YSC Regional Symposium Registration Opens

November 5, 2015
Jaci Fletcher, Senior Communications Manager
646.257.3012
[email protected]

Young Women Facing Breast Cancer and Their Co-Survivors Will Convene In Jackson, Mississippi

New York, New York, (November 4, 2015) — More than 250,000 women living in the U.S. today were diagnosed with breast cancer before their 41st birthday. Approximately 13,000 young women will be diagnosed this year alone. Young Survival Coalition (YSC), the premier organization dedicated to young women affected by breast cancer, is bringing them together for the YSC Regional Symposium on Saturday, January 23, 2016 in Jackson, Miss.

This first YSC Regional Symposium in the South will offer young women facing breast cancer the opportunity to focus on the individual pursuit of resiliency and survivorship after a breast cancer diagnosis. Attendees will learn from empowering and inspirational speakers while connecting with a community of young survivors and co-survivors in the area. YSC is proud to co-host the Symposium with the Gulf States Young Breast Cancer Survivor Network, which includes SurviveAL, SurviveDAT and SurviveMISS.

This one-day conference will feature sessions on relationships and intimacy, nutrition and wellness, workplace rights, accessing financial and insurance resources, and special breakouts just for co-survivors (spouses, partners, family and friends). There will also be an interactive cooking demonstrating highlighting healthy ways to prepare comfort foods. Another key component is the opportunity to network with a community of other young survivors and co-survivors in the area. An evening party will include a celebratory dinner and dancing.

The YSC Regional Symposium provides an incredible opportunity for connecting and learning in a fun environment. For some, it is the first time they have met another young survivor in person, remarked Jennifer Merschdorf, Chief Executive Officer of Young Survival Coalition, herself diagnosed at age 36. Young women affected by breast cancer and their co-survivors leave feeling empowered and connected to this incredible community of people who can relate to each other.”

Young Survival Coalition’s Regional Symposium in Jackson will be the first of its kind in our state. We hope the partnership between the Gulf States Network and YSC will allow us to provide more outreach, education and resources, both in person and online, for young breast cancer survivors in the southern states,” said Dr. Barbara Craft, from University of Mississippi Medical Center and SurviveMISS.

I am so excited to see the Symposium come to my home state! I hope it will provide resources to young women here in the South that weren't as readily available to me during my treatment. I think it is important for young survivors to connect and support one another, and I think this is a great opportunity to do just that! Connect, support and celebrate Sisterhood!” added Jami Watson, a two-time survivor diagnosed at ages 33 and 38.

Registration opens today at symposium.youngsurvival.org.

Details about the YSC Symposium:

Date: January 23, 2016
Time: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Hilton Garden Inn in Jackson, Miss.

Registration Fee: $15 per person until December 15, 2015, and then $20 until January 23. Please note that space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

One night's hotel stay is available for those who need financial assistance and live at least 25 miles outside of Jackson, Miss.

For complete registration and accommodation details, as well as a schedule of workshops and speakers, please visit symposium.youngsurvival.org or call 877.972.1011.

This conference is generously supported by presenting sponsors Avon Foundation for Women, Celgene, Genentech and Eisai.

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About Young Survival Coalition (YSC)®

Established in 1998, Young Survival Coalition (YSC) is the premier organization dedicated to young women with breast cancer. Founded by three young survivors, YSC began as a grassroots organization to advocate on behalf of all young women diagnosed with breast cancer to increase their length and quality of life. Based in New York City, with networks nationwide, YSC provides free resources, connections and educational materials so young women with breast cancer feel supported, empowered and hopeful. YSC seeks to educate and influence the medical, research and legislative communities to address breast cancer in young women, and to ensure that no young woman faces breast cancer alone. For more information, visit youngsurvival.org.