BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Next Step Fund, Inc. - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Next Step Fund, Inc. X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.nextstepnet.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Next Step Fund, Inc. REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260202 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260509 DTSTAMP:20260403T141928 CREATED:20251106T190539Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251112T134025Z UID:11429-1769990400-1778284799@www.nextstepnet.org SUMMARY:Next Step Mentoring Program (Spring 2026) DESCRIPTION:Do you have goals that you just can’t seem to make progress on? Maybe you feel like you know exactly what you need to do but you still can’t seem to do it? Or maybe you are already doing everything you can\, but it doesn’t feel like you’re making a dent? If you said yes to any of these questions\, our mentoring program might just be the extra boost you need. Our 2026 Spring Mentoring Program starts the week of February 2nd. This FREE program is for young people\, ages 16-29\, living with a chronic illness. \nMost of the time\, we already have the skills we need to move forward on our own but it can feel hard to get started. What we need is a little extra step to get moving. This is what our mentorship program can do for you. In our mentoring program you can identify and work on developing the skills you need to support yourself in your journey through adulthood so you can start your tomorrow\, today. \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \nProgram Description: \n\n3 month-cycle\nYou meet with an assigned mentor 1-on-1 each week\, in-person or virtually\nMeetings are ~1 hour\nWork on your Action Plan (developed collaboratively by you and your mentor)\nParticipants are paid $20/session\, a total of $240 to help support their goal\n\nSounds good? Fill out the application below and Richard\, our Mentorship Coordinator will contact you to schedule an initial interview. You will be assigned a mentor and ready to begin at the start of the next cycle. \nQuestions? \nEmail Richard if you have any questions or need additional information about our 2025 Summer Mentoring Program: richard@nextstepnet.org \n\n\n \n \n Next Step Mentoring Program Application\n Please fill out the application below to join this program. \n \n Name*\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Nickname or Preferred NameHave you attended a Next Step program before?*\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n Attended Introductory Event Only (e.g. Next Step Mobile at hospital\, community center\, etc.)\n \n \n \n No\n How did you hear about the Next Step?*\n \n \n Next Step Outreach (Email or Event)\n \n \n \n Google/Internet Search\n \n \n \n Social Media (Instagram\, etc.)\n \n \n \n Family Member/Trusted Adult\n \n \n \n Another Participant\n \n \n \n Medical Staff\n \n \n \n Other\n \n \n \n \n If "other" or "medical staff\," please tell us how and include the name\, position and hospital of the medical staff who referred you:*Your Address* \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n Country\n AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire\, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo\, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea\, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea\, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine\, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaRéunionSaint BarthélemySaint Helena\, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania\, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluTürkiyeUS Minor Outlying IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands\, BritishVirgin Islands\, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabweÅland Islands \n \n \n Phone*Alternate PhoneEmail*\n \n Preferred mode of contact?*\n \n Email\n \n \n Cell Phone (Call)\n \n \n Cell Phone (Text)\n Current OccupationEmployer or SchoolAgeBirthday\n \n MM slash DD slash YYYY\n \n Race/EthnicityGenderPronouns (he/him\, she/her\, they/them)What is the highest level of education you have received so far?Hospital or Clinic where you receive medical care?What do you hope to get out of the Mentoring experience?PARENT/GUARDIAN OR EMERGENCY CONTACTName*\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n RelationshipPhoneEmail\n \n Medical OverviewDiagnosis*Date of Diagnosis\n \n MM slash DD slash YYYY\n \n Are you on active treatment?\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n No\n Food allergy & reactionsEnvironmental allergiesDo you carry an Epi-Pen?\n \n Yes\n \n \n No\n Are there any special accommodations you would need?Are there any activity limitations?Please list any medications you take\, and how often.Please take a moment to describe what symptoms you display if you've overextended yourself or are starting to get sick. How can we best support you in such a situation?CONSENT AGREEMENTAUTHORIZATION AND RELEASE\nThis Consent Agreement\, Authorization and Release must be read and signed to be eligible to attend Next Step's Young Adult Campference.\n\nRELEASE OF LIABILITY\nI understand that occasionally accidents occur during campference activities and that participants may sustain serious personal injury and property damages as a consequence thereof. Knowing the risks of campference activities\, nevertheless\, and in consideration of my acceptance for participation at a campference\, I hereby agree to assume those risks and to hold harmless Next Step\, and all campference agents\, representatives\, employees and volunteers\, from any and all liability\, claims for personal injury and/or property damage\, costs\, expenses and damages arising out of or connected in any way with my participation in campference activities. Further\, I acknowledge that Next Step accepts no responsibility for the loss\, damage or theft of my personal property.