Monday, March 9, 2026
1:00PM – 2:00PM ET
Location: Virtual
Friends of Cancer Research (Friends) hosted a free webinar to mark the launch of ProgresoparaPacientes.org, a new patient advocacy education program for Spanish-speaking communities. The course provides an overview of the drug development and regulatory landscape, including FDA’s role, clinical trial phases, drug approval pathways, and advocacy case studies. Building on this foundation, the webinar explored the following topics:
- Why accessible, culturally and linguistically appropriate education about drug development and the FDA is important for Spanish-speaking communities in the United States.
- How gaps in understanding research and regulatory systems can influence trust, decision-making, and participation in clinical research and advocacy.
- Common challenges that affect Spanish-speaking communities’ ability to engage in research and advocacy efforts.
- How ProgresoparaPacientes.org can support Spanish-speaking advocates in building confidence and engaging more effectively in research, clinical, and policy conversations.
- Opportunities for community organizations, advocacy groups, and patient navigators to integrate this resource into existing outreach, education, and training programs.
AGENDA
1:00 PM – Opening Remarks & Course Overview
- Christine Lee, Friends of Cancer Research
1:05 PM – Panel Introduction & Discussion
- Christine Lee, Friends of Cancer Research – Moderator
- Debbie Denardi, Patient Advocate
- Diana Merino Vega, AstraZeneca
- Yadira Montoya, National Alliance for Caregiving
- Barbara Segarra-Vazquez, Universidad de Puerto Rico
1:55 PM – Takeaways & Closing Remarks
2:00 PM – Meeting Adjourned