Through the Eyes of a Survivor: Leading with Strength and Resilience
I had the privilege of photographing Jennifer Merschdorf, CEO of Young Survival Coalition (YSC). She shared part of her journey.
“I am very honored to work with the largest organization supporting young adults affected by breast cancer. YSC has made an impact in the world of young survivors, 40 years old & younger.
We hold the largest gathering in the world for young adults with Breast Cancer, the YSC Wellness Summit. When someone attends for the very first time, it is life-changing because they are no longer alone. They are in a room full of young survivors.
We focus on education, science, and best treatments. Our young survivors are empowered with the support they need.
I am a survivor. I was diagnosed when I was 36 years old. My background is in the nonprofit space but through my cancer journey, I became the third CEO of YSC less than a year after I was diagnosed.
That was 13 years ago. Everything is great, but like all survivors, I will live in fear for the rest of my life.
To a younger colleague, my advice is to find a space where you fall into your natural gifts and talents. The trick is knowing when you’re there.
Here are a few hints; things feel easy, actions seem intuitive and it feels good to work. I’m not saying you won’t work long or hard but once you’ve found that spot, celebrate it.
“I have a new addition to my story, which Alissa and I talked about. I dreamed secretly of becoming a fiction author. It was a dream I kept from everyone, including my husband. When my mom passed away from dementia in 2020, a week before the world shut down because of COVID, this story poured out of me and I couldn’t stop writing it. It’s a story of the power of women helping women and working through intense grief, a history of how we all connect. I’m so proud of it.
In 2022, I joined CHIEF. At a meeting, they talked about a program for women who wanted to publish a book but didn’t know how. I knew I should do it, but it meant telling people about my book. I did it & published my first novel! It was an opportunity to be brave.
If you have a secret dream or wish, my advice, be brave and do it!
My mom had a necklace my dad gave her. She wore it her entire adult life. When she passed, my dad wore it while working through his grief, then gave it to me. I’m never going to take it off.
When I got to my headshot appointment, Alissa saw the necklace & asked me to remove it because it could distract from my photo. I told her what it meant to me & Alissa immediately pivoted.
She didn’t just agree to let me wear it; she worked to make the necklace the centerpiece of every photo positioning it perfectly. It said a lot about her way of caring for her clients.
It’s part of Alissa’s magic. It is a gift, something I’m grateful for. The necklace is a new part of my identity.
I agree with what others say about Alissa, she is amazing. But that standout moment with my necklace where her art & creativity shined is something I’ll never forget!