The Johns Hopkins INSPIRE Breast Cancer Research Advocacy Program empowers individuals with breast cancer of all stages to become research advocates who can understand and inform the bench-to-bedside process. Members will serve as reviewers and advisors for scientists, researchers, and clinicians affiliated with the Johns Hopkins Women’s Malignancies Program. The INSPIRE Program’s vision is to become a leading research advocacy training program that cultivates innovative and patient-informed research that improves outcomes for individuals with breast cancer of all stages and for those at-risk.

We will not discriminate based on age, diagnosis, stage, gender, sexual orientation, or race; Membership may include individuals with breast cancer, caregivers, and others interested in advocacy, but should reflect the diversity of the mid-Atlantic region, specifically the population of Maryland and the National Capital Area with representation from underserved and vulnerable populations that are disproportionately impacted by breast cancer.

Membership Requirements

Membership will have representation from vulnerable and underserved populations disproportionately impacted by breast cancer, and may include breast cancer patients, caregivers, and others interested in advocacy who live in the mid-Atlantic region. No advocacy experience is required, but members must have clinically stable disease OR be at least 6 months from initial diagnosis.

There are no term limits for members as long as they agree to the requirements below:

• Members are expected to attend at least 5 of the monthly meetings by videoconference.
• Members must be willing to review multiple areas of breast cancer research from basic science to clinical trials.
• Members must sign a confidential disclosure agreement and adhere to membership guidelines.

Membership Benefits

• Learning opportunities for patient advocates who seek to better understand the science behind breast cancer research.
• Meaningful partnerships with scientists striving to make an impact in the field.
• Opportunities to elevate the patient voice and drive research that will improve outcomes.
• Participation in Johns Hopkins-sponsored research events.
• Consumer reviewer sponsorship for the DOD Breast Cancer Research Program.

If you would like to learn more about our advocates and faculty, check out our free patient and caregiver resource portal, called Web Education for Breast Cancer Survivorship (WEBS). You and/or your Care Partners can create an account at www.hopkinswebs.org to assess all information and resources.