Join Us for 3 Incredible Days

We are pleased to offer two free fitness classes courtesy of Jocelyn Goodwin/Jessica Ramirez and local Pilates experts to get your Saturday started!

Sometimes unexpected feelings surface, and this is completely normal. We’re here for you. YSC is offering free sessions (reserved in advance or drop in) with local oncology social workers and therapists. These Orlando-area professionals are here to hold space with you and listen.

There is so much incredible research happening in the field of breast cancer. Hear from leading oncologists and researchers about current treatment practices and where they see the next big breakthroughs. Bring your questions for an interactive “Ask the Experts” session!

Ruth O’Regan, Marie Catherine Lee, Minetta Liu

You couldn’t wait to be done with treatment. What may not have been discussed is how you would be feeling mentally–the anxiety and depression from wondering “what if the cancer comes back?” Fear of recurrence is normal, but uniquely challenging in young patients given life’s milestones that lie ahead. Come to this session to learn healthy ways to cope with stress related to dealing with cancer as a young adult.

Wendy Baer

A cancer diagnosis can make you think about your career in a lot of different ways. You may wonder how it impacts your current job, asking yourself- “How much should I tell my boss and co-workers? What help can I ask for?” Or you may be wondering if your career still feels meaningful and what you want it to look like moving forward. This session will tell you what you need to know and the right questions to ask.

Rebecca Nellis

Join this session to learn about the latest medical updates for young women living with metastatic breast cancer. You will also hear about ways to alleviate side effects including complimentary methods and other methods to improve quality of life.

Ruth O’Regan

Being a co-survivor can be physically and emotionally draining, and it’s often easy to lose sight of your own needs and well-being. Mindful caregiving will guide you in the practice of mindfulness and self-compassion, enabling you to take better care of yourself and your loved one.

Julie Larson

As a co-survivor, you support your loved one as they face the challenges of ongoing treatment. At the same time, it’s important to make sure you’re taking care of yourself, too. This session will offer helpful tips caring for your loved one, while still making time for self-care.

Ritu Trivedi-Purohit

Come learn more about YSC’s programs and resources, and also hear from its fellow CDC Cooperative Grantees’ on their programs that are solely focused on young women affected by breast cancer. Leave the session knowing more about the resources available to you, and go home with some helpful takeaways.

LGBTQ survivors often experience unique additional challenges following a breast cancer diagnosis. Join this session to connect with other LGBTQ survivors and openly discuss our issues in a safe and supportive room where we can share stories and resources.

Liz Margolies

A metastatic breast cancer diagnosis creates a particular emotional response for many patients and families. Learn how you can combat anxiety and mood symptoms related to a late stage diagnosis, and hold on to emotional and physical well-being as much as possible while managing metastatic breast cancer.

Wendy Baer

Expressing yourself creatively is a proven way to relieve stress and create meaning, and can be especially useful to help you cope with life-challenging events such as cancer. During this creative session, you’ll have the opportunity to explore your artistic side and create your own personalized vision board to take home. Materials will be provided, but please bring photos, quotes or images that are meaningful to you. No experience is required, just show up ready to create.

Ali Schaffer

This session is for those who are experiencing life with and after cancer as a single lady. Explore dating, intimacy and body image. You’ll take part in impactful journal writing activities and hear from others who understand, because they’ve been there, too.

Jean Rowe

Cancer and its treatment can cause a variety of side effects, either now or in the future. Learn what to expect, how to manage side effects and what complementary therapies are available to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms or pain.

Amber Orman

Mealtime is a special time that brings people together, but it can also be stressful. Come to this session to have fun and connect with other co-survivors, get some ideas for quick, easy recipes, and maybe even learn a new skill that you can take home with you!

Julie Lanford

Take a moment to mingle with exhibitors and fellow attendees in the Summit Hall.

Young women often have questions about nutrition, weight and physical fitness after a breast cancer diagnosis. Join us to hear what we know about nutrition’s role in cancer, the benefits of a plant-based diet and how to create a safe and effective exercise plan after diagnosis.

Julie Lanford, Emilie Robinson, and Kim Rose

Start your Sunday getting strong with local fitness instructors or enjoying the healing practice of voluntary laughter with Joy Steelman.

Sometimes unexpected feelings surface, and this is completely normal. We’re here for you. YSC is offering free sessions (reserved in advance or drop in) with local oncology social workers and therapists. These Orlando-area professionals are here to hold space with you and listen.

Many young women seek information on parenthood and fertility after breast cancer. Whether you participated in fertility preservation or not before your diagnosis, we are here to answer your questions on what is possible and what is safe for young women. Also hear the latest study results about risk of pregnancy post-breast cancer and ways that you can participate in research to help answer some of these questions.

Laxmi Kondapalli

Religion and spirituality can bring comfort and meaning during cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. It can also challenge your beliefs and question your faith. Are you interested in knowing what spiritual and religious resources might be helpful and how to find and use your faith again? All beliefs are welcome whether you are affiliated with a religious faith or not. Join the discussion about what’s meaningful to you and what brings you peace and tranquility.

Doris Whitaker

Animal-Assisted Therapy has been shown to have significant physical, emotional and mental health benefits, including releasing of endorphins, decreasing anxiety and improving overall well-being. This session will discuss the potential benefits of pet therapy, while also giving you plenty of time to experience them firsthand with some furry friends!

Orlando Health Pet Therapy Program

Space is limited and session attendees with be capped.

For some women, life after treatment can be just as challenging as it was during, and a part of that struggle involves understanding what’s happened to your body and how it affects you sexually. Sit in on this workshop to hear the science behind the changes and challenges you may be facing in the bedroom, and learn what can be done to help tackle some of them.

Madeleine Castellanos

Have you felt concerned about upsetting your family and friends or worried about how they will react to your metastatic diagnosis? Even after you shared the news, you may find it difficult to communicate openly. Sometimes it’s not easy to ask for help, answer their questions or explain to them that you need time to yourself. Join this session to learn how to address common struggles in communicating with well-meaning friends and family about metastatic breast cancer.

Ritu Trivedi-Purohit

You hear a lot about resources, practicalities and the importance of self-care for Co-Survivors. Those are important, and we also want you to remember having a sense of humor in the process can help. Join Ali and Jean for an hour of games and conversation that take you beyond the basics of what it’s like to be a co-survivor. Attendees will leave this interactive session with new connections and new tools.

Jean Rowe and Ali Schaffer

Join us as we wrap up our weekend together with a closing keynote with a special guest and grab your final selfies with friends.

Lori Wilson