The Young Ones is coming to an end. . . .

It is with mixed feelings that I'd like to inform you that The Young Ones (TYO) intends to cease its operations from November 2009.  Due to the continued decline in numbers attending monthly meetings, I have consulted with all major stakeholders and together we have reached the difficult decision to discontinue.

In the ten years that TYO has been running we have seen amazing growth in the breast cancer movement and an increase in breast cancer support services available to young women in Victoria.  BreaCan offer resources and information sessions on a range of topics, with many targeted specifically to the needs of young women.  Similarly Breast Cancer Network Australia offers support and information services nationally and advocacy groups such as Young Action on Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Action Group continue to ensure that the issues relevant to young women remain on the agenda.  

We’re also seeing the explosion of social networking which young women have embraced as a preferred method of connecting across the globe.  Chat rooms dedicated to young women affected by breast cancer, as well as more general sites such as face book, allow women to share experiences and stories with those in similar circumstances without having to leave their homes.

As these organisations and new ways of connecting have grown, we have seen a decline in attendance at TYO meetings as our women are finding their needs fulfilled from other sources.  In 2009, having dropped meetings to every second month, we have seen this decline continue, which has led to the difficult decision to cease hosting meetings and wind-up operations.  We do so confident that the needs of young women affected by breast cancer in Victoria will continue to be met by the many organisations and support groups now available.

We are proud of the role TYO has played in providing support to young Victorian women affected by breast cancer over the last 10 years and we intend to celebrate its achievements, and honour the women, in a celebration to be held as the last TYO meeting on November 2009.  Details of this event, to be held on the evening of Thursday 26 November, will be available soon with the invitation extended to all who have been involved with, and supported by, TYO over the years.

Meetings for 2009 will continue as scheduled at Cafe Coco Collingwood at  7pm on: Augus 27th and October 29th.  The November 26 meeting scheduled will be replaced with our celebration as described above (details to be advised).

Thank you for your support, I hope that you will be able to join us in the celebrations in November.

Kind Regards,

Rita Marigliani
TYO Coordinator

Who are The Young Ones?

The Young Ones is a social support group for Victorian women under 45 who have experienced breast cancer.   The group formed in November 1999 when five young women who had all experienced breast cancer met for dinner.   These women found comfort in being able to talk freely to others in similar situations who understood their fears and hopes for the future as well as their concerns relating to the special needs of younger women with breast cancer.   We now meet regulalry for dinner (see meeting page for 2009 dates) and our database has grown to over 200 Victoria wide.

What do we do?

The Young Ones meet in a casual, private, relaxed atmosphere where we enjoy dinner and a chat.  

 

We attend and organize social gatherings that raise awareness and support for breast cancer and research.

 

Our website is linked to many other support groups and lists latest information which is distributed to our members and medical professionals each month.

 

The group offers emotional support as well has having access to a large range of information associated with breast cancer and first hand knowledge and experience to share.

 

The Young Ones is open to all women aged under 45 who have experienced breast cancer, whatever their diagnosis.