a founding co-director of the Center for Young Adult Cancer Survivorship Research.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from Dr. Miller's extensive experience and research. Secure your spot by registering now!

07/01/2024

We are excited to announce an upcoming webinar “Reducing Your Cancer Risk” on Saturday, July 13th at 10 a.m. This informative session will be led by Dr. Mariana Stern, PhD, Associate Director of Population Sciences at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Register Here: https://usc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYtcOiurTIsGNKJ-oGLweNBFAgu1S0aY8d0 #/registration

Dr. Mariana Stern will cover essential topics such as identifying the causes of cancer, understanding known lifestyle and dietary factors that contribute to cancer risk, and methods for early detection. You can expect to learn about established daily life factors that influence cancer development.

Dr. Mariana Stern is a Professor of Population Public Health Sciences & Urology and the Ira Goodman Chair in Cancer Research at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. She also directs the master’s degree programs in Epidemiology. As a cancer epidemiologist, her research focuses on understanding genetic and environmental cancer risk factors for various cancers, including colorectal, prostate, and bladder cancer. Collaborating with clinicians, she leads clinical epidemiological studies with a focus on minority populations, such as Black and Latinx communities.

Webinar Details:
Language: English
Date: Saturday, July 13th, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. PDT
Participants may join via ZOOM

05/14/2024

We are thrilled to announce an upcoming webinar Cancer Equity and Minority Health Research featuring Dr. Chanita Hughes-Halbert, Associate Director for Cancer Equity at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Hughes-Halbert is a renowned expert in cancer prevention and minority health research, dedicated to reducing disparities in cancer outcomes for underrepresented communities. Topics that will be covered include Cancer Equity and Minority Health Research.

Register Now: https://usc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwtdO-grjMpHNN_ZWBMW-3j1YqXAbK1jAgK #/registration

04/10/2024

Please join us on Saturday, April 27th at 10 a.m. for an insightful webinar and conversation on navigating breast cancer survivorship with Dr. Daphne Stewart!

Register Here: https://usc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAucOCvqjsqHNPrtFEV1God76iVCZAtSRjU #/registration

Daphne Stewart, MD, specializes in breast cancer at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of Keck Medicine of USC. She provides care and treatment to patients at high risk for breast cancer, patients with early stage and metastatic breast cancer, as well as breast cancer survivorship. Her clinical research is focused on developing innovative therapies to manage early and late- stage breast cancer, with the goal of delivering new interventions to clinical practice that improve patient outcomes