On the evening of April 11, 2026, the UNC Lineberger Excellence in Advocacy Program (LEAP) hosted its inaugural Advocate Appreciation Dinner, a landmark event dedicated to the individuals who bridge the gap between clinical research and the lived experience of cancer.
The evening served as a formal “thank you” to the nearly 100 community and patient advocates who lend their voices to the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Attendees represented a diverse cross-section of the center’s mission, including members of the Community Advisory Board and the Patient Advocates for Research Council.
The event’s keynote was delivered by H. Shelton “Shelley” Earp, III, MD. Dr. Earp, a long-time champion of collaborative science, reflected on the evolution of cancer research. He emphasized that scientific excellence is incomplete without the integration of patient and community perspectives. By infusing these insights into every aspect of the research process, the center ensures its work remains grounded in real-world needs.
Community and patient advocates provide more than just feedback; they offer a roadmap for more equitable and effective care. Jennifer Potter, the project director for LEAP, highlighted the profound impact of this partnership during her remarks.
“Words cannot express how appreciative we are of our nearly 100 community and patient advocates,” Potter shared. “It is important to recognize their contributions not only this evening, but every day we work together.”
The evening solidified a simple but powerful truth: at UNC Lineberger, the patient and community voice is not just an addition to the research; it is the heart of it.