Big Cancer Hook-up

Young Adult Cancer Canada holds national events to bring people together whenever possible, and we were very excited to host the 9th annual Big Cancer Hook-up in December 2020! We spoke with members of the YACC community about living and loving life after cancer and shared it with you through an awesome show.

The Big Cancer Hook-up is a national event providing opportunities for young adult cancer survivors and supporters to get together in their local communities and connect, reconnect, be inspired, and have fun. In December 2020, hundreds of young adult cancer patients, survivors, supporters, and caregivers watched together from Calgary, Edmonton, Fredericton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Red Deer, Saskatoon, St. John’s, Sudbury, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Waterloo, Winnipeg, and more!

NEXT EVENT

TBA

Click here for more episodes of the Big Cancer Hook-up!

Watch the latest hook-up

Click here for more episodes of the Big Cancer Hook-up!

Special guests

Alex Mandarino

Alex Mandarino (he/him) is a cancer thriver, creative writer, podcast host, and co-author of Let Go of Your Shit: A Guide for Young Adults Affected by Cancer. Alex was introduced to YACC in 2017, and never looked back. He’s attended several YACC events as both participant and speaker, fills the role of YACCtivist, and is always poised to advocate for the cancer community at whatever opportunity prevents itself. Together with Gabrielle, he will chat with Geoff about the book, and provide some important tools and ideas that can benefit any member of the community to feel lighter.

Facebook

Instagram: @alexmandarino

Carolyn Van

Carolyn (she/her) is a cancer warrior (Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma), Principal Consultant at Crayne Collective and a member of the YACC community. Recently, she reached out to YACC to offer her professional advice to help with YACC’s anti-racism, diversity and inclusion efforts. Over the past 10+ years, she has been ribboning in areas of diversity, equity and inclusion into her frameworks when working with organizations, designing programs and building and leading teams. She has created for, advised and has been invited to share with many organizations including the The House of Commons – Parliament Hill, post-secondary schools and public arts councils, Munk School of Global Affairs, Microsoft, Google, First Nations Technology Council, Oxfam, and Boys & Girls Club of Canada – National. She will chat with Geoff about life before and after cancer, and being connected with YACC on a personal and professional level.

Twitter: @CarolynVan

Gabrielle Fecteau

Gabrielle Fecteau (she/her) is a cancer thriver, social worker, podcast host, and co-author of Let Go of Your Shit: A Guide for Young Adults Affected by Cancer. Gabrielle has been involved in many facets of YACC from attending events; being a peer supporter, Chat Leader, and YACCtivist; and has recently joined YACC HQ as a full time program team member. Together with Alex, she will chat with Geoff about the book and some key lessons she hopes readers will take from it.

Podcast: Soar Above Cancer

Dr. Fiona Schulte

Dr. Fiona Schulte (she/her) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Oncology, Division of Psychosocial Oncology in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary and a member of the YAC Prime research team. Fiona will speak with Karine about findings from the YAC Prime study on the quality of life of young adults affected by cancer compared to the Canadian population.

www.care4kids.ca

Twitter: @schultefiona

What you can expect

National connection

Groups of young adults affected by cancer get together online to watch the live stream!

HD Live-Stream

Our partners ensure the broadcast is crystal clear and engaging so you feel connected and entertained whether you’re watching with a group, or home alone!

Some Terrible Jokes