My journey to Montana was as a presenter, on the topic of advocacy, at the Young Adult Survivors Conference (YASC) at Camp Mak A Dream. There are lots of cancer camps around the US, but Camp Mak A Dream is unique in presenting this program, which is part recreational, part community-building, and part education.
And when I was first invited, I really didn't want to go.
I already had too much scheduled for May, this would come right after CCCA's lobby day and fundraiser, and board meeting. And, I thought, "you're too old for camp."
But, I got the 7:00am plane and went to Missoula, and was reminded that despite a tough economy impacting CCCA, along with most other non-profits, and tons of other work to do, Camp Mak A Dream is what it's all about - Making a Difference. Had I not gotten on that plane, CCCA would have missed an opportunity to share our knowledge about advocacy and how young adult survivors can engage in the process, and I would have missed the opportunity to meet 19 extraordinary survivors from the US and Canada, along with colleagues from the cancer community and the dedicated staff at Camp.
What's really brilliant about the YASC experience, is how over just a few days, through activities as varied as making paper mache masks, archery, yoga, hikes up the butte, discussions of health insurance, late-effects, survivor guilt (I'll add this one to my Jewish guilt - if you don't know what that is, send me a message and I'll explain), and yes, advocacy, 19 individual survivors bond with each other (and the presenters and staff) and are transformed into a powerful community, and the ability to better advocate for themselves, and the tools and motivation to advocate for each other.
One of my favorite activities was the cookie-baking contest. Divided into three teams (all of us!), we were given a basic recipe and went to work. Each group exhibited fine team work, leadership and the outcome was pretty tasty. What a great model for how we can collaborate to make positive change in the lives of kids, adolescents and young adults with cancer.
So, my advice, get to Montana. They really mean it when they call it big sky country. And if you can't get there, invite some friends over to bake cookies - chocolate chips can change the world!
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