Navigating a Cancer Diagnosis: Your Rights, Your Options, Your Path Forward

Charlotte Libov, Health Author, Speaker, and Breast Cancer Survivor, is the author of three books, including the award-winning The Cancer Survival Guide, and a collaborator on six additional health titles. A nationally recognized health speaker, she helps audiences better understand complex medical issues. Following her own breast cancer diagnosis, she combines professional expertise with firsthand experience to help others navigate the disease and advocate for their care.

Baruch Jacobs, MD, FACS Plastic Surgeon (with expertise in patient rights and medical law), is a Miami-based plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. A University of Miami instructor and former Chief of Plastic Surgery at Miami Heart Institute, he is board-certified and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He also guides patients on reconstruction options, timing, and key legal considerations to support informed care decisions.

Ashley Valdes has spent 19 years working alongside Dr. Baruch Jacobs and Robin Jacobs at Miami Beach Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Center. She is known for her strong patient advocacy, compassionate leadership, and expertise in healthcare navigation, especially in insurance and patient rights. She is dedicated to helping women and breast reconstruction patients access care and overcome barriers. In 2025, she received a City of Miami Beach proclamation recognizing her impactful work in the breast cancer community.