Yes!Con – the cancer convention from and for those affected

Yes!Con 5.0, the largest hybrid cancer convention in Germany, took place in Berlin on 4 and 5 May. The convention saw patients, relatives, doctors and experts come together to talk openly about cancer. The aim of the event is to encourage, inform and motivate. Survivor Corinne was there on behalf of Childhood Cancer Switzerland to exchange ideas with others and gather new ideas for future projects. This is her brief report:

“As I had to be at the station at 5, I had to get up at four on the Friday morning. We arrived in Berlin in the afternoon with just a slight delay. After a short break at the hotel, I visited the Berlin Museum of Medical History of the Charité and the Museum of Natural History (Museum für Naturkunde). As I wanted to be fit for the cancer convention the next day, I went to bed early.

When I arrived at the Yes!Con conference, I was greeted with a programme, a piece of chocolate and information about the Yes app, where people affected by cancer can exchange information. Alongside many exciting presentations, inputs and information, which were also broadcast online in two livestreams, there was a kind of “marketplace”. It was a platform for various organisations to present themselves with various interactive attractions on offer. The marketplace in particular was a great place to exchange ideas and network. The evening programme of this first exciting day included musical highlights from well-known German musicians such as Henning Krautmacher, Max Raabe and Matthias Lampl. I have to say that these moments were truly magical, very personal and touching. In addition, the “Ring of Courage” was presented to Joko Winterscheidt and Klaas Heufner-Umlauf for their commitment and the “Shine a light” winners also received their awards. To round off the evening, “Schiller” delighted the audience with his dance music.

There were great workshops on Sunday, which made the event even more entertaining. I was also allowed to take part in a personal scar shoot. This day was another day full of exciting and interesting facts. And then, the next day, it was time to head off back to Switzerland again: exhausted, but satisfied, happy and grateful that I was able to take part in this inspiring weekend full of wonderful memories, experiences and encounters with the support of Childhood Cancer Switzerland.”