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A Conversation with Kristen Berset-Harris Live from the National Press Club

NFCR Community Ambassador Kristen Berset-Harris will lead an esteemed group of panelists through a discussion of what’s new, now, and next in cancer research, and how we can apply the lessons learned from the NFCR Global Summit to help save more lives of cancer patients.

Berset-Harris was diagnosed at age 26 with breast cancer and later with a recurrence. She had no family history, and it came as quite a surprise. Being treated for cancer twice in 10 years, Berset-Harris was shocked at how many more options were available to her in such a short time period, which led her to become an advocate for the advancement of research progress. Read her full story now >>>

Meet the Esteemed Group of Panelists Below:

Tony Hunter, PhD, American Cancer Society Professor, Salk Institute for Biological Sciences

Dr. Tony Hunter is a pioneering cancer researcher whose discovery of tyrosine phosphorylation revolutionized our understanding of cancer and paved the way for today’s targeted therapies. His work at the Salk Institute continues to drive breakthroughs from the lab bench to patient care. As our ‘reigning’ Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research Winner, he will join this panel and participate in a more informal discussion about the future of cancer research and how we can achieve better outcomes for patients.

Anna D. Barker, Ph.D., Chief Strategy Officer, Ellison Medical Institute. 

Dr. Anna Barker is a nationally recognized leader in cancer research and innovation strategy. As Chief Strategy Officer at the Ellison Medical Institute, she shapes programs that accelerate biomedical discovery and collaboration. Dr. Barker is the inaugural winner of the AIM-HI Beacon Award for her significant contributions to projects such as The Cancer Genome Atlas and GBM AGILE, an adaptive clinical trial that challenges how we evaluate cancer treatments for glioblastoma.

Thomas Clark, Cancer Patient Caregiver & Cancer Research Supporter

Thomas Clark became a full-time caregiver when his wife, Bernadette, was diagnosed with stage IV glioblastoma in December 2018. He supported her through treatment, mobility decline, and the communication challenges of brain cancer. Drawing from that experience, Thomas shares practical caregiving strategies, from creating a comfortable environment to fostering meaningful communication when words fail. His voice lends an authentic and actionable perspective on how our pursuit of cures impacts families and patients. His story is featured on NFCR’s blog as a resource for caregivers of brain-tumor patients and others facing serious cancer diagnoses.

Alison Dziarmaga, Ph.D., Vice President, US Franchise Head, Breast Cancer, AstraZeneca

Dr. Alison Dziarmaga leads AstraZeneca’s U.S. breast cancer portfolio, overseeing strategy, innovation, and patient access across groundbreaking therapies. With a scientific background and executive leadership experience, she plays a pivotal role in advancing treatment options and shaping the future of precision oncology in breast cancer.

Jennifer Grandis, M.D., Professor of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco

Dr. Jennifer Grandis is a leading clinician-scientist in head and neck cancer, known for advancing precision medicine and translational research. At UCSF, she bridges laboratory discoveries with patient care, driving innovations in targeted therapies and collaborative cancer research. Dr. Grandis has previously contributed to the NFCR Global Summit as a moderator of the 2022 Summit Session: New Approaches to Treat Breast, Pancreatic, and Head & Neck Cancer and gave a 2021 presentation on Precision Head and Neck Cancer Medicine.

We are excited to welcome this year’s distinguished panel and look forward to a meaningful discussion that highlights cutting-edge research, personal stories, and innovative approaches together making a real impact for the cancer community. Follow along on social media for live updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and opportunities to join the conversation.

Curious about what’s been shared in past years? Visit NFCR’s YouTube Channel to watch previous panels, hear from leading researchers and advocates, and see firsthand how your support helps advance groundbreaking discoveries that save lives.