I was diagnosed in February 2014 with HER2+ breast cancer at the age of 35. After chemo, a mastectomy and radiation therapy, I’m cancer-free! I’m also actively involved in YSC, and it all started when I attended the Summit.
The 2015 YSC Summit changed my life! I first connected with YSC online at the recommendation of a friend. The Newly Diagnosed Navigator I received from YSC was a comforting and useful tool during treatment, so I thought I’d see what the Summit was all about. I attended on a travel grant (I wouldn’t have been able to go otherwise) and I’m so glad I went! I met many sweet new friends who had hope, faith and encouragement to share.
The atmosphere was light, open and welcoming throughout the conference. I met Hollye Jacobs, author of The Silver Lining: A Supportive and Insightful Guide to Breast Cancer. She was the keynote speaker for the closing session of the conference, and it was a privilege to be in her presence and hear about how hope and a positive attitude can make such a difference for survivors.
The other sessions were so informative, and I was impressed with the variety of workshop topics. I particularly enjoyed one session where a doctor spoke openly and answered questions about sex during and after treatment. He made it comfortable to talk about topics about which I would never have asked my own oncologist. I came away from that session empowered with life-changing information that has since helped put my own sex life back on track.
I threw caution to the wind and decided to try belly dancing one evening of the Summit. What a joy it was to try something new in a safe environment of women just like me! The instructor made it so easy, and she opened my mind to a new type of exercise that I never thought I could do.
The food at the Summit was fabulous, and they did a great job of catering to my vegan lifestyle. The meals were beautiful and the themes were fun, including line dancing after a Tex-Mex dinner one night.
I didn’t expect to come away from the Summit changed, but I found that YSC’s heartbeat struck a chord with me, and I wanted to get involved. I became a YSC State Leader for South Texas and now I lead a Face 2 Face Support Network in my community. It’s the only breast cancer support group in my town. I’m working with our local hospitals, oncologists and women’s health centers to connect the medical community with YSC’s services. It fills me with pride and joy to help other women facing breast cancer find help and support through YSC. I am so glad I showed up for the YSC Summit 2015. Thanks, YSC!
Ready to find out how attending the YSC Summit might change your life? Register soon, especially if you want to apply for a travel grant!
