About the Events
Patient Empowerment Summit
Join us in Washington, DC, February 21 - 22, 2027, for Hope for Stomach Cancer’s 7th Patient Empowerment Summit, followed by our 4th Gastric Cancer Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill on February 23.
This year’s theme — Where Patients Shape the Future — celebrates the power of patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates to help shape what comes next in stomach cancer research, treatment, care, and advocacy.
Throughout the Summit, our stomach cancer community will come together to:
- Hear from leading healthcare professionals, researchers, patients, survivors, and caregivers
- Learn about advances in stomach cancer research, treatment, clinical trials, survivorship, and care
- Share experiences and perspectives that can help inform a better future for patients
- Build meaningful connections with others who understand the stomach cancer journey
- Gain tools and knowledge to become stronger advocates for yourself and the stomach cancer community
Patients are more than participants in the future of stomach cancer care — they help shape it.
Whether you are newly diagnosed, a long - term survivor, a caregiver, a healthcare professional, researcher, or advocate, your experience and your voice matter.
Join us in Washington, DC, as we learn, connect, advocate, and shape the future together.
Gastric Cancer Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill
Tuesday, February 23, 2027
The Summit brings our community together. Advocacy Day brings our collective voice to Capitol Hill.
Following the Patient Empowerment Summit, patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates are invited to join us for our 4th Gastric Cancer Advocacy Day and bring the experiences and priorities of the stomach cancer community directly to policymakers.
A central focus of this year’s Advocacy Day will be the Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act. Participants will learn about the legislation, the challenges it seeks to address, and the importance of prevention and earlier detection for people at increased risk of stomach cancer.
Participants will receive advocacy training to help them understand key policy issues, confidently share their personal experiences, and have meaningful conversations with members of Congress and their staff.
Together on Capitol Hill, we will:
- Educate policymakers about the Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act and the needs it seeks to address
- Share the real-life experiences of stomach cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers
- Raise awareness about the importance of stomach cancer prevention and earlier detection
- Highlight disparities in stomach cancer risk, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes
- Discuss the need for continued federal investment in stomach cancer research
- Build relationships with policymakers and ensure the experiences of the stomach cancer community are part of the conversation
Policy begins with understanding. By sharing our experiences and bringing patient voices directly to policymakers, we can help inform the decisions that shape the future of stomach cancer prevention, research, and care.
Participation in Advocacy Day is optional, and no prior advocacy experience is required. Participants will receive training, materials, and support before their Capitol Hill meetings.
📌 Interested in Advocacy Day only?
You do not need to attend the Patient Empowerment Summit to participate in Advocacy Day. If you would like to join us for Gastric Cancer Advocacy Day only, please email [email protected]
Final Agenda
Advocacy Day participants should plan to attend a required advocacy training session on the evening of Monday, February 22. Training will help participants share their experiences, learn about the Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act and other policy issues affecting the stomach cancer community, and feel prepared for their Capitol Hill meetings.
A detailed agenda, including Summit sessions, speakers, advocacy training, and Capitol Hill activities, will be shared as we get closer to the event.
