Young Survivors at the 2006 “Silent No More” Walk/Run held at Rosland Park in Edina, MN.

The Young Survivor Network was founded in 2002 by Jill Rosenberg and Sara Mahannah. Following their own diagnoses, they looked for ways to support each other, share information, and access resources to help deal with the many issues they faced after learning they had ovarian cancer. Because of Jill and Sara’s insight and passion to support others, our group has grown to more than 40 members, and we range in age from our late teens to mid 40’s.

WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US AS WE EXPLORE ISSUES UNIQUE TO YOUNG SURVIVORS

The Young Survivor Network meets on the third Tuesday of every month from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at MOCA (4604 Chicago Avenue South in Minneapolis). The purpose of the meetings will vary throughout the year, and will include informal gatherings, providing assistance to MOCA with various projects, and participating in more formal discussions about issues we face as young survivors of ovarian cancer.

MONTHLY MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR 2008! All meetings are held at the MOCA office from 6:30-8:30pm on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.

• February 19th - Terry Richardson, ovarian cancer survivor, MOCA Board member, and certified Yoga instructor will be facilitating a session on Yoga and relaxation.  Come at 6:30 to socialize…the Yoga session will begin at 7:00pm.
• March 18th – Susan Ellingson, LTCP, will be talking to our group about health insurance coverage issues that survivors face after being diagnosed with cancer.  She will offer resources and solutions for those who have had challenges with getting coverage due to illness, job change, or inability to afford insurance.
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• April 15th – Brenda Hartman, a 20 year survivor of ovarian cancer and therapist who has dedicated her practice to working with cancer survivors.  She will be talking to our group about living with the fear of recurrence.
• May 20th – Sue Lorentz, young ovarian cancer survivor and member of MOCA’s founding Board will share her experience of adopting twin boys from Guatemala.  Karin Link, a representative from Hand-In-Hand International Adoptions, will also be speaking with our group about the adoption process and unique issues faced by cancer survivors who want to adopt,
• July 15th – Dr. June LaValleur is Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine.  She is the Director of the Mature Women’s Center and is associated with the University’s Program in Human Sexuality.  Dr. LaValleur will be talking to our group about managing menopausal symptoms and issues related to hormone replacement therapy.
• October 15th – Karen Rodning, a 32 year ovarian cancer survivor diagnosed at the age of 22 will talk to our group about her journey through many stages of healing throughout her life and how she has dealt with a number of issues related to her diagnosis at a young age.

In addition to holding monthly meetings, we also stay connected through e-mails and other MOCA events. Some members of our group are more actively involved than others. We love the opportunity to get together and relax, share our stories and support each other on the path of healing as we experience life with ovarian cancer.

If you are interested in becoming involved with the Young Survivor Network, or if you would just like to talk to another young survivor, please email Kristen at klarson@mnovarian.org or call MOCA at 612/822-0500.

Additional Resources for Young Survivors

An additional resource for young survivors can be found on the ACOR (Association of Cancer Online Resource) website at www.acor.org. A new initiative of this organization includes a listserv dedicated solely to young survivors of all types of gynecologic cancers, including ovarian. Members of this listserv include young survivors of MOCA, as well as young survivors of gynecologic cancers across the country. To find out more about the listserv or to sign up, visit
http://listserv.acor.org/archives/2young-4gyn-cancer.html

Information on parenthood options can be found on Fertile Hope. Established in October 2001, Fertile Hope is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing reproductive information, support and hope to cancer patients whose medical treatments present the risk of infertility. This website also provides resources for alternative parenting options including egg donation, surrogacy, and adoption. For information on domestic and intercountry adoptions, check the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse. Congress created this organization in 1987 to provide free information on all aspects of adoption.

Young Survivors at “A Toast to Life” in September, 2005 (from left): LaDonna Moulder, Sara Mahannah, Jill Rosenberg, Kelly Paddock and Sarah Noonan (in front)		Young Survivors after stuffing over 150 bags for survivors at the 2005 “Silent No More” Walk/Run in September, 2005 (front row, from left): LaDonna Moulder, Sara Mahannah, Sarah Noonan; (back row, from left): Megan Flynn, Kelly Paddock, Naomi Rettke, Christine Wick, Jill Rosenberg, and Jackie Martin
L to R: MOCA Young Survivors: Kristen, Megan, Sarah, Chris, Reenie, Kelly, Jackie, Jill and Sara
Young Survivors at the 2005 “Silent No More” Walk/Run held at Rosland Park in Edina, MN on September 17 th.
Young Survivors at the 2003 “Silent No More” Walk/Run held at Rosland Park in Edina, MN.