Discussion Sessions
We need to talk about the most important issues faced by AYAs!
Discussion Sessions are a monthly opportunity to take a deep dive into the most unique needs of AYAs. Each 90 minute virtual session features a 30 minute presentation about a critical topic, followed by an hour long confidential discussion among attendees over lived and shared experiences about that topic. Presentation portions of each session are recorded and shared on our website as a mini-webinar available to our full community in our video vault.
There are 2 sessions each month. Join us for 1 or attend both for extended learning and discussion in a group setting. We can’t wait to see you there!
May Discussion Series: Mental Health and Wellbeing
A Two Week Series
It’s common for many AYAs to experience mental health challenges both during treatment and once treatment has ended. Stress, worry, and isolation may cause you to feel confused and disconnected from both yourself and others. Led by Giselle Perez-Lougee, PhD, week 1 of this 2 week discussion series explores the unique impacts of social media on mental health and the best ways it can be used to foster connection without harming your wellbeing. Week 2 explores common mental health concerns and idenity confusion after treatment has ended. We hope to see you there to connect with other AYAs and learn strategies to enhance your mental wellness.
Healthy Ways to Interact with Social Media
Tuesday, May 21, 12:00 – 1:30 PM ET
Social media can create a paradoxical experience. It can be a wonderful way to connect with others, but it can also increase feelings of distress and isolation. Join this discussion to learn different ways to optimally use social media to enhance social connection and wellbeing while minimizing its harmful effects.
Lost in Transition
Thursday, May 30, 12:00 – 1:30 PM ET
Many AYAs report a loss of social and emotional supports once treatment has ended. They are expected to move on with their life while still processing the trauma they just experienced. This can leave AYAs feeling abandoned and disconnected from friends and family. The transition from patient to survivor can feel lonely and confusing. Join this discussion session to connect with AYAs navigating similar challenges as they enter survivorship.
June Discussion Series: Survivorship
Wednesday June 10 & 17 from 12:00 - 1:30 pm ET
Survivorship can mean a lot of different things to different people, but for many AYAs, survivorship starts at diagnosis. When we talk about survivorship at Stupid Cancer, we mean everything that comes after cancer: coping with treatment, navigating your “old” life with lots of new challenges, redefining your identity after going through profound changes, and advocating for yourself and others over the rest of your life. But it’s deeply personal: what you make of your survivorship is up to you. Join us as we navigate different elements of survivorship: identity, transitions in and out of treatment, and long term survivorship.
Cancer Transitions
Wednesday, June 10
The initial disorienting transition from “healthy person” to “patient” or “loved one” to “caregiver” is one that we discuss often in the AYA community, but the AYA cancer experience is filled with other periods of transition that can also be difficult to navigate. Maybe you are navigating the impacts of returning to the hospital after a recurrence, facing the implications of never-ending treatments as a metastatic patient, or feeling adrift after finishing active treatment while still navigating follow-up care. No matter what transition you are going through, this discussion is an opportunity to talk with your AYA peers about adapting to a changing identity within and beyond the cancer landscape.
Long Term Survivorship
Wednesday, June 17
Unfortunately, the end of treatment is not the end of a cancer experience. Many survivors and caregivers report the transitions after treatment to be their most challenging time. Feelings of relief may mix with confusion, sadness, and survivor’s guilt as you move forward and live life while others may not have the same opportunity. Join this open discussion to explore ways to support yourself in long term survivorship while building community with others.
