“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” – Pericles 

More than 60,000 young adults aged 20 to 39 are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States. About 4% of all cancers are diagnosed in people in this age range. About 9,000 young adults die from cancer each year. Cancer is the 4th leading cause of death in this age group, behind only accidents, suicide, and homicide. It’s the leading cause of death from disease among females in this age group and is second only to heart disease among males.

Survival rates for cancer in young adults have not changed much in recent decades, unlike the improvements seen in many cancers in children and older adults. Survival rates can vary a great deal, based on the type of cancer and other factors.

Young adults with cancer face many challenges, from the first onset of problems through treatment and beyond. Learn the importance of early detection of cancer in young adults, along with its treatments. Too often, symptoms or warning signs are ignored or dismissed due to the age of the patient.  It is seen as something that occurs more predominately in the older population.  With more research, discussion, and public awareness, maybe the key symptoms that might have otherwise been dismissed will be detected early on.

Target Audience

Des Moines University students, staff, and faculty, physicians, nurses, social workers, other medical professionals, healthcare community, and families who have been affected by young adult cancer.

Agenda

Remembering Katie

Katherine Miller, known as Katie by her medical school classmates, was a dynamic, empathetic, kind and beautiful young woman. She approached life with determination and love. Her compassion, drive, and natural charm in turn inspired family members, friends, educators, and mentors. 

Born in New York City and baptized in the Greek Orthodox faith, Katie lived with her family first in Manhattan and then in Palm Beach, Florida, where she completed elementary and middle school education. She graduated from high school at Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, Connecticut. She gravitated toward math, science, and French studies. She excelled academically and earned Dean’s List honors. Outside the classroom, Katie formed enduring friendships through her passion for water sports. She also explored the fine arts through painting and drawing and enjoyed impressionist art especially. 

At the University of Virginia, Katherine found herself drawn to the intricacies of ancient Latin and Greek, which led her to intensive summer language studies in classics at the University of California-Berkeley and study abroad at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. In Florida, Katie served several internships with local physicians and came to value the holistic approach to treating patients. Katie succumbed to colon cancer in 2005 at age 26.

Thank you to the Miller family for their generous support! Their contribution makes this conference possible.

Remembering Those We Love

The Katie Miller Cancer Conference is a ceremony of remembrance and hope. It is a way to honor young adult cancer survivors and those who have lost the battle. It is a time to grieve for those we have lost, to reflect on our own or loved ones cancer experience, and to find hope that tomorrow holds the promise of a cancer-free world. 

If you are interested in honoring a loved one, you are able to purchase a survivor or in memory of poster for $10 (covers the cost of printing). The posters will be displayed at the conference.

For additional information, CLICK HERE. (submissions have closed)