A big “THANK YOU” to the many conference attendees who stopped by our Interactive Cafe and wrote Blog Reports and/or recorded Conference Video Diaries. For those of you who missed the conference this year, you can read and watch what the advocates had to say about the conference and NBCC. And, if you wrote a report or recorded a diary and haven’t seen it on the blog yet, keep checking back. We’ll be posting more throughout the next few months. For today, here are 4 women sharing their thoughts in Conference Video Diaries. To view other blog posts that include video diaries and/or blog reports, click here.

Holly Anderson

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/2NOZwXk7FZc]

Becky Cwiek

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Katherine Lee

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/Jno0d-soQSw]

Marilyn Lewis

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At the Interactive Cafe in the Exhibit Hall of the NBCCF Advocacy Training Conference, attendees were asked to share their conference thoughts and highlights as Blog Reporters. In addition, some of them recorded Conference Video Diaries. As the Exhibit Hall approached “closing time” on the third and final day of the NBCCF Advocacy Training Conference, many advocates took advantage of their last chance to participate in the Interactive Cafe and shared their insights. Here are just a few “voices from the conference”. We’ll be posting more in the days and weeks ahead.

As a first time attendee I have been very pleased with the NBCC conference. On day one I was inspired by listening to Dr. Susan Love discuss what’s new in breast cancer. Yes, THE Dr. Susan Love! Tomorrow, I am looking forward to participating in congressional visits with the Connecticut delegation at Lobby Day on Capitol Hill. Most meaningful about this conference is that exactly 5 years ago, I was a newly diagnosed very scared breast cancer patient. Today, I am healthy and feeling empowered to do my part to help eradicate breast cancer. — Rose Gerber, East Lyme, CT

The plenary sessions have been quite informative and have raised my personal awareness regarding current issues on breast cancer. The presidential candidates’ representatives for health care presented some diverse views on each candidate’s present position on health care for all Americans. Just hope that who ever is elected, that NBCCF will be involved in the development of any health care reform legislation that is presented to Congress. — Women of Color Breast Cancer Survivors’ Support Project member from Los Angeles, CA

What an incredible opportunity to be given the tools to be able to make a difference not only in my own community, but across the country. This is my 7th year attending the conference and it has come to be one of those annual things (like my mammogram) that I make sure I do. I have to admit, though, even though they are both important and beneficial to my life, this is much more fun! — Ellen Vander Heyden, Germantown, WI (Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition)

And, then, watch this video from longtime NBCC advocate Wish Martin!

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Keep visiting the blog throughout the month of May as we post more Voices from the Conference!

At the Interactive Cafe in the Exhibit Hall of the NBCCF Advocacy Training Conference, attendees are being asked to share their conference thoughts and highlights as Blog Reporters. In addition, some of them are recording Conference Video Diaries. With the conference moving into its second day, many more advocates stopped by to share their insights. Here are just a few “voices from the conference”. We’ll be posting more in the days and weeks ahead.

The NBCC conference is the most comprehensive, informative, innovative HONEST conference related to breast cancer, I have ever attended. Not only do the presenters talk about the most up to date information regarding breast cancer, but the conference inspires revolution. We need to revolt to find out why we do not have more evidence based screening and treatment regarding breast cancer. Whenever I come to these conferences I feel like I am getting a “shot in the arm” of adrenaline to bring me to my knees again. We must eradicate this disease, not later, but NOW! I am angry , I am furious and I am an activist who will not wait for answers any longer. NBCC gives me the hope that when my granddaughter asks me if, she too, will get breast cancer, that I can one day say to her, “NO, you will not because we have a way to detect breast cancer long before it starts.”  AMEN — Sherry Goldman, Manhattan Beach, CA (UCLA Breast Center)

I came to this conference, for the first time this year, out of a sense of adventure to find out what the fuss is all about. By today (Sunday), the second day, I anticipate registering for LEAD training so that I can ultimately focus on the issues surrounding breast cancer and the environment. Of course this means that I will closely follow the progress of the Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act and very much look forward to advocating on its behalf on Tuesday. — Anne Da-Silva Tella, Fairport, NY (Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, New York)

