Breakout Sessions

Facilitated by Dave & Debbie Williams

Are you a church leader, paid or volunteer, who wants to know how your church can start a cancer ministry? Come learn how to care well for your own members affected by Cancer and how you can take it outside the walls of the church and impact the Kingdom of God . We’ll let you know how we did it, what worked, and more importantly, what didn’t work. You’ll also learn about some innovative ideas from churches around the country. Come be equipped to develop a flourishing cancer care ministry!

About Dave & Debbie Williams:  Debbie and Dave Williams are the hosts of Facing Cancer Together. They serve at Cottonwood Creek as the volunteer directors of the Cancer Care Ministry. In 2009 an ER doctor found a tumor on Debbie’s pancreas and tests revealed the cancer had spread to her liver and lymph nodes. She was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. Even in the face of that devastating diagnosis Debbie drew on her unwavering faith and prayed ‘thy will be done and if it be Your will I hope to see a Grandchild born.’ Debbie was one of the first patients to receive a new treatment for Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Cancer – the first new treatment for Pancreatic Cancer in 50 years. For most of the past 10 years she has received this injection every 28 days, which stops the growth of tumors , but can’t eliminate the cancer. Because of the concern for long term side effects of the new drug her Oncologist recommended she stop the treatment  after 2 years with no evidence of cancer. Soon after when scans showed over 30 small tumors, nodules and lesions in her liver and bones, she went back on the 28 day regimen and will continue to get these ‘miracle injections’ the rest of her life. Their gratitude for God’s Grace inspired a passionate desire to help others going through cancer. In 2012 Debbie met Carolyn Freeman, a breast cancer survivor, in their Life Group at Cottonwood. Together they helped birth the Cottonwood Creek Cancer Care Ministry. Five Grandkids later the Williams feel blessed and thankful and try their best to appreciate every hour of every day.  Dave is proud to most often be recognized as Debbie’s Husband. 🙂

Facilitated by Keresa Richardson & Shawn Tolleson

This enlightening breakout session will cover some of the misconceptions about alternative treatments, how complementary therapies might work alongside traditional medicince, and how to find what the path that’s best for you.

About Keresa Richardson: In October of 2015 Keresa was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and after consulting with eleven oncologists she refused chemotherapy and fought this battle with alternative therapy and her faith in God. Now in remission this recent experience has opened up a new ministry to cancer patients trying to navigate our confusing medical system.

About Shawn Tolleson: Shawn Tolleson is a former Major League baseball player with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers. Shawn developed a special heart for cancer patients after his father was diagnosed with colon cancer and lymphoma in 2015. Shawn was able to work with his father on diet, supplement, and lifestyle changes during his long-fought battle with the disease. Shawn understands the importance of these lifestyle changes for both disease mitigation and prevention, but also believes that the right mindset makes the greatest impact on the road to recovery.

Facilitated by Kim Keely and Judy Herrick of UTSW

Have you recently been diagnosed with cancer? Are you confused about the next steps? Cancer includes over 100 diseases! Come learn where to find the information you need, how to find the right doctor for you, best practices for your doctors’ visits, how to stay organized, and find the support you need to for the journey ahead.

About Kim Keely LMSW, OSW-C:
Kim Keely, LMSW, OSW-C received a Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work at Abilene Christian University and a Master’s of Science in Social Work at University of Texas at Arlington.  In her Oncology Social Worker role at UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center, Kim provides patients with access to community resources and emotional support. In 2019, Kim was the recipient of the Medical Professional of the Year award with National Breast Cancer Foundation for her development of support groups and survivorship classes for women with breast cancer. As the daughter of two parents who faced cancer, Kim is passionate about creating support for patients and families coping with a diagnosis. 

About Judy Herrick RN, BSN, OCN:
Judy Herrick RN, BSN, OCN has over 26 years of oncology nursing. She has diverse experience with solid tumor and hem-malignancy.

Ms. Herrick has worked in various oncology nursing roles including patient care, research, compliance, education, and leadership.

Facilitated by Dr. Kenneth Haugk

This session provides practical suggestions of what to say and do—and what not to say and do—to support those who are suffering with a wide range of life difficulties including cancer and their loved ones in the best ways possible.

About Dr. Ken Haugk:

The Rev. Kenneth C. Haugk, Ph.D., is the founder and Executive Director of Stephen Ministries, the organization that delivers the Stephen Ministry system of lay caring ministry being used in over 13,000 congregations worldwide. He has served as a parish pastor and as a psychotherapist in private practice, as well as teaching university and seminary courses in psychology and theology. He is the author of Cancer—Now What?, Don’t Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart, Christian Caregiving—a Way of Life, Speaking the Truth in Love, Journeying through Grief, and many other books and courses. Ken enjoys playing basketball and tennis, watching the St. Louis Cardinals, and spending time with his daughters Amity and Charity, son-in-law Jamie, and grandchildren Caleb, Natalie, and Zachary.

