ESCAPE TO
THRIVE
2026
How do we affect cancer advocacy, and what effect does it have on us?
January 25-29, 2026
Tucson, Arizona
Cancer advocacy is fast-paced and ever-evolving. Stay informed. Build connections. Strengthen your impact. Join a unique Leadership Conference designed for survivors, caregivers, nonprofit leaders, and professionals. This is your opportunity to learn, network, and collaborate – all while discovering the balance and resilience needed to sustain meaningful work in cancer advocacy.
Applications for 2026 have closed. Stay up to date on THRIVE 2027 news!
What Is Escape to THRIVE?
The Escape to THRIVE Leadership Conference brings cancer advocates together for learning, networking, and renewal—with the ultimate goal of improving cancer patient education and outreach.
THRIVE is more than a conference—it’s a transformational experience that offers advocates a unique balance of knowledge-building, skill development, meaningful peer connections, and wellness activities that embrace the WHOLE advocate—both professionally and personally.
This empowering event is built around four core goals that shape every aspect of the experience:
1. Empower Advocates with Knowledge and Tools
We equip advocates with the education, resources, and strategies they need to enhance their impact across the cancer care continuum.
2. Foster Connection, Collaboration, and Community
THRIVE creates space for advocates to build lasting relationships, exchange best practices, and support one another in a shared mission.
3. Promote Leadership with Balance
We inspire resilient leadership by emphasizing self-awareness, personal well-being, and sustainable advocacy practices.
4. Integrate Self-Care as a Core Advocacy Practice
Advocates are encouraged to prioritize their own well-being through tools, time for reflection, and wellness activities that make long-term engagement possible.
Is Escape to THRIVE right for you?
- Are you on the front lines of cancer advocacy as a professional or volunteer?
- Have you been diagnosed, care for someone, or support individuals with cancer?
- Are you affiliated with a nonprofit organization, research group, or medical center?
- Do you work as a patient educator, navigator, social worker, research reviewer, support group leader, nonprofit leader, or are engaged in other advocacy work?
- Are you looking to embrace collaborations and partnerships with fellow advocates and industry representatives both in and outside of your cancer specific communities?
- Do you want to learn how to continue your advocacy work while simultaneously caring for yourself and finding a balance between personal and professional?
- Could you benefit from gaining new skills to combat compassion fatigue and prevent burnout?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any or all of the above, Escape to THRIVE is right for you!
Why Should You Attend?
Two-time Escapee, Mary Beth Gibson shares why there is no better place for a Cancer Advocate to learn, grow, connect, brainstorm, heal, collaborate and laugh while embracing nature, health and new friends.
How Escape Can Improve Your Advocacy
Andrea Ivory and Betsy Glosik—Escape to THRIVE Leadership Conference Alumni—talk about how the conference impacted their cancer advocacy and why THRIVE is so unique and benefits cancer advocates.