This November, Special Love joined forces with the Kara Amey Cancer Survivorship Program and The Herman & Walter Samuelson Children’s Hospital at Sinai to host our inaugural Moving Forward Young Adult Patient and Survivor Forum. Over 40 individuals gathered at the Hilton McLean at Tysons Corner, Virginia for a day filled with learning, growth, and connection. 

Participants and guests were welcomed by Jan Bresch, Special Love’s Executive Director. Following this address, the program was kicked off by our keynote speakers, Sage Bolte, PhD, MSW, LSCW, President Inova Health Foundation, and Tamika Felder, Founder, Cervivor, Inc. Their presentation, “Getting Your Groove Back and Sexual Health,” explained how cancer and its treatment can affect sexual well-being, explored the many challenges that may arise, and provided resources to help survivors navigate their unique needs.  

For many, the topic of sexual health and wellness can be uncomfortable to discuss. However, Felder, a cervical cancer survivor herself, and Bolte approached the subject with vulnerability, empathy, and a touch of humor to cultivate a safe space for our participants. The two concluded their time with an open discussion, allowing participants to ask important questions in a supportive, respectful, and informative space.  

After a short break, Dr. Aziza T. Shad, M.D., Chief Pediatric Oncologist at The Herman & Walter Samuelson Children’s Hospital at Sinai, was welcomed to the front to present her talk, “The Importance of Coming to Clinic.” Dr. Shad, who also serves as the Ellen W.P. Wasserman Chair of Pediatrics and a director of the Kara Amey Cancer Survivorship Program, highlighted the impact of follow-up care for young adult cancer survivors and patients. Dr. Shad’s presentation was both informative and inclusive, and she concluded the morning by opening the room to our survivors and patients in attendance to discuss their experiences.  

Special Love’s Marketing and Communications Coordinator and two-time young adult cancer survivor, Luke Child, took part in the Forum. He later shared, “The forum was my first time standing in a room so full of cancer survivors my age. The mutual understanding and support shared by this diverse group was both inspiring and emotional.”  

Lunch provided a break for guests to relax and mingle, then heralded the program’s afternoon activities. Our participants got “cracking” on the Art Therapy project, presented by Danielle Eichner, MA, ATR-BC, LCPC, filling hollowed eggshells with paint, glitter, and other art supplies. Many also wrote phrases or drew pictures of things they wanted to move on from on the shells. One by one, everyone got to throw their “egg bombs” at a blank canvas to symbolically release the unwanted, lingering effects from their battle with cancer. The canvases, splattered in paint and fragments of eggshell, served as symbols of personal growth and survivorship, and each participant got to take their canvas home as a keepsake.  

A total of 4 breakout sessions rounded out the afternoon, allowing participants to explore interesting topics in smaller group settings. The sessions included: “Legal Resources for School and Career” and “Managing Medical Bills” led by Melanie Grant, Staff Attorney, Triage Cancer; “Adulting 101 for Survivorship” led by Shweta Bansil, M.D., Pediatric Specialists of Virginia; and “Courageous Conversations” led by Lori Weiner, PhD, DCSW, LSWC-C, National Institutes of Health, and Devon Ciampa, Clinical Therapist.  

Attendees congregated in the ballroom for final remarks and heartfelt farewells. Later that evening, guests were invited to kick back and celebrate at Bowlero, a nearby bowling alley and arcade, with friends new and returning. 

This group of remarkable young adults, many of whom are new to Special Love, ended the afternoon on a high note, leaving with a newfound network of support. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re ecstatic to hear the stories and suggestions of our young adult cancer patients and survivors. As Luke notes, “I look forward to seeing how our Young Adults with Cancer program continues to grow moving forward!”   

We extend our gratitude once again to the Kara Amey Cancer Survivorship Program and The Herman & Walter Samuelson Children’s Hospital at Sinai for their partnership; they were integral to the Forum’s success, and we’re eager to collaborate with them on future programs. We’d also like to thank our incredible keynote speakers, Tamika Felder and Sage Bolte, our engaging presenters, Dr. Alia T. Shad, Dr. Shweta Bansil, Melanie Grant, Lori Weiner, and Devon Ciampa, and our talented art therapist, Danielle Eichner. Last but not least, we thank our dedicated staff and volunteers for all their work behind-the-scenes. 

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