NC Nonprofit Offers Free Breast Cancer Survivor Symposium

Breast cancer survivors in southeastern North Carolina will gather next month for a unique event that recognizes healing extends far beyond treatment.

Going Beyond the Pink, a local nonprofit, is hosting its third annual REACH Survivor's Symposium at Wilmington's Halyburton Nature Center on March 27-28. The two-day event addresses what many survivors face in silence: emotional healing, fear of recurrence, and the challenge of rebuilding identity after cancer.

"Survivorship does not end when treatment ends," said Kara Kenan, founder and executive director of Going Beyond the Pink. "REACH was created to ensure survivors are not left to navigate this complex chapter alone."

The symposium name itself carries meaning. REACH stands for Resilient, Empowered, Aware, Connected and Hopeful, qualities that organizers say survivors need as they move forward.

Programming blends practical education with restorative practices. Attendees can join sessions on self-advocacy, financial resilience, and nervous system care. The event also offers experiential healing through sound therapy, Reiki, and Qigong.

Friday evening kicks off with a screening of "Sisu," an episode from the docuseries "Calm the Chaos" that explores how people adapt through life's toughest challenges. Saturday features a keynote presentation titled "A Time to Speak: Spirituality for Self-Advocacy in Cancerland" by Andrea Siegel, along with panel discussions and interactive workshops.

The Ripple Effect

The symposium particularly serves rural and underserved communities in the region, where survivorship challenges often feel more isolating. By bringing women together from across southeastern North Carolina, the event creates connections that extend beyond the two days, building a support network that lasts.

The pay-what-you-can registration model removes financial barriers, with meals and materials included for all participants. This approach ensures economic circumstances never prevent a survivor from accessing the tools and community she needs.

For women navigating life after breast cancer, knowing you're not alone changes everything.