Countdown to the Climb: 10 Reasons to help us celebrate our 10th anniversary

Don’t forget to keep checking back each day until October 24 - THE CLIMB!

October 23 - And the #1 Reason To Climb Signal Hill tomorrow:

Eighteen today. Every day we get 18 new members in the family, a family of isolated, under-served, under-researched young adults with cancer. This Climb, and everything we do, is for them and all their survivor brothers and sisters. See you on the Hill!

October 22 - Reason To Climb #2:

Zero. Well not exactly zero, but about as close as you can get, 0.08%. That is the percentage of new cancer research spending focused on young adults in 2006 (the last time we looked, which we will do again in 2010).

All we have to say about that is unacceptable.

October 21 - Reason To Climb #3:

I s o l a t i o n. The cancer system is neatly organized into two silos, the kids and the adults. We fall at the top end of the former and bottom of the latter, which basically means we don't fit in anywhere. This is the primary reason why young adults with cancer identify isolation as the defining element of their cancer experience after diagnosis. Isolation from other young adults who "get it."

At YACC, we get it. What exactly is "it"?  It's knowing that comes only from experiencing. We've been where they are and we know the way out, it's why our vision is to eliminate the isolation for young adults with cancer. To give them a community of their peers so that they may find the inspiration, information and support they need to overcome and make the rest of their life the best of their life.

October 20 - Reason To Climb #4:

It's bigger than you think. Stay with us while we get a little researchy: Yes there are more than 6,500 young adults diagnosed with cancer each year in Canada, that's 18 a day. But the issue is MUCH bigger than that as we represent a major percentage of the loss due to cancer.

What has a greater impact on society, 1,000 people dying at 75 of heart disease or 1,000 people dying at 25 of cancer?

There is a value on those 50 lost years, it's measured in potential years of life lost and while young adults represent nine per cent of all cancer diagnoses under 70 years of age, we represent over 28 per cent of the potential years of life lost.

The number 28 is far more than a number: It represents 28 careers stopped before they get started, it ends careers far before they peak, it halts the creativity and contributions to our community. It is represented by widows and widowers, and kids who grow up missing a mom or dad.

The number of young adults diagnosed with cancer each year in Canada is substantial, even more significant is the impact of that diagnosis on the individual, their family, community and our country.

These young adults need our help to get through the biggest challenge of their life.

October 19 - Reason To Climb #5:

Life is different in your 20s!  It's different in your late teens and in your 30s, too. Makes sense that it’s different if cancer hits. Is your fertility a concern when you're 65?  No, not for most people, but it's a huge deal when you're 25.  It's one of the many issues that make the cancer experience different for young adults.

Because it's different we feel strongly, and we'd arm-wrestle you over it, that young adults need (and deserve!) different solutions. It's not that we don't love our grandparents, we just don't want to talk about dating during chemo with them.

Climb to support the customized support programs made just for young adults with cancer.

October 18 - Reason To Climb #6:

We change lives. It's hard to be humble when talking about our programs, but in our pursuit to preserve this endearing part of our character tact we'll let the survivors do the talking:

"This was amazing. Young Adult Cancer Canada has changed my life in so many ways. Thank you for this gift of helping to truly become a survivor." -- 2008 Survivor Conference participant

Did we mention that all the funds raised at The Climb support YACC's programs to help young adults deal with cancer?

October 17 - Reason To Climb #7:

Exercise is good. This just in: getting your butt off the couch and pushing your heart rate up, sweating even, is all good for you! All the better when you can combine the physical benefits of tackling Signal Hill with the emotional boost that comes from helping others.

Young adults with cancer across this country need you to get in gear, or at the very least they need to you sponsor someone who is registered and ready to climb on October 24.

October 16 - Reason to Climb #8:

At YACC our survivor network touches almost every major Canadian city. For years we have been helping young adults across Canada deal with cancer and this adventure has brought some incredible individuals, amazing spirits, into our life. Many of those people faced the toughest of challenges, their very premature and early passing from this life. We miss them, carry them with us in everything we do and this year we are dedicating our Climb to them.

Andrea, Kelly, Christine, Mark, Damon, Lisa, Erin, Kasey, Janelle, Nadine, Misha and Nadine you inspired us and your survivor brothers and sisters will be climbing for you on October 24!

We encourage you to dedicate your climb to a loved one.

October 15 - Reason To Climb #9:

Over 4,000 people have climbed in support of Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC) and this year we'll have over 50 young adult survivors from coast to coast representing almost every province in Canada.

They will be here attending our annual Survivor Conference. We thought it would be cool to bring our survivors and the conference together with the 10th Climb!

These survivors, who have faced and are still facing all types of cancers and the many challenges that result, are the reason we are here. They are the reason we Climb.

October 14 - Reason To Climb #10:

Hope; It makes everything better. We all need it and you can never have too much. This event grew from an experience that appeared to have no hope, YACC founder Geoff Eaton's experience in ICU on life-support back in 1999.

After leaving ICU, Geoff had to learn to walk again. On the first anniversary of his first steps, Geoff tackled Signal Hill in St. John's for the first Climb.

Miracles happen every day, sometimes we need to be reminded of that. 

We hope you can support a Climber or join us for a reminder on October 24. 

Learn more about The Climb

Posted on Oct 14, 2009 - 04:46 PM by Beth