Speaker Spotlight
Living and traveling around the world expanded Guerdy’s palette of global cultures. Outspoken and energetic, her Haitian heritage and Parisian hometown flair shaped her unique aesthetic and work ethic. Guerdy’s hard work paying off is evidenced by her many accolades, including being named one of Harper’s Bazaar’s Top Planners in the World and making the list of Vogue’s Best Wedding Planners.
Guerdy was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2023. She is currently focusing on battling the disease while finding time to be a motivational speaker and beacon for the cause on behalf of many cancer foundations. Guerdy lives in Florida with her two boys and husband of 20 years. You can learn more about Guerdy at GuerdyFy.com.
“Jan did an outstanding job helping close to 200 people rediscover that laughter really is good medicine. Jan had a very easy way about her, and was very comfortable mingling with our patients both before and after her show.”
That’s what clients are saying about Jan McInnis’s “Finding the Funny” humorous keynote presented at other National Cancer Survivors Day® events. Her humor focuses on work, family, and life. Jan’s keynotes work both virtually and in person. Jan is also a fabulous Master of Ceremonies, keeping the event rolling and on time. She has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The Huffington Post. You can learn more about Jan at TheWorkLady.com.
On his birthday, Tom was diagnosed with prostate cancer, after losing his best friend to prostate cancer the year before. The first step in his battle was to hold on to his winning mindset. He set goals, including walking his daughter down the aisle and competing in the IRONMAN® World Championship.
Tom has now turned his focus to cancer education, advocacy, and helping others dealing with life-challenging obstacles. He is the past president of the North Texas Prostate Cancer Coalition, serves on the boards of Mary Crowley Cancer Research and ZERO Cancer, is a peer reviewer for the DoD’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, and is a research advocate at UT Southwestern. Tom authored THE WINNING MINDSET THAT SAVED MY LIFE, Second Edition; all book sale proceeds are being donated to philanthropic organizations making a positive impact on humankind. You can learn more about Tom at TomHulsey.com.
Glenda Standeven is an author, workshop facilitator, and humorous inspirational speaker. She lost her entire right leg, hip, and pelvis to bone cancer in 1988 and was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma breast cancer in 2022.
Glenda is the author of I Am Choosing to Smile, her inspirational life story about learning many of life’s lessons the hard way, and What Men Won’t Talk About and Women Need to Know, which chronicles her husband’s journey with prostate cancer using honesty and humor. Glenda has published three short stories that were included in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, including her most recent, “Becoming A Gracious Receiver” which is to be published in Chicken Soup for the Soul – 101 Ways to Think Positive in February 2025. You can learn more about Glenda at GlendaStandeven.com.
Dr. Wendy S. Harpham is a 34-year survivor, renowned leader in survivorship, and award-winning author of books and articles, including “View from the Other Side of the Stethoscope” (Oncology Times). She enjoys in-person and virtual keynoting.
Since the release of Healing Hope, Dr. Harpham’s most requested keynotes have focused on finding the best hopes for you for now. Her personal story of survival against the odds illustrates how healing hope can help all patients become “Healthy Survivors” – namely, patients who get good care and live as fully as possible every day.You can learn more about Dr. Harpham at WendyHarpham.com.
A soulful soprano, this young operatic artist, Yale graduate, and breast cancer survivor offers a comforting and uplifting brand of speaking and singing. Utilizing her stage experience and unique warmth, this dynamic speaker offers her popular lecture “Battling the High Cs – an Operatic Soprano’s Journey Through Career and Cancer.”
She skillfully juxtaposes surviving a career in the competitive arts world with the rigors of a cancer diagnosis. Presentations bring humor, inspiration, hope, and of course, her singing. Take “Comfort and Courage” home with Manzi’s CD that supports cancer causes. You can learn more about Carol Ann at ManziSpeaks.info.
Bershan is a two-time stage IV breast cancer thriver. She is the founder and CEO of URAWarrior and Warrior Training International. A dynamic TV personality, international motivational speaker, author, and executive business coach, Bershan is a luminary who empowers individuals across the globe to discover their inner warrior and step into their greatness.
You can learn more about Bershan at UraWarrior.com.
Michelle Burleigh is an acute promyelocytic leukemia survivor turned healthcare advocate and consultant. At the time of Michelle’s diagnosis, she had less than a day left to live, and her chances of survival were grim. Seven years later, Michelle is cancer-free and has dedicated her life to improving patient experiences in Canada and globally.
She is the Co-Chair of the Canadian Immunocompromised Advocacy Network and sits on several healthcare steering committees committed to developing new patient advocates, modernized patient solutions and advocating for improved healthcare and public policies. She gives impactful talks about courage, the importance of self-advocacy, relationship building and management, and continues to influence a more patient-centric healthcare model.
In 2022, Michelle published her first book, The Road to Courageous Living: Learning Audacious Self-Love and the Skills to Harness Personal Success. You can learn more about Michelle at SoYouveGotCancer.ca.
