I'm excited! Join me for our new YSC Summit for young women affected by breast cancer.

When a young woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, she has many questions and feelings of uncertainty. When I was diagnosed in 2010 at the age of 36, I felt so alone. Yes, I had support from my husband, family and friends, but I longed to meet other young women who understood what I was going through physically and emotionally. That’s exactly what I found at YSC: a safe place to connect with other young breast cancer survivors and gain strength from each other.

I am super excited to tell you about our new YSC Summit, which is the only national conference of its kind dedicated to the unique needs of young women affected by breast cancer and their co-survivors! Imagine yourself among hundreds of young women and co-survivors coming together for three days, March 6-8, 2015, in Houston, Texas. It is going to be awesome!

Over the last 16 years, YSC has created a strong sisterhood of young breast cancer survivors nationwide (and even internationally). We understand the importance of connecting young women diagnosed with breast cancer and their co-survivors. We also know how important it is to be educated and empowered. And that’s why YSC is excited to offer our new conference.

Whether you are newly diagnosed, living with metastatic disease or several years out from diagnosis, the YSC Summit is for you! It will be inspiring, educational and fun. And there is nothing like meeting another young survivor Face 2 Face.

At YSC’s Summit, you will learn about:
•    The latest medical information
•    Sex and intimacy after diagnosis (because it does change!)
•    What survivorship looks like (newly diagnosed, in treatment, post treatment, metastatic and long term)
•    Quality-of-life issues (‘cause we all have them!)
•    How to cope with the side effects and long-term implications of treatment
•    Ways to implement healthy lifestyle changes (diet, physical activities)
•    Special workshops for young women living with metastatic breast cancer
•    Plus so much more – see the full schedule here!

You’ll hear from the leading experts like Drs. Susan Love, Don Dizon and Banu Arun. Plus, you’ll be inspired by other survivor speakers. Check out the full line-up of speakers and their bios here.

Another great aspect of the 2015 YSC Summit is that we are focusing on co-survivors. I like to describe them as the people who went through hell with you when you were diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age. It could be a spouse, a partner, a parent, sibling or even a best friend.

I’m bringing my husband because he has been one of my rocks through this crazy journey! At the Summit, co-survivors will learn about how to take care of themselves and how to support us. They will walk away feeling empowered, knowing they are an important part of our breast cancer journey.

Worried about the cost of getting to Houston? We get it! YSC has come up with a variety of easy ways to help offset the cost. There are needs-based travel grants, fee waivers, a fundraising option and airline discounts to help you get to there!

While I understand that March seems like a long time away, you do not want to lose your opportunity to attend. So register now, before the event sells out, and join us for three inspiring days.

Also – feel free to share the information about the YSC Summit with other young survivors and your healthcare providers, and encourage them to attend. We will be using #YSC2015 for the event to help begin a powerful conversation among young survivors, doctors and co-survivors.

I know that if you attend the YSC Summit, you will feel empowered, inspired, encouraged, more knowledgeable, fearless…and thankful for the new friends you’ve made. You will know for sure that you are not alone. YSC and an entire network of young survivors and supporters are here for you!

I can’t wait to see y’all in Houston!