Washington, D.C. Conference to Engage and Empower Young Adult Cancer Survivors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. — Rise to Action, a conference series hosted by the Children's Cause for Cancer Advocacy (CCCA) is coming to Washington, D.C. on April 12th and 13th, and will feature our inaugural Survivors' Lobby Day on Capitol Hill on April 14th. The conference aims to help young adult survivors of childhood cancer and their families explore and understand topics relevant to their long-term health care and survivorship.

CCCA presents Rise to Action - Washington, D.C. in partnership with the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University, Special Love, the Childhood Brain Tumor Foundation, The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Tracy’s Kids, Hope Street Kids, and the Children’s National Medical Center.

“With presenters that range from survivors and parents to experts and advocates, we are anticipating lively discussion about issues of great concern to survivors in this age group,” said Craig Lustig, the Executive Director of CCCA. “Young adulthood is always a time of transition but it can be much more challenging for cancer survivors. This conference is aimed at making it an empowering and proactive time for them, not a frightening one.”

Rise to Action - Washington, D.C. will feature interactive sessions on issues such as health insurance, fertility concerns, educational transitions, and relationship challenges, among other topics. The Survivors' Lobby Day component of the conference will allow survivors and their families to participate in professional advocacy training and then meet face-to-face with their Congressional representatives and staffers to discuss how survivorship legislation would improve the lives of survivors across the cuontry.

There are nearly 300,000 childhood cancer survivors in the U.S. and research shows that as many as two-thirds of them are likely to experience at least one "late effect," or adverse outcome, as a result of their cancer or treatment. Attendees of Rise to Action will not only learn how to empower themselves to take control of their health but will also have the unique opportunity to share their important survivorship story with decision-makers in Congress.

RTA-DC kicks off with a celebration from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 12th and continues from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 13th. Along with information-packed panel sessions, RTA also offers opportunities for networking, winning educational scholarships, and exploring local resources at an Exhibit Hall. The Survivors’ Lobby Day will begin with an advocacy training session from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by Congressional appointments in the afternoon.

Young adults interested in learning more abou Rise to Action or registering for the DC conference can do so at http://www.childrenscause.org or by emailing RTA-DC@childrenscause.org. Registration is $30 for each participant, which includes complimentary meals and snacks, as well as an RTA t-shirt. There is no fee for participation in the Survivors' Lobby Day. Need-based scholarships to cover the cost of the registration fee are available upon request.