Christine sat numb in disbelief, eyes wide with fear and trepidation. She had just received a new diagnosis of breast cancer.  Christine was 28 years old, the mother of a toddler, and the young wife of an airline pilot.  As an oncology nurse, I stood by her side as she listened to the propose plan of treatment, knowing all along that she only heard about every third or fourth word of what the oncologists were telling her. The time was 1983, more than 30 years ago.

While much has changed in our knowledge and treatment of young breast cancer, many concerns about surviving breast cancer facing Christine still remain for young women.  But unlike Christine, there are more widely available supports for young women.  With the launch of the Gulf States Young Breast Cancer Survivor Network, we at SurviveAL, we are excited to bring resources and support to our young breast cancer survivors.  We know that the diagnosis of breast cancer never comes at a good time, and that when one is young and establishing family and career, the timing could not be worse. So, wherever you are in your breast cancer journey, we want you to know that help for support, networking, and education is readily available.  We hope that you can find in our Gulf States Network a community of partners and collaborators to help you find what you need to navigate life as a young breast cancer survivor.