We define young survivors as those women dealing with unique issues in their ovarian cancer experience based on age or phase in life. These include fear of recurrence, loss of fertility, forced menopause, raising young children while undergoing chemotherapy, dating after being diagnosed, and sexuality/body image issues to name a few. There may also be a need to find out information about alternative ways of having children including adoption, egg donation, and surrogacy. We have a number of ways to connect with this community. Whether it is at a monthly meeting, an event, or by email, there is always a member ready to share experiences and help with the unique issues facing young survivors.
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Young Survivors at the 2008 "Silent No More" Walk/Run held on
Saturday, September 13th at Rosland Park in Edina |
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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.
In an effort to improve the programming and support we provide to all members of the Young Survivor Network (YSN), we are asking that you take a few minutes to complete a brief, 10-question, ANONYMOUS survey by clicking on the link below. Even if you do not actively participate in the Young Survivor group, your feedback is important to us!
Click Here to take the YSN Survey
MONTHLY MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR 2010! All meetings are held at the MOCA office from 6:30-8:30pm on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.
- Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - This will be a time to hang out and connect (no speakers planned), but we may have materials available to make more bracelets to sell, and we may start brainstorming about Walk/Run gift bags. Please respond via the doodle survey below if you plan to attend in March: http://www.doodle.com/b475nh7mp23cywir
- Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - We will be welcoming a guest speaker from the Minnesota Menopause Center. If you plan to attend, please respond via the doodle survey below (it’s important we have an accurate count for this one!) http://www.doodle.com/d5nukwen5uzmh4dq
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 Lindsay at lkohn@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.
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| Young Survivors at the 2006 “Silent No More” Walk/Run held at Rosland Park in Edina, MN. |
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| 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) |
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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 |
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| L to R: MOCA Young Survivors: Kristen, Megan, Sarah, Chris, Reenie, Kelly, Jackie, Jill and Sara |
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| Young Survivors at the 2005 “Silent No More” Walk/Run held at Rosland Park in Edina, MN on September 17 th. |
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| Young Survivors at the 2003 “Silent No More” Walk/Run held at Rosland Park in Edina, MN. |
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