2020 YSC Summit is Postponed due to COVID-19 Developments

We are heartbroken to share that we must postpone the 2020 YSC Summit due to new developments for COVID-19 in the Los Angeles area.

Today, the LA County Department of Public Health declared a public health emergency due to 6 new cases of the coronavirus COVID-19 in Los Angeles County. While the origins of these cases have been traced to specific exposures, they are urging everyone to take precautions in case of community spread.

YSC has closely followed both the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and the LA County Department of Public Health for guidance as the conference dates approached. We sought to act on the best available information with the interest of our attendees’ health at the forefront. Until today, the best information available indicated that we should move forward with the conference. We no longer feel this is the best course of action.

Many in our community are immunocompromised, making them potentially more susceptible to complications with COVID-19. With the public health emergency declaration in LA County, rapid escalation of cases in other communities and the potential for increase in cases in Los Angeles, we believe it is essential to protect the health of our attendees by postponing the conference.

We understand the immense disappointment this will cause, especially to many of you who have already started to travel. We made this decision as soon as we were able. We did not make it lightly. This conference is for so many the only time you spend with other young adults affected by breast cancer. As a disease that isolates, we understand the gravity of our decision.

Obtaining a Refund for Conference Registration

We are working diligently with the Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles to secure new dates for the YSC Summit this year. If you would like to transfer your registration funds to that later date, we’ll issue you a credit. If you are unable to attend at a later date, YSC will issue you a full refund of the registration cost you paid.

Canceling Your Hotel Booking

The Westin Bonaventure has agreed to waive cancelation fees due to these extenuating circumstances. We encourage you to reach out to the hotel immediately. Their toll-free reservation number is 800-937-8461.

Changing or Cancelling Flights

While most airlines are not issuing refunds for coronavirus cancelations, some are waiving fees to change or cancel your flights. We recommend contacting your airline carrier as soon as possible to explore your options and asking to speak with a manager if they won’t work with you. Please also be sure to check on any travel insurance you may have purchased and/or contact your credit card company to see what cancellation coverage may be available.

We’ll be in touch in the next 24 hours with further details, including for those who received a travel grant.

Warmly,

Stacy Lewis Desirée A. H. Walker
Chief Program Officer & President
Deputy Chief Executive YSC Board of Directors