Mike Herman: Founder & Executive Director of Speaking on Cancer Patient Advocacy (SoCPA)
Mission: Educating Towards a Cancer-Free Tomorrow

Mike Herman is the founder and Executive Director of Speaking on Cancer Patient Advocacy (SoCPA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent, detect, and advocate against cancer. With over a decade of firsthand experience as a cancer patient advocate, Mike is deeply committed to shifting the narrative around cancer, focusing on proactive prevention and early detection. His work aims to create a world where cancer is not just treated but actively prevented, and where education and advocacy are at the forefront of the fight against this disease.

Vision:
Mike’s vision for SoCPA is clear: to build a future where every high school student graduates with the knowledge to prevent, detect, and advocate against cancer. By incorporating cancer education into high school curricula, Mike seeks to empower the next generation with the tools they need to take control of their health and advocate for a cancer-free tomorrow. His belief is that through education, we can reduce cancer's impact and foster a healthier, more informed society.

High School C.A.R.E. Initiative
At the heart of Mike’s mission is the High School C.A.R.E. (Cancer Advocacy, Resilience & Eradication) initiative. This flagship program, led by SoCPA, aims to integrate comprehensive cancer education directly into high school curricula across the United States. The goal is to equip students with vital knowledge about cancer prevention, early detection, and advocacy, ensuring that they graduate not only academically prepared but also with the understanding of how to lead healthier lives and advocate for cancer prevention.

Mike believes that by reaching students early in their educational journey, we can build a foundation for long-term health equity, cancer awareness, and advocacy. High School C.A.R.E. is more than a curriculum—it's a movement to raise awareness and foster action. Through this initiative, Mike and SoCPA empower students to:

Learn about cancer prevention and the impact of lifestyle choices on cancer risk.
Advocate for cancer patients, supporting causes related to cancer care and policy changes.
Build Resilience, preparing students to face the challenges posed by cancer, whether personally or within their communities.
Eradicate cancer by inspiring young people to take action and engage in the fight for better cancer care and research funding.
The program aligns with Mike's belief that cancer prevention is a shared responsibility, and that education can be a catalyst for real change. With backing from top organizations like the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, and the American Association for Cancer Research, Mike ensures that the High School C.A.R.E. program is both scientifically grounded and effective in its mission.

The Need for Change
Mike’s personal experience as a cancer survivor and advocate underscores the urgency of the High School C.A.R.E. program. Over 40% of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and yet, cancer is still largely treated reactively. This is a problem Mike is determined to address. By providing young people with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health, Mike is working to shift the paradigm from a reactive to a proactive approach to cancer.

Why High School C.A.R.E. Matters
The High School C.A.R.E. program is designed to give students the knowledge and tools to not only prevent cancer but also to become advocates for cancer patients and support the ongoing battle against this disease. By providing cancer education at the high school level, Mike is helping to create a generation that is better equipped to address cancer, support others affected by it, and reduce the long-term impact of the disease on society.

Conclusion:
Through SoCPA and the High School C.A.R.E. initiative, Mike Herman is leading the charge to reshape how we approach cancer education, prevention, and advocacy. His work is driven by the belief that by educating students today, we are building the foundation for a healthier, cancer-free tomorrow. Through this work, Mike is empowering individuals, families, and communities to take control of their health and work towards eradicating cancer, one student at a time.