I Just Heard My Friend Has Cancer, What Do I Do?

May 19, 2021 at 5-6:30 pm PT via Zoom

New to the #SupportSquad or know someone who is? Join us as we break down the basics.

Moderated by our own Justin Peters, we are excited to have special guests Kara Noskoff and brothers Nick and Steve Giallourakis share their experience with us in this first webinar of the series. We’ll be chatting about the challenges adolescents and young adults (AYAs) face after a cancer diagnosis and share essential tips for how to be present and stay connected.

Whether you are a supporter interested in learning more, a supportive team that wants to learn as a group, or you want to share this experience with your newly diagnosed friend, this was a great opportunity to get the conversation started.

AYA Cancer 101: Understanding the Road Ahead

June 16, 2021 at 5-6:30 pm PT via Zoom

 “I have cancer” is the last thing you want to hear from a friend. What often makes things worse is the confusing and overwhelming info regarding what a cancer diagnosis actually means for an adolescent or young adult. 

Moderated by b-present CEO, Abby Westerman, we are excited to have special guests Stephanie Scoletti (Young Adult Survivors United), Hernan Barangan (Cancer Rebellion), and Kayla Fulginiti (Dear Jack Foundation) share their unique experience and perspective with us in Part 2 of our Support Squad webinar series. We’ll be diving deeper into the AYA cancer experience and terminology, talking about the unique challenges, and providing the info friends need to provide support from a place of empathy and understanding rather than fear of the unknown.

Whether you are a supporter interested in learning more, a supportive team that wants to learn as a group, or you want to share this experience with your newly diagnosed friend, this is another great opportunity to get the conversation started.

It's a Two-Way Street: Why Good Communication Matters for Everyone

July 21, 2021 at 5-6:30 pm PT via Zoom

Asking for and offering support after a cancer diagnosis should not be complicated, but it is. What is it about cancer that suddenly makes communication amongst friends so difficult? Good communication is a two-way street and is key to every aspect of the cancer experience, the quality of our connections, and ultimately our experience as a survivor or supporter.

We’re excited to welcome special guests Colter Ray and Dr. Juli Fraga from Empathy Bootcamp and Brendan McDonald from Uncomfortable Revolution. This webinar will give attendees an overview of communication challenges and offer some tips and techniques to navigate the interactions so that AYAs can stay connected and provide meaningful support consistent with patient needs.

Cancer Support 101: A Friend's Guide to Authentic Support After A Diagnosis

August 18, 2021 at 5-6:30 pm PT via Zoom

Support from friends is vital to a cancer survivor’s quality of life and health outcomes, but young adults often lack the experience to know what to say or how to help. Many young adults do not know what is needed or how they can make a difference. Fear of bringing the wrong thing or showing up at the wrong time, or everyone showing up at once are all examples of situations that can lead to anxiety, stress, and ultimately poor support.

In Part 4 of our Support Squad Webinar Series, b-present and special guests Julie Germann, Rachel Westlake, and Nick Iannarino will set the support network up for the path of authentic support after a diagnosis. We’ll provide the information they need to identify the desired support, set up the tools to communicate status and needs clearly, and set up the social support network so the survivor receives the support that best meets their needs.

Cancer and the Holidays | What to Do When It Doesn't' Feel Like There is Much to Celebrate

December 14, 2021 at 4-5 pm PT via Zoom

The holidays are typically seen as a time to celebrate, be with family and friends, exchange gifts and honor religious or other cherished traditions. When a cancer diagnosis enters the picture, patients and their caregivers can feel disconnected, isolated, and out of sync with everyone else. And for family and friends, they may struggle with what to do and say, and how to celebrate when it might feel selfish to be joyful.

In Episode 5 of our Support Squad Webinar Series, Chiara Riga, Kara Noskoff and Abby Westerman discuss the impact cancer has on the holidays (and vice versa), the challenges and concerns from the survivor and supporter perspectives, and provide some helpful strategies and tips for adjusting plans and expectations to create a holiday celebration that is mindful of the current situation.

Cancer's Impact on the Family and How to Cope

January 19, 2022 at 6-7 pm PT via Zoom

Cancer’s reach extends beyond the patient to include siblings and the family as they shift to survival mode, and attention is focused on the young adult with cancer. Siblings in particular can feel the heavy weight of the diagnosis, often masking their emotions to be strong for their family.

In Episode 6 of our Support Squad Webinar Series, Julianna Corrao, Alessandra Corrao, and Judy Wagner discuss how the diagnosis impacts the young adult patients, their siblings, and the family unit. We will also provide some key tips and tools to help reduce stress, preserve normalcy, and improve the experience during a difficult and unfamiliar time.

The Journey to b-present - Three Stories of Friendship, Support, Grief and Hope

February 16, 2022 at 6-7 pm PT via Zoom

In the midst of their junior year at colleges across California, Kelly, Bri and Jordann received the news of Kirsten’s cancer diagnosis. Join us for this 60-minute special episode as they share their unique experiences as supporters, the challenges and lessons they learned along the way, how they have coped with the loss of their friend, and why they joined forces to co-found b-present.