Shortly after I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my baby lost two pounds. The breast had to go; I had to quickly wean a baby who was interested in eating nothing else. This weight loss was nearly as traumatic for me as the cancer diagnosis.
Then I connected with the Young Survival Coalition and met a group of women who understood exactly what I was going through. These women knew from experience how difficult it can be to balance treatment with parenting.
The Young Survival Coalition is an organization that supports pre-menopausal women who have breast cancer. Why a group that focuses just on the younger women with breast cancer?
- Breast cancer in younger women tends to be more aggressive with a lower survival rate, and studies increasingly suggest that breast cancer in younger women is biologically different from the breast cancer that older women get.
- Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women between the ages of 15 and 54.
- Because fewer young women get breast cancer, they are not adequately represented in breast cancer research.
- We have not yet developed an effective breast cancer screening tool for young women.
- Young women deal with different issues than post-menopausal women: effects of treatment on fertility, child rearing, pregnancy after diagnosis, diagnosis during pregnancy, menopause caused by treatment, body image, dating for single women, the list goes on…
I’ve been through a lot in this cancer ordeal. I’m nearly halfway through the chemotherapy phase of my treatment, and that will be followed by radiation. The doctors are working to save my body, my friends at the Young Survival Coalition have helped save my sanity. I can’t say enough wonderful things about this group of women and the support they provide.
Right now we are gearing up for the annual fundraiser for the Seattle chapter of the Young Survival Coalition.
Join us for an exciting evening with delicious dim sum appetizers, a fabulous DJ, dancing and a cash bar featuring our signature pink drink. Garage parking included. Tickets will be available at the door for $25.
Silent auction items include spa services, sports packages, original artwork and jewelry, theatre tickets, and a Pink Ducati Scooter.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
7 p.m.-12 a.m.
800 5th Avenue, Suite Plaza 1
Seattle, WA 98104
If you are in the Seattle area come join us!
$25 at the door, $20 in advance.
If you have anything you would like to donate for the silent auction, please contact our planning committee.
And if you happen to know of a young woman diagnosed with breast cancer, please encourage her contact the Young Survival Coalition.
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A friend at work was just diagnosed in June. She had her second chemo treatment this week. I shot her mother/son portrait session last Sunday, just in the nick of time before she started experiencing heavy hair loss. This lady will be only 40 in October.
My sincerest thoughts for strength are with you every day. Take care, Judy.
Long Hot Summer
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I am your newest follower from the Sunday Blog Hop. Wow. I read your about me area. Wow. I am an RN and I used to work on oncology and now I am in the OR, so I see the other side of cancer. I am praying for an extraordinary recovery for you and much healing. The whole time I am reading about your cancer, I am feeling my boobs (not to be lude) for lumps!! You are my age and you put it all in perspective! Thanks for the awareness. I hope you can stop by my blog at http://mylifeadventurebyme.blogspot.com/.
Shelley
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Wishing you all the best Judy. Glad to hear about this coalition and how they’ve helped you. Almost ready to cut my hair off. Is there a group that accepts hair donations for adult women with cancer? Locks of Love focuses on children.
Calling Card
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Very glad to know of this organization. I will be passing this along. Thank you.
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I’m your newest follower, amazing blog. I lost my mother to breast cancer when she was 42 and my youngest brother was only 5. Being a mother now I can’t imagine what that must have been like for her. My prayers are with you!
A Bit Absent Minded!
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Judy you have been on my mind so much lately! I just signed up for Race for the Cure Milwaukee… running in memory of my husband’s grandma and in honor of his aunt. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I can feel your strength coming through your posts. Good luck with your fundraiser! Sounds like a truly amazing organization! (been on a bit of a blog hiatus lately… trying to get back in)
I Love Charleston!
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I’m so glad you have this support! My life would have been much easier had I got breast cancer instead of colon. A a woman, under 40, diagnosed with colon cancer there is no support system.
But I’m so happy this is there for you as I’m sure it is much needed. Many of the women I have encountered during chemo treatments were young women with breast cancer. 
Cedar Waxwing couple
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Judy, I’m sorry you had to go through that with your little baby. But I’m really glad you hooked up with YSC! I love being a part of them, too. This weekend’s conference (C4YW) was wonderful.
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F*ckin’ awesome issues here. I’m very happy to peer your article. Thank you so much and i am taking a look ahead to touch you. Will you kindly drop me a mail?
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