It is not OK that every 8 minutes a young adult is diagnosed with cancer. 

It is not OK that so many of these young adults face cancer alone. 

Before stupid cancer, I was just a stupid kid. I was diagnosed with pediatric osteosarcoma at the ripe age of 10. A year of chemotherapy and six surgeries later, my leg bone was connected to my arm bone, my trademark hair had been replaced by my trademark turban, and I was figuring out how to go back to being a "regular kid."

...Sixteen years later, I still am trying to figure that out. 

My name is Lauren Alexanderson. I am a 16-year pediatric osteosarcoma survivor, but I am not a lone survivor, thanks to the I'm Too Young For This! Cancer Foundation, the largest support community of young adult survivors and caregivers in the US. Online at http://StupidCancer.com, they give survivors like me a voice and raise awareness for the unique issues that I face as a young adult; issues like isolation, fertility, sexuality, dating, insurance, career building and more.

The OMG! Cancer Summit is the premiere oncology conference and social networking event for the young adult cancer movement.  A program of the I'm Too Young For This! Cancer Foundation, the OMG! Cancer Summit, now in it's 5th year, has become a pivotal healthcare event that inspires thousands of survivors, cargivers and providers—along with scores of academic, advocacy, research and support organizations—to get organized, build community and unite as one to drive change.

Please help me ensure no young adult--be he or she a patient, lover, friend, parent, child, colleague, neighbor, or third cousin twice removed--face cancer alone. Young adult survivors NEED the chance to attend this event and to participate in a life-affirming weekend of support, education, community and hope.

Stupid cancer. Survivors rule.

From the mouths of fellow teammates:

“The OMG! Summit taught me to keep fighting, be my own advocate and never give up, no matter what the doctor says.”

"I loved meeting new people as well as seeing old friends in person who I’d only known through Facebook.”

“The OMG! Summit and the sheer enormity of our community has left me more inspired than ever."

“I made so many new connections. I can't wait to spread more awareness about young adult cancer.”

“What an amazing, life-changing and inspiring weekend.”