\nPlease indicate:*\n \n \n I consent\n \n \n \n I do not consent\n Community Agreement/Rules of ConductThank you for making a commitment to yourself. In signing this document\, you are agreeing to work on your goals. Though it may be difficult at times\, know that you will be supported. That said\, this program only works if you put in the work. Here are the guidelines and commitments that we are expecting of you:*\n \n Participants will agree to stay in the program for the full 3 months of the program\n \n \n Participants will meet with the Mentor Specialist weekly\, virtually or in-person\, to review your progress and request support.\n \n \n Participants agree to set a goal\n \n \n Participants agree to follow through on all tasks required to move them towards goal completion and come prepared to meetings to discuss them or request support.\n \n \n Participants agree to be timely to all meetings and interactions with the Mentor Specialist\n Please select as an indication that you will adhere to the code of conduct.Please indicate:*\n \n \n I agree to the community agreement\n \n \n \n I do not agree to the community agreement\n PHOTO AND INFORMATION RELEASEI give Next Step permission to photograph and use pictures or visual and/or audiotapes of me in professional or fundraising activities. On occasion\, with this permission\, participant photographs may be included on the Next Step website\, on a bulletin board\, video\, newsletter\, campference album\, or in personal photographs. Next Step respects the privacy of participants and does not allow unauthorized visitors to photograph the campference or participants. In addition\, by signing below\, I give Next Step permission to give my name\, address and/or phone number to groups or individuals wishing to support Next Step by inviting me to an event or by sending me information related to Next Step. This list will not be sold or given to anyone else for any other reason.Please check appropriate box and provide your signature below:*\n \n \n I agree to the photo release\n \n \n \n I do not agree to the photo release\n Data Sharing NoticeAs a part of participating in this program\, we will ask you to complete surveys about your experience. We will also collect data about you - such as how many sessions you completed\, your age\, gender\, etc.\, that will be used to evaluate and continue to improve the Mentoring program. As a part of our partnership with the Duke PiCASO program\, we will share those data with their team for the purpose of program improvement. Any personal information that could identify you will be removed or changed before files are shared with the Duke PiCASO team to protect your privacy and anonymity. Please SignBy signing below\, I hereby acknowledge that I have read and fully understand the terms and expectations of the program. All information provided is current and accurate to the best of my knowledge. Name*\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Date*\n \n MM slash DD slash YYYY\n \n Please check this box to indicate that the above signature will serve as your electronic signature\n \n (Delegate or Legal Guardian if the Delegate is not over the age of 18)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ URL:https://www.nextstepnet.org/event/next-step-mentoring-program-spring-2026/ CATEGORIES:Cancer,HIV,Program,Rare Genetic Disorder,Sickle Cell ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nextstepnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Next-Step-Kyle-Klein-250-KKR55369-copy.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260209 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260421 DTSTAMP:20260403T141928 CREATED:20251106T185343Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T145011Z UID:11425-1770595200-1776729599@www.nextstepnet.org SUMMARY:Next Step Songbook (Spring 2026) DESCRIPTION:Do you experience complicated feelings around life\, your medical journey\, connections with others? Are you struggling with your confidence and using your voice with your doctors\, at school\, work or in your social life? \nNext Step Songbook is about finding your voice and your story through songwriting. Kimberly\, Next Step Song Studio Director\, will help you tell the story you want to tell. Songbook is a safe space to be you – to live your life in the midst of challenge or joy. You can express yourself through writing song lyrics\, reflect on your life\, practice using your voice and tell the story you want to tell about yourself. \nProgram Description: \n\nFREE virtual program\nFind your voice\, develop your self confidence and learn other life skills\nFor young people\, ages 16-29\, living with a serious illness\n3-4 week session starting in February 2026\n\n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n\n \n2026 Spring Dates \nCycle 1: February to March (Start on 2/9 and end on 3/9) \nCycle 2: Mid-March to Mid-April (Start on 3/23 and end on 4/20) \nQuestions? \nEmail Casey Casey\, Next Step Partnership Coordinator\, if you have questions about Next Step Songbook: casey@nextstepnet.org \n\n \n \n Next Step Songbook Application\n Please fill out the form below if you are interested in joining this online program. \n \n Name*\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n NicknameHave you been to a Next Step Program before?\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n Attended Introductory Event Only (e.g. Next Step Mobile at hospital\, community center\, etc.)\n \n \n \n No\n How did you hear about Next Step?\n \n \n Next Step Outreach (Email or Event)\n \n \n \n Google/Internet Search\n \n \n \n Social Media (Instagram\, etc.)