Support Squad Webinar Series: Part 5
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.
Join us at 4pm PT on December 14 via Zoom for our next Support Squad Webinar Series event focused on the impact cancer has on the holidays, challenges and concerns from patients and supporters, and learn helpful tips and tools for adjusting plans and expectations to create a holiday celebration that is mindful of the current situation.
WATCH REPLAY
Check out our amazing panel...
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Kelsey Chapman MS, CCLS
Kelsey has worked as an AYA (adolescent and young adults) Child Life Specialist at Children’s Hospital Orange County for the last five years and recently transitioned into the role of AYA Program Coordinator. Kelsey’s undergraduate degree in child psychology from Pepperdine University and master’s degree in child life from the University of La Verne have prepared her for her career in child life with the focus on adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer. Provides individualized emotional support and education for AYA patients and their families and creates opportunities to connect patients with peers to ensure they are not alone. -
Chiara Riga
Chiara was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2020 at age 27. Once she came to terms with her terminal diagnosis and the idea of being on treatment for the rest of her life, she decided to dedicate much of her spare time to advocating for AYA cancer patients. This passion for advocacy has led her to b-present and she joined the organization earlier this year as a survivor content creator. -
Abby Westerman
Abby Westerman is Co-founder and CEO of b-present Foundation, established in memory of her late daughter Kirsten, who lost her battle with cancer at the age of 20. Prior to b-present, Abby was an engineer and project manager for the Navy for over 33 years. She retired in 2018 to lead b-present as a full time volunteer. She is a mom on a mission, energized by the AYA cancer community and committed to ensuring every AYA diagnosed with cancer feels connected and supported throughout treatment and beyond. She envisions a world where everyone experiences kindness and connection, especially in times of struggle.
The Purpose
The first time an adolescent or young adult (AYA) hears the news that their friend or loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, they may be at a loss for what this means, and more importantly, how they can be supportive during this difficult time. Young adults ages 15-35, in particular, are at a unique time in their life, and this news can hit especially hard as they put their life on hold. Receiving support from friends is vital to their quality of life and health outcomes, and they need to feel connected and supported every step of the way. But this can be a challenge for friends who may not have the experience of knowing what to do, say, or how to help.
This Support Squad Webinar Series covers a different topic every month and focuses on providing the information and resources supporters need to be present and stay connected for their loved ones throughout treatment and beyond.
Who should attend?
Webinars are free and open to the general public. Topics will focus on the unique challenges the adolescent and young adult population faces and the information needed to be a good supporter.
Although these webinars are focused on the support network, they will include perspectives from patients, survivors, health professionals, researchers, and adolescent and young adult advocates. We will all be called on for support at some point in our lives. We are stronger together when we learn from each other, so please join us.
Stay tuned for more great topics coming soon!
Have a topic you want to hear more about? Contact us.