Before the pandemic, just over one year ago
We were to meet up in Winnipeg, but now we all know
COVID-19 took over, and to keep us all safest
We cancelled our plans and stayed in our places
But the excitement remained and the partnership was strong
And we worked together to move this along
This idea to connect, inform, and empower
The possibilities were endless, the ideas grew “wow-er”
So Geoff, Karine, and YACC’s program team
got to work with our friends at CCMB
We all compiled notes and made some suggestions
To have those discussions that others won’t mention
Sex after cancer
And finding some answers
To help understand your feelings
Nia and Yoga
And letting shit go-a
Were sessions to help with the healings
Social time and chats
Trying creative hats
Nudged us outside of our comfort zones
We talked about brains
And discussed fitness gains
All without leaving our homes
From end-of-life care
to missing body hair
And where it all fits in survivorship
Disenfranchised grief
And “they don’t listen to me”s
On the Primetown ‘berg, that’s the tip
Mental health tools
And spirituality schools
Were some of the shared coping lessons
Finding your voices
And asserting your choices
All left us with lasting impressions
Family planning
Medical cannabis having
And facing our fears of recurrence
Community stories
Were never boring
From sharing there is no deterrence
Body image awareness
And “this isn’t fairness”
And chats with Suleika Jaouad
Helped us feel understood
And like maybe we could
Say so much through Zoom with a nod
Young adults and their peers
For the first time this year
Were joined by parents and guardians
Healthcare providers too
Made up the crew
And we can’t wait to do it again.
It’s not quite the same
To get to know you through names
In boxes on computers and phones
And we hope that one day
We might put them away
But for now, glad to have you from home
Stay in touch with new pals
And remember how
The information shared shed some light
On things that can help
Others and yourself
Through moments that aren’t quite so bright
To all the committees,
volunteers and presenters
Board members, employees, and sponsors
Attendees and viewers
Familiar and newer
Thank you for being a part of this conference.
