YSC Invited to White House for Cancer Moonshot Historic Announcement

New York, NY (February 4, 2022) -- Young Survival Coalition (YSC) represented the young breast cancer community at the White House as President Biden announced the second iteration of the Cancer Moonshot project. Jennifer Merschdorf, YSC Chief Executive Officer, joined a hand-picked audience of patient advocates, cancer clinicians, researchers and members of Congress.

The ambitious plan aims to reduce the death rate from cancer by at least 50% over the next 25 years and improve the entire experience of patients and their families in the healthcare system.

YSC applauds the White House’s priority that patient advocates must be an essential component of any initiative to improve access to quality care and reduce the barriers and inequities they encounter. In particular, the inclusion of the young adult breast cancer perspective signals an understanding that the issues young adults face are unique and deserve representation.

“In my years as part of the breast cancer community,” Ms. Merschdorf said, “including being diagnosed at age 36, I have never seen a president acknowledge it is critical that patients have a center seat at the table for systemic change. I am thrilled YSC was invited to attend this historic announcement.”

Cancer Moonshot establishes patient-centered cancer care as an official presidential priority, unlocking the full power of the US government to reach the project’s ambitious goals. A newly established cancer cabinet led by Dr. Danielle Carnivale will coordinate the effort among multiple government agencies.

For the entire community of young adults affected by breast cancer and their co-survivor support networks, the reignition of the Cancer Moonshot project is significant. Biden’s imperative to change the trajectory of cancer care will mean that future young adults have better access to quality care no matter their physiology or proximity to larger medical centers.

YSC is thrilled to support this initiative and looks forward to centering the young adult breast cancer experience as Cancer Moonshot’s next iteration develops.

Read more about Jennnifer Merschdorf’s experience of this event as someone diagnosed with breast cancer at age 36.

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About Young Survival Coalition (YSC) ®

Established in 1998, Young Survival Coalition (YSC) is the largest nonprofit dedicated exclusively to young adults diagnosed with breast cancer age 40 and under and their co-survivor support networks. YSC also educates and influences the medical, research and legislative communities to address breast cancer in young adults.

Through educational resources and programming, annual conferences, and local and online support networks, YSC ensures no young adult faces breast cancer alone.

For more information, visit youngsurvival.org.