Big Easy, Bigger Bonds: A First-Timer’s Guide to the YSC Summit

Nervous, excited, shy, hopeful – these are a few of the many emotions that I experienced before attending my first YSC Summit in Charlotte, NC in 2023. I felt like I was preparing for the first day of school – except plot twist – everyone’s been impacted by breast cancer.

When I was diagnosed with TNBC at 21, community was the last thing I was seeking. I was in survival mode, not connection mode. I knew that support groups existed, but you wouldn’t catch me in one. After all, how could anyone understand what it’s like to be a senior in college and lose your hair, boobs, and the energy you once had?

I didn’t believe that there was a community of young adults out there who got it – until I found YSC.

After finishing treatment, I finally felt ready to connect with other survivors. I started researching volunteer opportunities and was connected to YSC through the fabulous Amanda Nixon, who invited me to the Summit.

I was nervous that it’d be awkward and unsure whether I’d make friends, but I decided to take a leap of faith and register. During that weekend, any reservations I once had were erased and my expectations were far exceeded. Not only did I walk away with a new sense of confidence to own my experience, but with friendships that have continued to blossom ever since.

If you’re feeling the way I did at all, consider this your mini-guide to ease your mind and confidently navigate the Summit before, during, and after the weekend:

Pre-Summit

Before even flying to the Summit, I wanted to know who would be there. That’s where the Summit Private Facebook Group came in handy to connect with other attendees in advance. This group is your space to ask questions, find a roommate, and stay up to date on all Summit news.

Another question on my mind was what to wear. I went into it thinking I needed to dress professionally, so I packed a blazer – but I quickly realized that it’s not that kind of conference. The Summit is a relaxed and judgement-free environment – so no need to look or dress a certain way. The best way to show up is comfortably and as your authentic self. And hey, if that means wearing a blazer anyway, go for it!

During the Summit

Despite what the cover photo of this blog might suggest, I’m actually pretty shy meeting new people for the first time. Luckily, I found YSC’s community to be so open that the connections came naturally.

During the first event I attended – a meetup for people diagnosed under 30 – I made a friend who I went to sessions with throughout the weekend and still keep in touch with today. That was just one of many connections sparked, and I truly didn’t understand how special being in a room with hundreds (yes hundreds!) of other survivors and thrivers would be.

From those newly diagnosed, to people a year out from treatment, long-term survivors, MBC thrivers, co-survivors, and healthcare providers – you’re going to meet a multitude of people navigating a breast cancer diagnosis on their own path.

What I really appreciated was that I never had to overexplain my experience to anyone. Whether it’s in a breakout session, sitting with new people at lunch, or singing your heart out on the dance floor – there are plenty of opportunities to connect and find your “breasties.” The first step is being willing to put yourself out there.

Post-Summit

This year’s theme – Catch the Beads, Keep the Bonds, is the perfect reminder that the fun and connections don’t end when the Summit does. I’ve met some of my favorite people in those conference hallways, and reuniting with them each year is always a highlight.

Chances are the people you encounter at the Summit are also seeking community, so don’t be afraid to swap contact info, follow each other on social media, and reach out afterward.

And if you’re hoping to stay connected to YSC between Summits, it’s easy to keep the conversations going through Private Facebook Groups, Virtual Hangouts, and Local Meetups. The Summit may only be for one weekend, but the relationships formed there can last a lifetime.

As you get ready for your first Summit, know that whatever you’re feeling – nervous, overwhelmed, excited, or all of the above – you’re not alone. You’re stepping into a vibrant, compassionate community of survivors, thrivers, and co-survivors who understand you in ways you may not have experienced before. Show up exactly as you are and trust that there’s space for your story here.

I can’t wait to see you in the Big Easy, where new bonds await (and maybe a beignet or two!).

• Bri