I am an international attendee from Venezuela and a Madrid Project LEAD graduate. This is my third time attending this conference and it is my inspiration and my charging of batteries to work as an advocte in my country. Our reality is so different from the USA, but the mission of NBCC and its comminment is a model to follow. Every time I am at home struggling with the lack of quality care, poor public health system, lack of education and resources I just close my eyes and remember the energy of the plenary and keep working… Thanks for the opportunity of the scholarship to be here. – Bolivia Bocaranda, Caracas, Venezuela (SenosAyuda)

And, watch the Conference Video Diaries of Jessica Henderson & Sandra Davis, Veronica Suber, and Ivis Febus-Sampayo.

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At the Interactive Cafe in the Exhibit Hall of the NBCCF Advocacy Training Conference, attendees are being asked to share their conference thoughts and highlights as Blog Reporters. In addition, some of them are recording Conference Video Diaries. Even though it was just the first day, many advocates already stopped by to share their insights. Here are just a few “voices from the conference”. We’ll be posting more in the days and weeks ahead.

I am attending my 3rd conference and have attended Quality Care Project LEAD. I have found this conference very educational and empowering. I brought a new member with me this year to share the information and the fun. I am looking forward to learning the new and updated information about breast cancer and quality care.    — Yvonne Eisenberg, Fisherville, VA (VBCF)

The NBCCF Advocacy Training Conference is like no other in the United States!  Where else can you come to learn about the latest advances in breast cancer, connect with survivors from all parts of the country who have walked in your shoes, and learn how to use your experience to lobby lawmakers to support the mission of NBCC to eradicate breast cancer!  The four days allow everyone to learn, lead, and love.   To quote the younger generation, the conference is a bomb!! — Shirley Mertz, Inverness, IL (Y-ME Illinois)

When I get home I am going to attack! I am going to talk to every surivor group possible to encourage more people in my state to help out! — Anonymous

Today is day one!  Energy is high, just as expected. The So, What’s New in Breast Cancer Plenary was filled with emotion and insight. I must say…I learned a lot.
In deciding to attend this conference, my ultimate goal was to gather information for my personal use and for the sharing with others.  I’m well on my way!  — Vickie Lewis, Buford, GA

And, watch the Conference Video Diaries of Ernestine Walkes, Anna Lin, and Martha Foster.

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At today’s First-Time Attendee Orientation, experienced NBCCF conference-goers helped the newcomers navigate the ins and outs of the Annual Advocacy Training Conference. With close to 200 first-timers registered, there were many advocates in attendance to hear about what to expect in the days ahead. After about an hour, including time for questions, these first-time NBCCF conference attendees charged out of the room, ready for action.

Here’s what few of them had to say.

I just attended the First Timer Orientation. The education and experience of the speakers is impressive.  They are truly  an inspiration.  I am looking forward to the conference– there is so much to learn. All of the sessions and workshops cover a broad array of topics and will help me to be an advocate. – Linda Hake, Stuart, FL (FNBCC)

I arrived this morning. The conference hasn’t “officially” begun, but I’ve already attended the Lobby Day Briefing and the First-Time Attendee Orientation. The enthusiasm is contagious, and I’m feeling very empowered knowing that I may make a difference in this fight! — YSC attendee from Ohio

I am a first-timer, and I am impressed at the organization of the conference so far.  While, I am overwhelmed, I am confident that I will be able to learn more and get the information I need to lobby appropriately.  Thanks for YSC for sponsoring me for this event! — Another YSC attendee

Have not attended before and am very excited and interested in everything.  I am a recent survivor of breast cancer so therefore have been propelled into the arena.  I have many friends with breast cancer but never felt motivated to get up my *** to actually be active in eradicating and educating for this horrible disease.  Thank you for this opportunity. — Anonymous

And, a couple of them even recorded a Conference Video Diary at the Interactive Cafe.

Brenda Saunders:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/eZnvnsN-SfE]

Jim Anderson:

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