Just heard that I've been granted a scholarship to attend the Project LEAD Institute course in La Jolla, California in July. With around 50 attendees, and likely as the only guy, this is quite a big deal for me. I'd have to say that my BCNA training helped me make the cut, for sure.THE COURSEThe Project LEAD® Institute is a six-day intensive science course, designed for the lay public to train breast cancer advocates. The course covers the basics of cancer biology, genetics, epidemiology, research design and advocacy, and provides a foundation of scientific knowledge upon which participants can strengthen and empower themselves as activists. Taught by renowned research faculty, this is a unique opportunity for those interested in learning more about working as an NBCC research advocate as well as providing the tools for activists.

@Zoffiel what was the course you attended. For anyone hear wanting to apply for next year's Lead course, I'm more than willing to help with your application. No, I won't be at the Melbourne conerence.@iserbrown Copious notes, you ain't kiddin'. Plus a ring binder as seen in this pic that must weigh 10 kg!In the pic is me on the left, Chiara in the middle and my roommate Kirby on the right. Chiara and Kirby are two of around 8 Stage IV people here. There are also 10 African American women.

Well, this course is insanely heavy going in the science department, but very rewarding for the quantum leap in my knowledge of the medical background to our disease. There is one more guy, my roommate Kirby, and about 40 women. The First three days have been very heavy on science instruction and this is not a bad thing, since it's often this we lack. The people here are a really great bunch and right up to the standard of BCNA folks when it comes to friendliness. Just three more days of the week-long course to go.

Fab! Keep at it. Just think of all those new neural connections you're making! Well done.

Congrats on not only securing the scholarship, but in actually getting over there and getting involved.1/20 men to women isn't too shabby! TF you were not the only one, though I'm sure you would have handled it with aplomb if that was the way it played out. I've done some intensive training with Cancer Australia which was heavy on the science component. That was a week in Sydney, which is hardly California. But then I didn't have to spend all that time in a plane not playing well with others either, which was probably in everyone's best interests It's a bit bewildering to start with but if you haven't got a handle on the terminology and some of the processes you run the risk of being the token consumer which is definitely not were we want to be. It AI now or nothing if I'm asked onto a project. That early training and the connections you build with the other participants are invaluable. Good on you! Are you coming to the Melbourne conference on the 11th?

Heading for the 2018 Project LEAD Course in California

16 Replies

traveltext
Member
7 years ago
@Zoffiel what was the course you attended. For anyone hear wanting to apply for next year's Lead course, I'm more than willing to help with your application. No, I won't be at the Melbourne conerence.

@iserbrown Copious notes, you ain't kiddin'. Plus a ring binder as seen in this pic that must weigh 10 kg!

In the pic is me on the left, Chiara in the middle and my roommate Kirby on the right. Chiara and Kirby are two of around 8 Stage IV people here. There are also 10 African American women.
Zoffiel
Member
7 years ago
Congrats on not only securing the scholarship, but in actually getting over there and getting involved.1/20 men to women isn't too shabby! TF you were not the only one, though I'm sure you would have handled it with aplomb if that was the way it played out.
I've done some intensive training with Cancer Australia which was heavy on the science component. That was a week in Sydney, which is hardly California. But then I didn't have to spend all that time in a plane not playing well with others either, which was probably in everyone's best interests
It's a bit bewildering to start with but if you haven't got a handle on the terminology and some of the processes you run the risk of being the token consumer which is definitely not were we want to be. It AI now or nothing if I'm asked onto a project. That early training and the connections you build with the other participants are invaluable. Good on you! Are you coming to the Melbourne conference on the 11th?
Rosie_BCNA
Member
7 years ago
Congratulations @traveltext on the scholarship (Belatedly) and thanks for sharing about how it is going! What a great opportunity for you and then for us as you share what you learn on your return. Hang in there and enjoy the social side of the course as well.
iserbrown
Member
7 years ago
I'd imagine copious amounts of notes and a touch of exhaustion from all the concentrating but extremely beneficial! Excellent!
Sister
Member
7 years ago
Sounds really interesting @traveltext
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
Fab! Keep at it. Just think of all those new neural connections you're making! Well done.
traveltext
Member
7 years ago
Well, this course is insanely heavy going in the science department, but very rewarding for the quantum leap in my knowledge of the medical background to our disease. There is one more guy, my roommate Kirby, and about 40 women. The First three days have been very heavy on science instruction and this is not a bad thing, since it's often this we lack. The people here are a really great bunch and right up to the standard of BCNA folks when it comes to friendliness. Just three more days of the week-long course to go.
Romla
Member
7 years ago
We couldn’t have a better advocate .Keen to hear any news you bring back.
steplightly
Member
7 years ago
@traveltext Congratulations great opportunity to add your voiice thoughts and experience
Kiwi_Angel
Member
7 years ago
@traveltext - congrats - huge achievement