YA CAN, a group for young adults on the cancer journey

One in three people will get cancer. Of course you’ll be old when that happens, right?

For 1654 people in NSW in 2004 between the age of 20 and 40 that statistic became their reality. At a time in their life which is all about “making yourself” in terms of career, family and society a diagnosis of cancer can change everything. While friends continue down life’s well worn path, they are faced with what may be their biggest life challenge ever. Often the instinct is to retreat inside to protect ourselves during the toil of treatment, only to emerge later to find that we are at a different place to our friends. Yet ironically it is during this challenge that the need for others by our side is most keenly felt. That is why we have created YA CAN, because you don’t have to do this challenge alone.

YA CAN is a group for young adults who have either had or are currently having an experience with cancer. The intent with this group is to:  create a safe space where you can talk about whatever is important to you, empower you to make a difference in your life and allow you to connect with others your age who understand your situation. Most of all it is about building a community of peers who can walk side by side with you through both the difficult and the beautiful moments on your journey. In terms of age range, if you would happily socialise with someone in their 20's or 30's then you are welcome along.

To do this we meet once a fortnight night on Monday evenings from 6.30-8.30pm at the Poche Centre – 40 Rocklands Rd, North Sydney. As life is about living, we also hold informal social events (to be decided by the group) instead of the first meeting each month.

For more information check out www.facebook.com/YA.CAN.live

I wish you all a beautiful and peaceful day.
U Can