It has been one week since I returned home from the Survivor Conference 2011 in Ottawa. I'm still basking in the warmth of memories from the event and feeling immensely thankful to be a member of the YACC family. I have attended three Retreats and two Conferences since 2007 and am always amazed at the depth of connection that is able to happen in such a relatively short timeframe. I was a little nervous that we may lose some of that intimacy this year based on the significant jump in the number of attendants. However, I was delighted to see that we still functioned as a close-knit family--albeit a much larger family!

All weekend, I observed people opening themselves up and sharing stories and intimate details about their trials and triumphs with cancer. In closing circle, I heard 95 people describe what they were taking home from the Conference--strength, courage, connectedness, inspiration, and more.

I saw the beginnings of new lifelong friendships and the strengthening of existing bonds. So even though it was impossible to get to know every single person within the four days, I was thankful that there were still pockets of the intimacy I value so much. It was also great to feel the buzz of energy that comes from having 80 young adult cancer survivors in one room. Very powerful!

When I came back to Nova Scotia, my friends and family asked me for some of the highlights from the Conference. To be honest, the question kind of stumped me because there were too many to choose from!

I loved walking into the main room for supper on Thursday and seeing everyone there chatting away like old friends. Roughly 50 per cent of the people in the room had never been to a YACC event, and I loved how quickly they just integrated into the group.

On Friday, I spent the afternoon doing video interviews with survivors and facilitators. I felt extremely privileged to hear their stories. I'm still struggling to process the intensity of emotions they stirred up in me, but ultimately these interviews filled me with inspiration and an appreciation for each moment we have on this earth.

These feelings were amplified after hearing Geoff's story on Friday night. He said two things that really struck a chord with me:  1) One per cent is not zero per cent and 2) Statistics are historic, not a a forecast. Simple concepts that carry a world of hope.

On Saturday, the highlight for me was the walk to the Parliament Buildings. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. It was empowering to walk with such an incredible group of young adults. As cars drove by and honked, I wondered if they had a true sense of what they were seeing. Were we just a bunch of strangers in matching shirts walking for a random cause? Or were they able to see beyond the surface and appreciate the profoundness of what we represented--the battles we had won that enabled us to be there on that gorgeous sunny day, walking along the Canal? I was so proud of everyone for participating in the walk, especially those who were coping with fatigue and other physical challenges. Great work everyone!

On Sunday, the highlight was closing circle and the banquet at Johnny Farina's. I had some great conversations over an excellent meal, and learned a new game called "Guess that body part" using a digital camera. I also had a blast dancing to '80s hits; what a great note to end the conference on!

Throughout the conference, I really treasured the time with my small group for check-ins and check-outs. Similar to doing the interviews, I felt like I was given a window into people's lives and really gained an appreciation for the richness that comes from our diversity and complexities as individuals in addition to our shared experiences as young adult cancer survivors. I was really struck by the balance each person had learned to establish between being fragile and vulnerable, while at the same time being incredibly strong and courageous. I also loved watching the group members care for one another and felt thankful that despite the countless things cancer can take away from us, it is so often a catalyst for the most genuine human connections we'll ever know.

Finally, the conference reaffirmed for me how much I love my colleagues at YACC--the St. John's core staff members and the wonderful facilitators from across the country. I love working with people who are so passionate and dedicated to helping others. I definitely gained a new level of respect for the YACC team after seeing how much work happens behind the scenes to carry out these phenomenal events.

So until next time, I hope you all made a fairly smooth transition back into your lives post-Conference. I look forward to staying in touch through Facebook, Skype, email, or (when possible) hanging out in person! Big love to all of you!

Posted on Nov 15, 2011 - 10:13 AM by Shali

The final full day of the Conference featured a presentation on The Power of One by Dr. Anthony Fields. He spoke to delegates about the power they each have to make changes to the healthcare system and for young adults dealing with cancer in Canada.

After another round of workshops on brain fog, physical fitness post treatment, and becoming engaged with YACC, all 95 attendees formed YACC's largest-ever closing circle to finish up the serious parts of the weekend.

Everyone participated, learned, and listened for long enough, and the weekend concluded with a night of celebration at Sunday night's banquet which included dinner at Johnny Farina and dancing the night away.

We hope you all had a wonderful weekend of community building and recharging, and we can't wait to see you again. Safe travels!

Posted on Nov 07, 2011 - 03:07 AM by Angie

We had a great keynote this morning by Scott Adams on taking care of your body while you're dealing with cancer.

SC2011 delegates then split up for more workshops on yoga, physical fitness after treatment, brain fog, and becoming engaged with YACC. Since the workshop sessions have restricted numbers, some of the workshops are offered more than once this weekend to allow ample opportunity for everyone to benefit from the knowledge of our fantastic speakers. 

This afternoon featured the Survivor Climb, a newer tradition that has spawned off of Geoff's original Climb on Signal Hill in St. John's. In 2009, the Climb became a part of the Conference when the delegates, facilitators, and YACC staff drove back from Salmonier Line to climb together for the first time. We continued the tradition last year in St. John's, but had to modify things a little for the flat(ter) Ottawa terrain. 

Participants walked five kilometres from the hotel to Parliament Hill where they held a special ceremony at the Confederation Flame. Check back next week for more details on the Climb; the recap will be much better than what we can include from our remote posting location. 

We'll see you tomorrow!

Posted on Nov 06, 2011 - 02:18 AM by Angie

Things got underway at Survivor Conference 2011 today with keynote speakers and workshops.

Heather Palmer delivered her keynote on brain fog in the morning, Brain blips and other cognitive changes associated with cancer

Delegates then spent the afternoon in workshops on yoga, dealing with brain fog, physical activity while in treatment, and being supportive.

Frederic Messier held a workshop on what supporters need to know

Geoff shared his story in the evening before the freetime and games night commenced to remind people why he started YACC.

Another great day in the bag, with more to come this weekend!

Posted on Nov 05, 2011 - 03:00 AM by Angie

Since we can't all be at SC2011, the YACC staff on the ground in Ottawa will be sending images back to HQ to let us in on what's going on. We'll post them here on the SC2011 news feed to give you an idea of what happens at a Survivor Conference.

The shirts are ready for registration!

You will be able to follow along on Twitter by searching #SC2011 or following @yacancercanada. Get involved and let us know what you're doing and how it's going on Cooper Street!

Here are a couple of tidbits from last night:

@mikeylang: STOKED to be @yacancercanada's #SC2011 - YA survivors are so freakin cool...

@TimWBuckland: What an inspiring night. Its incredible to see so many YA's. @yacancercanada well done.

Make sure to check back next week for an official review of the weekend.

Posted on Nov 04, 2011 - 12:11 PM by Angie