The OMG! Cancer Summit for Young Adults is a unique event. It gathers hundreds of young adult cancer warriors, advocates, healthcare professionals and caregivers with one goal – to connect. And as most would agree, the connection happens. Relationships, trust and love grow quickly and unexpectedly at times at OMG2013. A few short days go by and we have to say goodbye to our new friends and family.

So, now what?

Entering your non-OMG world can be hard. As some of you have shared, the non-OMG world is rough. We wanted to share a few tips to help you transition back and move you forward in your own cancer journey.

REACH OUT

Whether it is Facebook, Twitter, Stupid Cancer Forums, Instagram, Pinterest, Google Hangout, Skype, ichat, facetime, Tango, WhatsApp, gchat, text, call or meet up, you can re-connect with your OMG family. We know some of these can be less personal, but still keep the thread and voice alive. We have found Google Hangout to be really effective for meetings and are sure that you can use it to connect and see your new friends. Stay in touch and know your reaching out not only helps you, but the person on the other end just as much.

BE EMPOWERED

You are a strong and important person, not only in the cancer community, but also in your life. You have survived (or are currently surviving) a life changing disease and event, and trying to navigate what it means to you to ‘get busy living’. We hope you can turn a negative into a positive and give yourself a pat on the back for attending OMG in the first place. “You done good,” as some would say.

USE YOUR VOICE

By telling just one person about Stupid Cancer we increase our voice by 100%. Stupid Cancer is dedicated to empowering those impacted by cancer.

(1) Host a dinner party with non-cancer people and tell them your story and how they can help.

(2) Go to a happy hour and wear a Stupid Cancer piece of swag to open a dialogue.

(3) Call your local hospital and see if the young adult patients need a friendly volunteer.

(4) Commit to a Stupid Cancer fundraiser in your community to ensure programs like OMG happen again next year.

Any or all of these actions will help you feel empowered and involved.

We, the OMG2013 Steering Committee, took on these roles knowing full well that OMG doesn’t end when the lights come down and the tables are folded and put away. We want to see the spirit of OMG last throughout the year and to that end, we are here for you.

Reach out to any of us; give us your ideas and your suggestions, your successes and failures when it comes to getting by in the post-OMG world. And if this all seems like too much for you to handle, we encourage you to tell your support network, seek professional help or make an appointment to see your doctor.

You are not alone, one of the many gifts Stupid Cancer provides.

Much love,

2013 OMG! Cancer Summit Steering Committee
Erica Mlot
Jen Stewart
Melinda Hood
Melissa Weiss
Scott Slater
Thea Linscott

I am still in treatment and in bald. Will I stand out?

I was bald at my first OMG! Summit back in 2009.  I looked around and quickly saw others just like me.  There were also people that were amputees and various other forms of visible affects from cancer.  I felt welcomed and comfortable by every single person I met. ~ Melissa Weiss

I don’t know anyone that is coming. How will I meet people?

I did not know a single person when I attended my first OMG! Summit in 2009.  I was still in treatment and felt nervous about what to expect.  Natural conversation started between people in sessions, with me included.  What’s your diagnosis?  Where are you from?  What do you do?  Do you have children too?  I met another mom just like me that was dealing with treatment with a small child.  Currently, as an OMG! Steering Committee member, I can assure you we will be reaching out to new attendees.  We want to hear your story and we want to share ours. ~ Melissa Weiss

I am many years past my treatment and in remission. Will I have a place amongst the current crop of attendees?

As a person that is further along in your cancer journey, you offer a unique viewpoint and perspective on the experience that is incredibly valuable to those still in the thick of it.  You also may be one of the many that are dealing with secondary issues of your cancer or treatment.  You will find the sessions just as valuable as someone newly diagnosed, still in treatment, or recently post-treatment.  Also, remember, you will be surrounded by 500 others that “get it” like no one else can. ~ Melissa Weiss

When I arrive at the Palms, what should I do and who do I look for?

When you arrive at the Palms, look for volunteers wearing Stupid Cancer t-shirts. They will help to point you in the right direction. ~ Scott Slater

What if my cancer isn’t as “bad” as other attendees?

Cancer is equal-opportunity crappiness. Though everyone’s individual experience is unique, we’re all here because we share the common bond of young adult cancer—whether as a patient, a survivor, a caregiver or and advocate—and we’re here to celebrate our collective strength in the face of adversity. You add insight and a unique perspective that no one else can simply because you’ve travelled your own individual path. The young adult cancer world is very large, and very inclusive. No matter your style, you’ll find people who share it. ~ Scott Slater

I sometimes feel the “survivor guilt” and don’t know how to interact with people who are not doing as well as I am. 

Remember, we are all there because at some point we were all affected by cancer. Each person has their own unique cancer experience, regardless of the outcome. Cancer is still crappy no matter how well you are doing and the people around you at the OMG! Summit all know that. Instead of focusing on how they are doing, focus on the person for more than their cancer. It is amazing what you can see past the cancer title. ~ Erica Mlot

I’m not ready to openly talk about everything with people I don’t know. Is that going to make it awkward?

Nope, not at all. You can feel free to share as little or as much as you want. That’s the beauty of this particular universe; they will accept you either way. ~ Jennifer Stewart

What if I’m the only one attending who has my type of cancer? 

OMG! Summit attendees are reflective of all types of cancers, including rare cancers .Of course, while we can’t guarantee that you will find someone with the exact same type as you, we can guarantee that you won’t be alone. ~ Jennifer Stewart

I’m scared about coming to Vegas, I think everyone is here to party and that’s really not “me.”

It’s true, Vegas is known for being a party city and there are certainly opportunities to do that. However, if you’re not the “stay up until 6 in the morning” type, there are plenty of ways to turn the OMG! Summit into any kind of experience you wish, all the while meeting amazing people who click with your style and your interests! And don’t forget that Vegas offers plenty of more low-key activities like dining, catching a show, shopping, karaoke, or even just relaxing by the pool with a magazine. ~ Scott Slater

Treatment has left me financially strapped, I’m worried that Vegas is super expensive. Will there be things for me to do?

We have done everything we can to help keep costs down for you. We’ve got your breakfasts and lunches covered and there are a number of inexpensive places to get dinner at the Palms or the surrounding area. For fun, we’re organizing a Trivia night and have a list of activities that are for the budget conscious—Vegas style. ~ Jennifer Stewart