Who attends the YSC Summit?

The YSC Summit is a conference for young adults diagnosed with breast cancer before their 41st birthday, their co-survivors and healthcare providers. However, we don’t card at the door. If you feel like the issues that affect younger survivors and thrivers resonate with you, we welcome you with open arms. Whether you were recently diagnosed or are a long-term survivor who was diagnosed while young, this conference is for you.

 

 

Who is a co-survivor?

Co-survivors, often called “caregivers,” provide close support to a young adult during the breast cancer journey. They may be spouses, partners, parents, siblings or friends.

 

 

How many people are expected to attend?

We expect hundreds of young survivors, thrivers and co-survivors to attend this year in Fabulous Las Vegas!

 

 

What time does the YSC Summit begin and end?

YSC Summit opens on Friday, March 15th  at 12 PM with exhibits and registration. It closes on Sunday, March 17th at approximately 12:30 PM.

 

 

How much does it cost to attend?

Register before December 31, 2023 and pay an early bird rate of just $150. Registration fees are $180 from January 1 through March 14, 2024 and $200 onsite. Fee waivers and travel grants are available to help cover your costs.

 

 

What meals are provided?

Summit registration includes light bites at Friday evening’s Welcome Reception, breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and dinner on Saturday, along with snacks and beverages throughout the weekend.

 

 

I don’t know anyone else coming to the conference. Will I feel out of place?

Definitely not! There will be many opportunities throughout the weekend for you to meet other attendees and make connections. We will host a fun ice breaker Friday, as well as special opportunities to meet other first-time attendees.

 

 

What types of activities and events can I expect at the YSC Summit?

The YSC Summit offers something for everyone. We’ll have educational sessions, workshops and discussion groups. Topics will focus on the various medical, emotional and wellness issues unique to young adults affected by breast cancer and their co-survivors. There will also be ample opportunities to connect with other attendees at fun events including a Welcome Reception, ice breakers, a dance party and more!

 

 

Do I need to attend all three days of the YSC Summit?

We definitely recommend you attend all 3 days to get the full YSC Summit experience, but it’s not required unless you received a Travel Grant to participate. The agenda is full of wonderful educational and wellness programming, which is scheduled to begin on Friday and conclude early Sunday afternoon. We recommend you schedule your travel to get the most out of your experience.

 

 

What kinds of activities will there be for co-survivors?

Co-survivors are an important part of the YSC community, just as they have been an important part of your breast cancer journey. The co-survivor track offers many opportunities to connect, feel supported and learn more about issues specific to the co-survivor population.

 

 

I am a young adult living with metastatic breast cancer. Are there workshops or activities that will allow me to connect with other thrivers in a private setting?

Yes. YSC recognizes that young adults diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer face unique questions, challenges and issues that may not affect an early-stage breast cancer survivor. For that reason, there is a special track specifically created for young adults with metastatic breast cancer. In these breakout sessions, you can learn more about metastatic breast cancer research updates, emotional health, navigating personal relationships and leaving your legacy, for example. You will also have the opportunity to connect with other young adults with metastatic breast cancer, so you can ask questions and share your own experience.

 

 

I am already post-treatment or a long-term survivor (five or more years out of treatment). Will there be anything for me at the YSC Summit?

Yes, we hope you will find many of the sessions on the agenda relevant to your life after breast cancer— wellness, nutrition and the long-term impact on your physical and emotional health, for example, are just a few of the topics we’ll cover. We also have several topics created just for you!

 

 

Can I volunteer to do anything while I’m in Las Vegas?

Thanks for asking! Throughout the weekend, we may need a few extra hands. On the registration form, there is a place to state your willingness to volunteer. You may also email [email protected].

 

 

What should I pack for the weekend?

Be yourself! Dress casually and comfortably in jeans, sneakers or whatever works for you. Keep in mind that hotel conference rooms can be chilly, so we suggest you layer and bring a sweater or wrap. Wear shoes that will be comfortable for walking to and from the breakout rooms and all the wonderful booths in the Summit Hall.

We also suggest you bring clothes and sneakers/tennis shoes that you would feel comfortable working out in. We have a variety of exciting wellness activities throughout the weekend! There is also an indoor pool, so bring your swimsuit and flip flops, too.

 

 

Can you help me find a roommate?

Yes! We encourage you to find a roommate by posting and replying to roommate requests in the 2024 YSC Summit Facebook Group page or in one of our private online Facebook Groups. If you have received a travel grant, you are strongly encouraged to share a room and even if you didn’t, it’s a fun way to meet new people and reduce your costs.

 

 

I’d love to come, but don’t know if I can afford it. Is financial assistance available?

Yes. We are dedicated to helping those who need additional financial support to attend the YSC Summit. Find out more about needs-based travel grants and fee waivers here.

 

 

Why is there a $10 fee for my travel grant application?

Each year, we receive over 300 travel grant applications. This small $10 application fee will help offset administrative costs associated with processing the large number of applications, freeing up funds for additional travel assistance. Additionally, we hope that it will make individuals pause to consider whether they will truly benefit from the scholarship and follow through with attendance. No-shows greatly impact our ability to plan accordingly and maximize the number of attendees who receive financial assistance.