What you can expect
Resources
Our team has crafted a program designed to give you resources and tips to help you move forward in your cancer experience.
Support
There will be a mix of people who are newly diagnosed and who have been on this path for a long time and have wisdom to share.
Empowerment
You’ll be empowered to continue moving forward by growing your confidence in yourself and your proven ability to move forward.
Program & Schedule
What's in store for Survivor Conference 2024: Rekindle? Aside from multiple opportunities to connect with old friends and make new ones, we are planning a weekend filled with relevant information, laughter, tools, inspiration, and a dance party!
We are still working on the final details, but some of the topics we are hoping to cover are:
- Cancer related fatigue
- Writing It Out! (in PERSON)
- Finances
- Sexuality and intimacy
- Brain fog
- Art therapy
- Forest bathing
- Parenting after a cancer diagnosis
- Returning to work or school
- Yoga and meditation opportunities
- And more!
The weekend will also include some fun social activities. We are currently exploring things like:
- Comedy night
- Escape room fun time
- Distillery Winter Village visit
- Movie night
And -- you guessed it -- more to come.
Of course, we will pepper in stories from your peers along with opportunities to chat so you can feel connected, supported, seen and heard.
Please note: This program is designed to help you get the most out of the opportunity. Participants should aim to take part in the full list of activities.
Tentative schedule
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Arrive in Toronto, ON and get to know your fellow YACCers. This evening is all about setting the tone and breaking the ice. We will enjoy dinner together and end the evening with a screening of a short documentary about a member of your community!
Friday, December 6, 2024
After a delicious breakfast, we will dive into the day's schedule (TBA). Lunch and snacks will be provided this day, but dinner will not be served for the group this evening. Feel free to take a few new friends and enjoy something in the area before coming back to enjoy a comedy night!
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Today will be similar to Friday with a new set of programs and activities to enjoy. We will enjoy breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner together today. Make sure you pack your dancing shoes for tonight's party!
Sunday, December 8, 2024
This will be the last day of the conference, and after one final group breakfast, we will bring the magic to a close around noon, allowing you to get home and ready for your week with full hearts and buckets of motivation!
More info to come!
Eligibility
Survivor Conference is open to Canadians who were diagnosed with cancer before the age of 40 and are currently between 18-39*. You can invite one peer supporter who has been a part of your cancer experience, or with whom you have a relationship that could benefit from learning more about how cancer affects your life (like a sibling, friend, partner, etc.).
*Exceptions might be made for those who are over the age of 39 where space is available.
Registration fees
There are five registration access options for this program:
- YACC funded with hotel ($100 registration fee): We know cancer can have a huge impact on your financial position, and we don't want it to stop you from attending life-changing programs. This option is for you if you are currently living in a low-income household, including those on unemployment, disability, no income/low income, etc. In order to bring as many people together as we can (and to facilitate your sense of connection), those who choose this option will share a hotel room with another participant whose experience is similar to yours.
- YACC funded no hotel ($100 registration fee): We know cancer can have a huge impact on your financial position, and we don't want it to stop you from attending life-changing programs. This option is for you if you are currently living in a low-income household, including those on unemployment, disability, no income/low income, etc. Participants who choose this option live in the area, or will arrange their own accommodations.
- Partially funded no hotel ($450): This option is for those who are able to contribute some of the costs of the program, either through paying for it themselves or fundraising. We can set you up with an online fundraising link to send your friends and family, and are happy to work with you on any other fundraising ideas you have. Participants who choose this option live in the area, or will arrange their own accommodations.
- Partially funded with hotel ($625): This option is for those who are able to contribute some of the costs of the program, either through paying for it themselves or fundraising, and who need assistance booking their hotel room. In order to bring as many people together as we can, and to facilitate your sense of connection, those who choose this option will share a hotel room with another participant whose experience is similar to yours. We can set you up with an online fundraising link to send your friends and family, and are happy to work with you on any other fundraising ideas you have.
- Self funded ($750): This option is for those who are able to cover the cost of their participation in the program, either through paying for it themselves or fundraising. We can set you up with an online fundraising link to send your friends and family, and are happy to work with you on any other fundraising ideas you have. Participants who choose this option live in the area, or will arrange their own accommodations.
Please note: If you select a partially- or self-funded option, you are expected to contribute the full registration fee associated with this tier.
Other costs and fees
Regardless of which tier you choose, you are responsible for arranging your own transportation to and from the hotel. The conference starts and ends at the Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre, and we encourage you to make your travel arrangements as soon as possible to get the best deals.
There is also a travel assistance fund to help cover some of your transportation costs. Learn more here.
For those who are booking their own hotel rooms, the hotel is holding a block of rooms for our group at a rate of $209/night until October 30, 2024; we will send more reservation information in your confirmation email. Feel free to partner up with your pals and save on room fees!
Meals and snacks will be provided throughout the majority of the conference, but dinner will not be served to the group Friday evening, allowing you to get out and explore the city with your new pals!
Are you ready?
This program is for those who are ready to overcome cancer-related challenges to move forward in life and toward goals that help you live and love life.
Thank you for your support!
