Special Love’s Young Survivors Forum brought together young adult cancer survivors and current patients ages 18–40 for a weekend dedicated to healing, hope, and connection. This year’s event, held October 24–25, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner in McLean, VA, offered young adults the chance to learn, grow, and thrive together.

Friday Night Fun at Level99

The weekend kicked off on Friday night at Level99 in Tysons Corner, where participants enjoyed a high-energy evening of games, challenges, and laughter. The interactive venue created the perfect backdrop for new friendships and lighthearted fun.

Great food, fantastic service, and a relaxed atmosphere created a night that celebrated resilience and joy and reminded us that healing includes having fun and making memories along the way.

“It felt amazing to just be around people who understand — and to have a night that was all about fun again.”
— Young Survivors Forum participant

Saturday: A Day of Wellness and Growth

Saturday began with a calming yoga session led by Carrie Avirett and set a peaceful tone for the day.

After breakfast and networking, attendees were welcomed by Elena Jeannotte, Executive Director of Special Love, and Dr. Aziza T. Shad, a renowned oncology physician from Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. Their heartfelt words framed the day’s theme — moving forward with courage, community, and confidence.

Throughout the morning, participants explored powerful sessions that encouraged creativity and personal reflection:

• Art Therapy with Peyton Kirkendall, MA, ATR-BC (Sinai Hospital) provided a space to express emotions through art.
• Transitions: Navigating Life & Relationships, led by Lashondra Love, LMSW, and Cindy Sample, LCSW, from the Cancer Support Community, helped survivors reflect on how life and relationships evolve after treatment.
• Caregiver Support Group, facilitated by Peyton Kirkendall and Shannon Rosenbauer, MSW, LCSW-C, of Sinai Hospital, gave caregivers their own opportunity for open conversation and encouragement.

Learning Through Laughter

After lunch, Dr. Yevgeniya Bamme led an exciting round of Cancer Jeopardy, turning education into entertainment as teams tested their cancer knowledge and learned from each other in a friendly, gameshow-style challenge.

Turning Stories into Change

The afternoon wrapped up with the Advocacy Panel: Telling Your Story & Its Impact on Health Policy, featuring Kyle Amey, Andrea Hans, and Daneen Sekoni, moderated by Shelley Fuld Nasso, MPP of Cancer Nation. Panelists shared how their personal experiences have fueled advocacy and shaped cancer policy — empowering attendees to see the power in their own voices.

Closing Reflections

As the forum came to a close, participants left with new friendships, new tools for wellness, and a renewed sense of purpose.

The Young Survivors Forum is more than a conference — it’s a community. It’s a reminder that moving forward after cancer means embracing life with strength, laughter, and connection.

💛 Be Part of the Movement

Special Love continues to stand beside young adult survivors and their families every step of the way.

Want to join us next year at one of our Young Adult Survivors programs?
Email Angela Ashman at aashman@specialove.org to learn how you can get involved.