November 7-9, 2012, Atlanta, Georgia: USA Critical Mass, The Young Adult Cancer Alliance. Annual Conference. We were again blown away by the unique display of unity between leaders in young adult tumor/cancer advocacy organizations, scientists, and healthcare professionals to address the unique needs of young adult tumor and cancer patients! The event started with a mixer in the hotel after everyone arrived to register for the event. On Thursday, the conference was kicked off with a Keynote from NY Times blogger and Young Adult Cancer Patient, Suleika Jaouad. Insurance, fertility issues, current young adult cancer clinical research/psycho social/support services presentations, and on oncology programming issues were highlighted throughout the day. The day ended with an informal social event at an off- site venue. This is where relationships are created or solidified and the seeds for "real" interaction between organizations are planted.
The following morning, the day was opened by Benjamin Rubenstein and highlighted by discussions addressing genomics, collaboration, and resources for patients. We are excited to see how the relationships built from the conference will address the unmet needs of the young adult tumor/cancer patients. mAss Kickers Foundation is proud to be a part of this unique collaboration!
