Event Information
Date: December 2, 2026
Time: 7 PM ET - 8:30 PM
On Zoom
The Art of Not Being Okay: Letting go of expectations and finding comfort in the complicated.
Living with MBC (metastatic breast cancer) is a lot. Between navigating treatments, relationships, everyday life, and the pressure to stay positive, sometimes it's just plain exhausting. And guess what? You don't always have to have it all together.
Join us for a virtual retreat where we're ditching the pressure to be strong 24/7 and making room for the real, raw, and sometimes messy parts of living with MBC. Through honest conversations, creative expression, and moments of relaxation, we'll connect, recharge, and remind ourselves that it's okay to not be okay. No toxic positivity. No expectations. Just real talk, real connection, and a space to show up exactly as you are.
Agenda
Part I: Letting Go of Strong
7:00–7:30 PM | Tired of Being Strong with Krista Nelson, LCSW
Exploring the emotional labor of living with MBC, expectations of resilience, and setting boundaries. Includes Q&A.
Krista Nelson, LCSW OSW-C FAOSW FAPOS FACCC is trained as an oncology social worker and works in clinical & leadership roles within the Providence Cancer overseeing supportive care. Krista is the current Editor-in-Chief of Oncology Issues. Krista provides individual and group support for those affected by cancer.
7:30–7:40 PM | I Live with MBC: Lived-Experience Storytelling with community speaker Lakeshia Kerley
A personal reflection on navigating the realities of metastatic breast cancer.
Lakeshia “Keshia” Sherrod is a wife, mother, speaker, and metastatic breast cancer advocate. Diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer in 2022, she uses her experience to raise awareness, advocate for equitable care, and encourage others to speak up for their needs. Through faith, storytelling, and community connection, Keshia helps others feel seen, heard, and supported. She is passionate about reminding people that there is life, purpose, and joy beyond a diagnosis.
7:40–7:45 PM | Break
Part II: Making Space for What Is
7:45–8:10 PM | The Art of Not Being Okay with Alexandrea Wilson
An interactive creative experience exploring complicated emotions through art and reflection using supplies available at home.
Alex (she/her) is the founder of Healing the Land Wellness, an act of community care that initially started off as a podcast exploring the intersections between racial and environmental justice. Healing the Land has now evolved into a holistic wellness practice that centers healing justice, empowerment and community. Alex is from Chicago, IL and has called Portland, OR home for the past 3 years. She believes that healing and wellbeing should be accessible for all.
8:10–8:25 PM | Permission to Rest: Sound Bath / Guided Relaxation with Eden Carter
A calming experience focused on relaxation, restoration, and release.
Eden, a fellow cancer survivor who has journeyed through the depths of life's challenges. Has emerged as a meditation guide and sound alchemist, using her experiences to help others find inner peace and healing. Her heart is filled with a passion for paying it forward and spreading love wherever she goes.
8:25–8:30 PM | Closing Remarks & What's Next
Hosted by
Layshandria Harvin, YSC Manager of Programming & Events
Layshandria was diagnosed with TNBC in March 2017 at the age of 34 and metastatic in 2020. She observed very few young people in her cancer community and was connected with YSC and other local breast cancer non-profit organizations. Prior to joining the staff at YSC, Layshandria worked as a Patient Navigator with the Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC). There her focus was on supporting those diagnosed 45 years and younger and creating Pink Table Talk, BCRC’s group for Black women.
Kendal Johnson, YSC Program Associate, MBC Thriver
Kendal Johnson is the Program Associate for YSC’s MBC Thrive program. She supports YSC initiatives, programming, resources, and community-building for young adults living with metastatic breast cancer. Having witnessed the impact of cancer within her own family and community, she is committed to ensuring that MBC thrivers and their co-survivors are supported throughout their cancer journey.
Thank You, Sponsors
YSC is grateful to the generous sponsors of the MBC Virtual Retreat. Their support helps ensure that no young adult faces breast cancer alone. Thank you Spencer's, Congressional Women's Softball Game, Merck, Gilead Oncology, Novartis, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Genentech, TerSera, Ambry Genetics, BriaCell, Eisai, Menarini Stemline, and Foundation Medicine.
Virtual Event
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