www.youngsurvival.org Young Survival Coalition (YSC)

Every year I pick one organization to donate money, time, or massages to that supports women in some capacity.  This year Young Survival Coalition (YSC), https://www.youngsurvival.org/, a non-profit, was brought to my attention.  One of my clients belongs to this group and will be riding in their Tour de Pink in California in October of this year.  https://www.ysctourdepink.org/.   To help her raise money Embrace Life Therapeutic Massage will be donating 5% of sales for the months of June and July to her fundraiser. 
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This organization  was created for young women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 35.  YSC gives these young women a community of  peers who are going through or have been through what they are experiencing right now.  YSC provides a place to get support, information and education.   As an oncology massage therapist I learn new things about cancer and cancer treatments everyday.  One thing that I just learned is that cancer in young women is different.   Did you know....

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women ages 15 to 39  
• More than 12,000 young women will be diagnosed this year
• Estimated more than 250,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer at age 40 or younger are living in the U.S. today
• Young women tend to be diagnosed with more aggressive forms of breast cancer

• Lack of awareness among medical professionals, along with limited research and effective screening tools, can lead to higher mortality rates
• Due to their age, concerns can include fertility preservation, treatment during pregnancy, genetic predisposition, early menopause and caring for young children
• Financial difficulty may occur when facing breast cancer during the peak of a career or while pursuing an education

These women are college students, young mothers, career women in the work force so they have scheduling issues that older women may not have.  YSC offers many ways for these younger women to connect and receive support such as:

• Online Discussion  Boards (24/7)
• Face to Face Networking Groups
• Survivor Link (one on one peer support with a survivor volunteer
• Online Video Support Groups

If this is an issue close to your heart take a minute to check out their website shown above and see how you can support them either monetarily or with your time.  One easy way to help is to book a massage in June and July and then pass this on to your girl friends, mom, sister(s), ladies group, etc and encourage them to book a massage also.  5% of your session will be donated to the Tour de Pink.  WIN-WIN!
-embracelifemassage.com
Note:  All this information was taken from the "About YSC: Empowering Young Surviviors" brochure with permission.