Facilitated by Terri Fornear and Stephen Carlock

Caring for the caregivers is essential in the cancer journey. Come learn practical ways to “bear one another’s burdens” and help the caregiver feel connected. Learn the importance of self-care for the caregiver and how to encourage them to take care well for themselves during this crucial time.

About Terri Fornear: Terri Fornear is a Founder and Assistant Director of Stronghold Ministry (www.mystronghold.org), a non-profit ministry that provides spiritual help to cancer patients and those in crisis. She is passionate to share powerful and freeing lessons on prayer and faith which she gleaned while she walked beside Joe through his Stage IV cancer battle. Over the last 30 years, she has led numerous support groups for women, and has LIFE coached many cancer caretakers and others in crisis as well. Terri has published her caretaker story, Abiding Through the Shadows, A Caretaker’s Struggle with God’s Goodness and has written a scripture journal called, Dealing with Feelings. Terri has a B.S. degree in Individual and Family Studies. She is a Certified Language Therapist and worked with children that have learning differences for 25 years. Terri and Joe founded and pastored a church in Dallas for 18 years and launched Stronghold Ministry in 2008. Joe and his wife, Terri, have two grown children, a son Jesse, and daughter, Amy.

About Stephen Carlock: Stephen and Julie Carlock are long-time residents of Fairview,Texas and have been in the community and attending Cottonwood Creek for more than 13 years.  Julie and Stephen have three Children that age from 18 to 11 and attend Lovejoy High School and Lucas Christian Academy.  Julie was one of the very first to be taken in and cared for by the Cancer Care Ministry after being diagnosed with Stage II Breast Cancer, specifically IDC-invasive duct carcinoma.  Julie and Stephen found strength in their faith and comfort in the friends they developed at the Cancer Ministry through Chemotherapy treatments and surgery, the infrastructure built in Christ was essential to her journey with Cancer.  With their 3 kids ranging from 4 to 11 at the time of diagnosis, Stephen was the primary care giver to Julie along with the children as well, struggling to maintain the balance of work and home.  He too found that the Cancer Ministry was able to offer comfort and peace in Christ as well as a network of friends to lean on when the struggle became too much and he needed assistance, the Ministry was there.  Stephen and Julie will both testify that their faith, their friends, their marriage and their family is stronger today having gone through cancer.

Facilitated by Kerri Steele, Amy Gerwing, and Vanessa Sanford

A cancer diagnosis is always difficult, but when children are impacted, it seems that the difficulty is exponential. Whether it’s a parent or a sibling suffering with cancer, the challenges that arise are often unexpected and soul-crushing. How do you answer the hard questions? How do you help them access their feelings and communicate their thoughts? How do we protect them from the lies of the enemy?  And then there’s physical manifestations of their pain through behavior issues, stomach aches, headaches, and more. In this breakout session we’ll be talking about how to best help children in the midst of a cancer crisis.

About Kerri Steele:

Kerri is the founder and Executive Director of Little Hearts of Hope, an organization that provides a monthly “hope” packages that allow children to process their emotions.

Kerri is the mother of 3 children; Page, Emma, and Liam. Kerri’s husband, Will Steele, was first diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer called Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor in February of 2010. During her husband’s battle with cancer, she saw a great need for help with her young children as they too faced the difficulties of their father’s diagnosis. Kerri is excited to share what God has taught her and brought her family through to help other families in similar circumstances. Kerri’s mission is to help hurting children by finding hope in the Lord.

About Amy Gerwing:

Executive Director, A Small Miracle Foundation

Amy has spent the last ten years working in the non-profit space, focusing on digital fundraising for causes she believes in.  Her passion to help families affected by cancer comes from her own experience of fighting stage 2 breast cancer while pregnant with her seventh child.  Knowing first-hand the stress of scheduling and paying for childcare so that she could comply with her cancer regiment, Amy is now determined to make sure that every family affected by cancer gets the childcare they need.

