Jane Magaoay is a YSC State Leader and co-created Breast Cancer Hawaii to curate all the statewide information in Hawaii for young women affected by breast cancer. She is an active volunteer with the Young Survival Coalition, making herself available to support young survivors. Her service to other young survivors inspires us all. We are honored to present Jane Magaoay as a YSC Game Changer for her work as a volunteer.
What inspires you in your work to support, empower or educate young women affected by breast cancer?
Breast Cancer Hawaii! Being that I am a breast cancer survivor, I have experienced the effects of cancer, especially as a young survivor.
I remember walking into my oncologist's office and realizing that I was the youngest patient in the waiting room. After learning about my cancer and having to go through my journey, I knew that I wanted to do something that would help others in our community, especially other young women like myself.
What about your work for young women affected by breast cancer makes you most proud?
It is the sharing of my own story and experiences that shows young survivors they are not alone. It's the giving of support and lending an ear to hear their concerns and helping to empower them to know that the challenges will be there, but we are going to get through it together. As a State Leader, I am able to share with my community, including my own doctors, information about YSC and the many resources available for young survivors.
What are your hopes for the future, with regard to YSC and young breast cancer survivors?
My hope for YSC is that they continue to grow and educate the community. I hope that young survivors' voices can be heard because every story is different, every story is inspiring and every story can help the future in finding the cure for cancer.
What is your message for YSC on its 20th anniversary?
Happy 20th anniversary to YSC!!! I am very thankful for all that you do to educate, empower and support young breast cancer survivors.
About YSC and Game Changers
Young Survival Coalition was founded in 1998 by young women diagnosed with breast cancer under age 35.
YSC is made up of people: survivors, co-survivors, volunteers, donors, healthcare providers. Our strength comes from our community. So in our 20th year, we will honor our roots — the people who have helped build YSC into what it is today — and also look forward, recognizing those in our community who are changing the future of breast cancer in young women.
We are highlighting these individuals as Game Changers throughout 2018 and sharing their stories with the world to thank them for their contributions to our community.
