Empowering Alabama Cancer Survivors to Inform and Inspire 

21 April, 2026 

Having lived through a cancer diagnosis and the necessary treatment that follows, cancer survivors are some of the most powerful advocates for prevention. Their experiences serve as a reminder that early detection can avert unnecessary suffering and the devastating impacts on the health of individuals and the well-being of their families. 

Transforming a personal cancer journey into an advocacy message is a brave and selfless act. Much like cancer treatment itself, it also requires support. That’s why TogetHER for Health teamed up with fellow Alabama-based cancer prevention and advocacy organizations VAX 2 STOP CANCER and the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation to organize a workshop to build the skills of survivors in Alabama to use their experiences to inform and inspire others. 

The event kicked off with a welcome dinner on the evening of Friday, April 10th for all participants. Rev. Deacon Kaki O’Flinn, a Minister in the Episcopal Church and a cervical cancer survivor, shared her reflections on faith and survivorship. Her honesty and vulnerability paved the way for the rest of the participants to share openly throughout the weekend, without fear of judgement or rejection. The conversations were deeply moving, and powerful. 

The following day, a group of ten cancer survivors gathered at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Parish in Birmingham, Alabama for this storytelling and advocacy workshop, facilitated by Anne Dickerson from 15-Minute Group. Anne offered practical tips and advice on communication and storytelling, providing both survivors and advocates the opportunity to practice telling their stories on camera to get a better sense of their body language and their phrasing. 

The workshop instruction built confidence and assisted participants in sharing their experiences clearly and effectively. The group shared details on advocacy events and opportunities across Alabama. We look forward to seeing these amazing women telling their powerful stories and inspiring change in the months and years to come. 

TogetHER is honored to play a role in empowering these women to make a difference throughout Alabama. We’d like to acknowledge our partners at the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation and VAX 2 STOP CANCER, as well as the Giving Wings Foundation and Forward Global, whose generous support made the event possible.