About Vanessa Sanford: Vanessa M. Sanford is a bilingual therapist and was awarded the 2007 Texas Mental Health Professional of the Year for Child Advocacy Centers of Texas and has been included in educational films bringing awareness to child abuse, including “The Little Voice” made by Texas Young Lawyers Association. Vanessa is Licensed Professional Counselor/Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist/Supervisor, National Certified Counselor, and Certified Daring Way Facilitator based on the research by Brené Brown. Vanessa recently completed the minimum requirements to become EMDR trained and is working towards becoming EMDR certified. Mrs. Sanford is a Registered Yoga Instructor. Mrs. Sanford is not a symptom-based therapist and prefers to focus on core issues of shame resilience, vulnerability, courage, self-trust, and self-worth. Vanessa incorporates expressive art, music, animals, yoga/mindfulness, and media in treatment. Vanessa’s favorite word is “integration”. She likes to help her clients move what they know in their head into their heart and daily life. Vanessa views herself as a student and if you listen to her for 5 minutes, there will be definite details about what books she is reading, what podcast she is listening to, and of course, Yoga.

Mrs. Sanford has spoken locally, statewide, and nationally on topics of addiction, anxiety, wholehearted living, court prep for therapists, trauma, animal assisted therapy, and abuse. Mrs. Sanford has also been a co-author for two books and written a handful of blogs and articles as well as been blessed to be invited to speak/train CASA volunteers, SMU counseling practicum students, Frisco ISD, and local church events. Mrs. Sanford has been a mentor for Frisco ISM students, been on the advisory council for Frisco Gifted Association, and is a proud member of Frisco ARTS.

Vanessa Sanford lives a brave life full of courage, compassion, creativity, and kindness. She enjoys collaborations and co-facilitating with amazing teachers to offer more diverse service to the community.

Facilitated by Joe Fornear and Julie Carlock

A cancer diagnosis is a total life changer. Shock, fear, sadness, and anxiety are just a few emotions a cancer patient will experience. Navigating this new reality can be very challenging. Studies show that patients that approach their journey with a positive outlook, optimism, hope, and faith are able to find the peace they seek. Join us for an inspiring session with two cancer survivors who will speak from their experience.

About Joe Fornear:  Joe Fornear is a Founder and Executive Director of Stronghold Ministry (www.mystronghold.org), a non-profit ministry that provides spiritual help to cancer patients and those in crisis. Joe had what doctors believed to be a terminal case of Stage IV metastatic melanoma that had spread to 13 areas including kidney, lung, pancreas and stomach. He was given just “days to live” in 2003. He had a miraculous recovery and has been cancer free since August of 2003. Joe wrote about this amazing journey in a book called, My Stronghold, A Pastor’s Battle with Cancer and Doubts. With his wife, Terri, he wrote In His Grip, Meditations with the Great Physician, a devotional book on the struggles they faced and lessons they learned. An ordained minister, Joe has a Masters of Theology (ThM) degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. He founded and pastored a church in Dallas for 18 years and then launched Stronghold Ministry in 2008. Joe and his wife, Terri, have two grown children, a son Jesse, and daughter, Amy. 

About Julie Carlock: Stephen and Julie Carlock are long-time residents of Fairview,Texas and have been in the community and attending Cottonwood Creek for more than 13 years.  Julie and Stephen have three Children that age from 18 to 11 and attend Lovejoy High School and Lucas Christian Academy.  Julie was one of the very first to be taken in and cared for by the Cancer Care Ministry after being diagnosed with Stage II Breast Cancer, specifically IDC-invasive duct carcinoma.  Julie and Stephen found strength in their faith and comfort in the friends they developed at the Cancer Ministry through Chemotherapy treatments and surgery, the infrastructure built in Christ was essential to her journey with Cancer.  With their 3 kids ranging from 4 to 11 at the time of diagnosis, Stephen was the primary care giver to Julie along with the children as well, struggling to maintain the balance of work and home.  He too found that the Cancer Ministry was able to offer comfort and peace in Christ as well as a network of friends to lean on when the struggle became too much and he needed assistance, the Ministry was there.  Stephen and Julie will both testify that their faith, their friends, their marriage and their family is stronger today having gone through cancer.

Facilitated by Jackie Castillo from Mary Crowley Cancer Research

Cancer clinical trials are studies in which patients voluntarily take part in tests of new cancer drugs or procedures. In this breakout find out if this might be a good option for you. You’ll learn the basics of clinical trials, things to consider (travel, time, money), the risks versus benefits, and more. Come be educated about the options!

About Jackie Castillo:
Jackie Castillo, Licensed Clinical Social Worker currently working at the Non Profit- Mary Crowley Cancer Research. Jackie is fluent in Spanish and has worked as a social worker for over 10+ years in various fields: Child Protective Services, Domestic Violence, Victim Services and now Cancer Social Worker. In her current role at Mary Crowley she focuses on helping the patients and their families by addressing barriers and concerns that they face as they deal with their diagnosis.