Charities We Love: YSC Seattle!

We at GHGH are very excited to tell you about an amazing local charity, Young Survival Coalition!

YSC Seattle started in 2002 with a small group of young breast cancer survivors who met in each other’s kitchens or in a local coffee shop. They were drawn together by a common diagnosis: breast cancer under the age of 40. YSC Seattle affiliated in 2008 and has grown into a group of close to 100 women; many of whom meet twice a month to discuss issues common to young cancer survivors such as parenting, marriage and career while facing the hash physical and emotional effects of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments. YSC Seattle’s goal is to both support other young women facing breast cancer and to spread the word that young women CAN and DO get breast cancer. We rely on donations, sponsorships and fundraising through special events to provide money for outreach programs. We have created “Newly Diagnosed Resource Kits” for recently diagnosed women; offered scholarships that allow young women to attend important medical and educational conferences; procured space for our bi-monthly support group meetings; and hosted educational events such as our recent Breast Reconstruction Workshop.

Sheila Cain, YSC Seattle's Communications Co-Chair, tells us, "YSC Seattle is available specifically for young women (under 40) facing breast cancer. Women can find others facing similar issues (how to lift a young child after a double mastectomy? how to continue working during chemotherapy?) that older women do not experience.  All of the YSC Seattle members are happy to be able to support newly diagnosed women and to help raise awareness of our cause. Forty years ago, breast cancer was a disease faced only by older women. Today, younger and younger women are affected; many with no family history. Our outreach programs help spread the word so research can help find causes and cures for breast cancer in younger women. YSC Seattle founder Nicole Taylor has worked with a few of GHGH’s volunteers and strongly supports the mission.  YSC Seattle looks forward to working together and hopes we can promote each others’ organizations in the future."

We are looking forward to doing just that!!

Learn more about YSC Seattle on Facebook and at the National YSC website!