As the CEO of The After Cancer, I’ve had the privilege of attending many events that celebrate cancer patients, but CancerCon 2024 in Austin, Texas, was something truly special. It wasn't just another conference; it was a vibrant, pulsating gathering of patients, survivors, caregivers, and medical professionals, from all walks of life but all united by a common bond—cancer. This year, our team had the opportunity to add a unique flavor to the event, something both irreverent and meaningful, that resonated with everyone who attended.
Cards Against Cancer: Breaking the Ice with Laughter
One of our contributions to CancerCon was a deck of cards we called Cards Against Cancer, a cheeky nod to the popular game Cards Against Humanity. The idea was born from our desire to bring humor into the lives of those who have faced the unimaginable. Cancer has a way of stripping away the lightness in life, so we wanted to offer a tool that would help people reclaim laughter, even if just for a few moments.
We handed out these decks to every attendee, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Laughter echoed as people huddled around our table, flipping through the cards, sharing the dark humor that only those who have been through the trenches could truly appreciate. It wasn’t just a game; it was a way to build connections, to say, "I understand," without having to say anything at all.
The Kayak Adventure: A Moment of Peace and Perspective
Before the hustle and bustle of the conference began, we joined a group of patients for a kayak adventure organized by First Descents on the serene waters of the Colorado River in Austin. As we paddled under the warm Texas sun, surrounded by the beauty of the city, there was a sense of peace that settled over us. It was a moment to breathe, to reflect, and to appreciate the simple act of being alive.
As the sun began to set, we gathered under the Congress Avenue Bridge to witness the famous Austin bats take flight. Watching thousands of bats swirl into the evening sky was a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of life, of how even in the darkest moments, there is wonder. For many of us, it was the perfect way to start the weekend—grounding us in the present, in the here and now, before diving into the emotional depths of the conference.
The Unicorn Poster: A Symbol of Defiance
At our exhibitor booth, we displayed something that became our iconic image: a giant poster of a unicorn, with a twist—the unicorn's face was a defiant middle finger. It was our way of saying, "Not today, Cancer". This poster became a canvas for the emotions of everyone who walked by. Patients, survivors, and even healthcare providers took turns signing the poster, leaving messages of hope, strength, and sometimes just a simple "F*** cancer."
By the end of the conference, the poster was covered with signatures and messages, each one a testament to the shared defiance of a community that refuses to be defined by this disease. The unicorn wasn’t just a quirky piece of art for the event, we'll keep it in our offices as a reminder of all the unique connections we had during CancerCon.
Meals and Meaningful Conversations
One of the most impactful aspects of CancerCon for me was the opportunity to share meals with some of the attendees. These weren’t just casual conversations; they were moments of profound connection. Over breakfast, lunch, and dinner, we shared our stories—the highs and lows, the victories and setbacks. There were tears, laughter, and moments of silence as we all grappled with the weight of our experiences.
The act of sitting down together and opening up to one another created a bond that transcended the conference itself. These are the moments I will carry with me long after CancerCon has ended.
Meeting the Nurses: The Unsung Heroes
Another highlight was meeting the incredible nurses who had traveled from across the nation to attend CancerCon. These are the people who dedicate their lives to caring for others, often working long hours under immense pressure. The energy they brought to the conference was palpable.
It was inspiring to hear their stories, to learn about the challenges they face, and the innovative ways they are finding to provide care. They are the backbone of the cancer community, and their presence at CancerCon was a powerful reminder of the importance of support systems in the journey through illness and recovery.
An Inexplicable Buzz
The energy at CancerCon, especially from the young adult attendees, was infectious. These are people who are facing a life-altering diagnosis at a time when they’re supposed to be building their futures. The conversations I had with them were eye-opening, as they shared the unique challenges they face: losing their identity, holding it together when everything is falling apart, and the jarring experience of receiving a diagnosis at a time when they’re supposed to be stepping into adulthood.
We talked about the mentality shift that cancer forces upon you—how it strips away the trivial and forces you to focus on what truly matters. They spoke about the difficulty in relating to peers who haven’t had the same experiences, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable in a world that often doesn’t understand.
As I reflect on the experience, I am filled with gratitude for the people I met, the stories I heard, and the connections I made. Cancer is a brutal adversary, but events like CancerCon remind us that we are not alone—that together, we can face anything, laugh in the face of fear, and, most importantly, live fully in the time we have.
About Mariana Arnaut
Mariana Arnaut is the CEO and Co-Founder of The After Cancer. She has a family history of different cancers (lung, melanoma, esophageal) and a background in digital & innovation.
You can reach out to her at mariana@theaftercancer.com.