On Saturday, April 25, 2026 NBCA proudly hosted our Fourth Annual Oncology Professionals Gratitude Day in Santa Rosa.
This free event, hosted by the North Bay Cancer Alliance, is an opportunity to renew and strengthen the bonds of our oncology community, hear from great speakers, meet your colleagues, and have fun you — earned it!
Oncology Professionals Gratitude Day honors physicians, nurses, social workers, administrators and support staff whose tireless work makes a profound difference in the lives of patients and families. Each year, we host an afternoon of appreciation filled with music, prizes, and camaraderie. We also honor an attendee with the Oncology Professional of the Year Award. It’s a joyful gathering that celebrates the people at the heart of cancer care.
It was joyful. It was moving. And above all, it was deeply human.
Healthcare professionals from Marin to Ukiah to Napa came together for an afternoon of appreciation, camaraderie, music, great food, laughter, and recognition. Physicians, nurses, social workers, infusion teams, administrators, researchers, patient navigators, pharmaceutical professionals, and support staff — all in one room, not to work, but to be celebrated.
For many in attendance, it is the only day each year where the entire oncology community gathers simply to be thanked.
The afternoon began with smiles and snapshots at the Step & Repeat, as guests reconnected and explored exhibitor tables. We also introduced the soft opening of NBCA’s Brave Woman’s Sharing Boutique — a heartfelt new initiative featuring a collection of wigs and head coverings, freely shared among patients. Built from the generosity of those who have gone before, it’s a quiet but powerful expression of community care, and will soon have a permanent home at our office on North Dutton.
From there, the room came alive.
This year’s Oncology Professional of the Year Award was presented not to an individual, but to an entire team — Cancer Resource Centers of Mendocino — recognized for their unwavering support of patients and families. The announcement was made by last year’s honoree, Diane Ballard, and each team member received a Mobius strip pendant, symbolizing continuity and resilience, generously crafted by TBarny Sculptures of Healdsburg.
