
Nicole Besancon via Crowdrise
October 30, 2011
THE STORY:
70,000 Americans between 15-39 are diagnosed with cancer each year. That's one every eight minutes. This is not OK!
At 33 years old, I thought I was in a good place in my life. I was recently married, a new homeowner and had just accepted a new position in my career. I had my sights set on starting a family and building a nest egg for our future. Unfortunately, life doesn't always turn out the way you'd hoped, no matter how much you plan. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer and my life changed in an instant. The surgeon insisted that a radical hysterectomy was my only option. With my husband's support, I found the strength to research alternative options. I decided on a radical trachelectomy, which allowed me a glimmer of hope to have children post-surgery. Recovery from the surgery was nothing I ever could have imagined. I needed help moving around the house, I couldn't cook, I couldn't clean, heck, I could barely keep my eyes open long enough to have a 5 minute conversation because of all the medication I needed. I was so fortunate to have an outpouring of love & support from my family and friends, but no matter how hard they tried, I never felt so alone in my life. About a year after my surgery, I was fortunate to find the I'm Too Young For This! Cancer Foundation where I was able to connect with other young adult survivors who had gone through similar experiences to me. What a relief it was to talk to other people who understood exactly what I was going through. i2y opened up so many other doors of opportunity for me, introducing me to other outlets to conect with survivors, and introducing me to other survivors in my own community.
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.
Join our team and support efforts to ensure that young adult survivors get the chance to attend this event and participate in a life-affirming weekend of support, education, community and hope.
Stupid cancer. Survivors rule.
“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.”