Pablo became a co-survivor when his then-girlfriend, Erin, was diagnosed. He scoured the internet and connected with young breast cancer survivors through Young Survival Coalition discussion boards. Pablo insisted Erin move in with him while their journey together began. He became an advocate for other survivors by starting a Tour de Pink Team called "I Ride for Her" in honor of Erin, now his wife. He serves on the Board of Directors and is a strong advocate for co-survivors to get the resources they need. We are honored to present Pablo Colón as a YSC Game Changer for his work as a co-survivor.
What inspires you in your work to support, empower or educate young women affected by breast cancer?
Knowing that I'm helping other co-survivors understand it’s okay and necessary to take care of themselves in order to better support the young survivors in their lives.
What about your work for young women affected by breast cancer makes you most proud?
At the YSC Summit, I participated in co-survivor-specific programming and heard from other co-survivors how much it helped.
What are your hopes for the future, with regard to YSC and young breast cancer survivors?
While we all wish breast cancer didn't exist, I'm glad YSC will continue to be there for young women affected by this horrible disease.
What is your message for YSC on its 20th anniversary?
Congratulations on twenty years of making sure no young woman faces breast cancer alone. YSC helped Erin and me tremendously; we will always be grateful that they were there when we needed them.
About YSC and Game Changers
Young Survival Coalition was founded in 1998 by young women diagnosed with breast cancer under age 35.
YSC is made up of people: survivors, co-survivors, volunteers, donors, healthcare providers. Our strength comes from our community. So in our 20th year, we will honor our roots — the people who have helped build YSC into what it is today — and also look forward, recognizing those in our community who are changing the future of breast cancer in young women.
We are highlighting these individuals as Game Changers throughout 2018 and sharing their stories with the world to thank them for their contributions to our community.
