Dr. Blackwell has clinical and research interests in breast-cancer angiogenesis, breast cancer in younger women, hormonal therapy, and neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer. She is the director of the clinical research program in breast cancer at Duke University and the medical codirector of Duke Clinical Research Oncology (DCRO). She is a past recipient of the Duke University Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in breast cancer Young Investigator Award, the Duke Cancer Center Malek Family Award for outstanding cancer investigation, and the Joseph Greenfield Award for Research Mentorship. Dr. Blackwell is currently serving as the principal investigator of several Phase 1–2 trials in breast cancer. Dr. Blackwell has written or cowritten numerous articles appearing in journals such as Clinical Cancer Research, the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Radiation Research, and Molecular Cancer Therapeutics.

Cofounder of the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations, Ms. Blum is a founder of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and serves as editor-in-chief of People Living With Cancer, the ASCO website for patients and the public. Additionally, she serves on committees of the Institute of Medicine, ASCO, and the National Association of Social Work, and is a member of the editorial boards of 5 oncology-related publications.

Ms. Blum’s awards include the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Board of Sponsors of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Special Recognition Award from the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, the Republic Bank Breast Cancer Research Foundation Award, and the Special Recognition Award of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Ms. Blum has written and lectured extensively about the psychosocial needs of cancer patients and their families. Her research has been published in a variety of medical journals, including the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care, the Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, and the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Being a breast-cancer survivor for more than 5 years, she is intimately aware of the challenges a cancer diagnosis brings. Ms. Holley believes that there’s a synchronicity in being a cancer survivor and an oncology nurse that she does not take lightly.

Ms. Holley is a highly motivated fundraiser and has walked in 7 breast cancer marathons and has raised over $45,000 to support breast cancer–related causes. She serves on the board as vice president of the Tri-Cities Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and she volunteers for the American Cancer Society and for Fresh Start Surgery in Johnson City, Tennessee. A local and national member of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) since 1981, Ms. Holley has held every office from newsletter editor to president in the Northeast Tennessee chapter of ONS.

Ms. Holley has participated in speaker bureaus on behalf of drug companies that produce cancer therapies and support medicines. She has also served on advisory boards as a patient advocate. Ms. Holley has presented in numerous venues in oncology nursing and to cancer survivors on topics ranging from cell kinetics to expressive arts. “It's Not About the Boobs!” is the title of a recent presentation based on a poem she wrote to raise money for breast cancer awareness.

For more than 20 years, Ms. Holley has worked at McLeod Cancer and Blood Center in Johnson City, where she is currently chemotherapy nurse supervisor. “Being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 46 has had a profound effect on every aspect of my life, both privately and professionally,” says Ms. Holley. “In every situation in life, if you look for the ‘good’ things, you will find them. Having cancer has definitely had a positive impact on my nursing practice.” Suzanne welcomes all opportunities to share her personal experiences and professional expertise on the cancer journey.

Dr. Schwartzberg is a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. His research interests include high-dose chemotherapy, breast cancer, and supportive care. He has published more than 60 papers in peer-reviewed journals, and he lectures nationally and internationally as an invited speaker.

Dr. Schwartzberg was founder and, for 5 years, principal investigator of the Baptist Cancer Institute Community Clinical Oncology Program. He serves as the medical director of the Stem Cell Transplant Program and is the founder and medical director of the Cancer Genetics Program at the Baptist Centers for Cancer Care. Dr. Schwartzberg is currently a committee member on the Institute of Medicine’s Committee on Psychosocial Services to Cancer Patients and Family. His organizational interests include establishing benchmarks of oncology standards of care using evidence-based treatment protocols, which he has designed.

Dr. Schwartzberg is the founding editor-in-chief of Community Oncology, a journal focused on being the voice of 30,000+ community-based oncologists, administrators, and healthcare providers in the United States. He is a reviewer for numerous peer-reviewed journals such as Journal of Clinical Oncology and The Oncologist and serves on the editorial board for Journal of Supportive Oncology.

Along with Mr. Ted Okon and Dr. Kurt Tauer, he is a founder of Supportive Oncology Services, Inc., and currently serves as its chief medical officer. He is also cofounder and president of ACORN (Accelerated Community Oncology Research Network), a 30-site network of community-based practices conducting Phase 1–4 oncology clinical trials organized around providing more access to clinical trials for patients, sponsors, and oncologists.

Dr. Schwartzberg has been the recipient of several honors, including the Jefferson Award for community service, 2-time finalist for Memphis Health Care Hero, and Strathmore’s Who’s Who Hematology Oncology Professional of the Year in 2006.