Holiday wishes from our CEO

It's been an incredible year. In 2008, the Young Survival Coalition celebrated its tenth anniversary! And, what a decade it has been ... When I was diagnosed with breast cancer 12 years ago, there was no Young Survival Coalition . I was 34 years old, and there was no way for me to connect with other young survivors - no organization or dedicated resource existed. I was young, alone and angry. Today, I am proud to say that, because of YSC, no young woman needs to face a diagnosis of breast cancer alone. Together, YSC and you have changed the face of breast cancer and given all young women a way to be connected, feel empowered and make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Because of people like you, YSC has dramatically increased its presence in communities across the country. We've been able to extend a helping hand to thousands of newly diagnosed young women through YSC's bustling online bulletin boards, the distribution of thousands of YSC's Newly Diagnosed Resource Kits, and the production of our ever-expanding Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer. And, collectively, we've ridden our bikes more than 33,000 miles in YSC's Hershey's Tour de Pink to raise awareness about young women with breast cancer. Our energy is electric! 2009 will be a challenging year for everyone. We're going to have to work even harder to succeed in the face of these rough economic times. But, YSC is committed to being there for all young women diagnosed with breast cancer. We will be here on the Internet, and we will be there in your community. Where there is a need, we will find a way to meet it! But, we can only do this with your help! In the spirit of giving this holiday season, please consider making a tax-deductible gift to support the Young Survival Coalition. Your gift of $100, $50 or $25 will help us continue our critical work - every donation counts! And please help us spread the news!
You can help us get even more people involved by forwarding this blog posting to your family and friends and asking them to join you in supporting the Young Survival Coalition.
On behalf of the entire Young Survival Coalition team, our dedicated staff and amazing volunteers, and the thousands of people who benefit from our work, we wish you a safe, healthy and happy holiday season!

Warmest regards,
Marcia Stein
YSC Chief Executive Officer

9th Annual Conference for Young Women with Breast Cancer!

The Young Survival Coalition, Living Beyond Breast Cancer and Komen for the Cure's Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer is the only international event focused on the unique needs and issues faced by young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer.
The 2009 Conference is scheduled for February 27 - March 1 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, TX. Visit the conference website at www.youngsurvivorsconference.org to get more information, register, obtain scholarship information as well as view our 2008 conference archives.
This one-of-a-kind event features educational programming focused on every phase of a young woman's breast cancer journey: from recent diagnosis, to treatment, to living with advanced breast cancer to post-treatment — and years beyond!
The Young Survivors Conference is specially designed for:
Young women affected by breast cancer
Long-term breast cancer survivors diagnosed prior to age 45
Caregivers of young women affected by breast cancer, including partners, family and friends
Young women with a strong family history of breast cancer
The conference also provides useful, practical information for:
Social workers, psychologists and psychosocial oncology specialists
Oncology nurses and nurse practitioners
Breast cancer patient support organizations and advocates
Medical and radiation oncologists
Breast surgeons and reconstruction specialists
Reproductive endocrinologists and fertility specialists
Genetic counselors and geneticists
Physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists
Gynecologists and women's health practitioners
Join us at the conference and:
Hear updates relevant to young women from leading professionals who care for them
Learn what's in the pipeline in scientific research and clinical care for young women affected by or at increased risk for developing breast cancer
Empower yourself to make informed choices with up-to-the minute and age-appropriate information about your treatment and well-being
Gather the resources you need to help you navigate your breast cancer journey
Network with peers who relate to your experience