\n \n \n \n Family Member/Trusted Adult\n \n \n \n Another Participant\n \n \n \n Medical Staff\n \n \n \n \n Address* \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n Country\n AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire\, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo\, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea\, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea\, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine\, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaRéunionSaint BarthélemySaint Helena\, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania\, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluTürkiyeUS Minor Outlying IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands\, BritishVirgin Islands\, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabweÅland Islands \n \n \n Phone*Alternate PhoneEmail*\n \n Preferred mode of contact?*\n \n Email\n \n \n Cell Phone (Call)\n \n \n Cell Phone (Text)\n Current OccupationEmployer or SchoolAgeBirthday\n \n MM slash DD slash YYYY\n \n Race/EthnicityGenderPronouns (he/him\, she/her\, they/them)What is the highest level of education you have received so far?Hospital or Clinic where you receive medical care?PARENT/GUARDIAN AND EMERGENCY CONTACTName*\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n RelationshipPhoneEmail\n \n Medical OverviewDiagnosis*Food Allergies & ReactionsEnvironmental Allergies (bee\, latex\, etc) & ReactionsDo you carry an Epi-Pen?\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n No\n Are there are any special accommodations you would need (dietary\, mobility\, equipment\, etc.)? Please explain:Are there any activity limitations?Community Agreement/Rules of Conduct*Let’s make a plan for when life or illness or school or work or family\, happens.* Thank you for making a commitment to yourself. In signing this document\, you are agreeing to work on your songwriting in collaboration with a Next Step Therapeutic Songwriter. This is such an empowering moment you are choosing to grow into\, and we want to encourage you to take care of your experience. Songbook only works if you put in the creative and expressive work. As you step into your stretch zone with songwriting and finding your voice\, at times there may be creative challenges. Just know that throughout the Songbook process\, you will be supported. Here are the guidelines and commitments that we are expecting from you:*\n \n 1. Participants commit to staying in Songbook for the full 5-weeks\n \n \n 2. Participants agree to communicate honestly and openly with their Therapeutic Songwriter - specifically\, during studios when collaborating on their song\, when they need to cancel or reschedule their studio for that week\, and if they have a medical\, family\, work or school event that conflicts with their Songbook studio or commitment\n \n \n 3. Participants agree to work on finding\, and listening to\, their voice\, and building up their self-confidence through their songwriting experience\n \n \n 4. Participants will meet with their Therapeutic Songwriter on a weekly basis\, virtually through zoom\, to advance their original song towards production and completion\n \n \n 5. Participants agree to come prepared to meetings to work on writing and developing their song – and all song parts – lyrics\, rhythm\, harmony\, melody and style\n \n \n 6. Participants agree to follow through on all songwriting and song-creating tasks needed to move towards song completion\n \n \n 7. Participants agree to be timely to all meetings and interactions with their Therapeutic Songwriter\n Please select as an indication that you will adhere to the code of conduct.The Following Behaviors are grounds for Immediate Dismissal:*\n \n 1. Physical confrontations or assaults. This means harming\, attempting to harm\, or threatening to harm another person\, with or without a weapon or dangerous object\n \n \n 2. Bullying. As defined as unwanted\, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated\, or has the potential to be repeated\, over time. Verbal bullying is saying or writing mean things. Social bullying involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships and can include leaving someone out on purpose\, telling other’s not to be friends with an individual\, spreading rumors\, embarrassing someone.\n \n \n 3. Stealing or damaging property\n \n \n 4. Possession or use of drugs and alcohol\n \n \n 5. Sexual misconduct or sexual assault\n \n \n 6. Leaving without permission\n \n \n 7. The possession of any type of weapon\n Please select as an indication that you understand the behaviors that are unacceptable at the program. Please indicate:*\n \n \n I agree to the community agreement\n \n \n \n I do not agree to the community agreement\n PHOTO AND INFORMATION RELEASEI give Next Step permission to photograph and use pictures or visual and/or audiotapes of me in professional or fundraising activities. On occasion\, with this permission\, participant photographs may be included on the Next Step website\, on a bulletin board\, video\, newsletter\, campference album\, or in personal photographs. Next Step respects the privacy of participants and does not allow unauthorized visitors to photograph the campference or participants. In addition\, by signing below\, I give Next Step permission to give my name\, address and/or phone number to groups or individuals wishing to support Next Step by inviting me to an event or by sending me information related to Next Step. This list will not be sold or given to anyone else for any other reason.Please check appropriate box and provide your signature below:*\n \n \n I agree to the photo release\n \n \n \n I do not agree to the photo release\n Please SignBy signing below\, I hereby acknowledge that I have read and fully understand the terms and expectations of the program. All information provided is current and accurate to the best of my knowledge. Name*\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Date*\n \n MM slash DD slash YYYY\n \n Please check this box to indicate that the above signature will serve as your electronic signature\n \n (Delegate or Legal Guardian if the Delegate is not over the age of 18)\n UntitledFirst ChoiceSecond ChoiceThird Choice\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ URL:https://www.nextstepnet.org/event/next-step-songbook-spring-2026/ CATEGORIES:Cancer,HIV,Program,Rare Genetic Disorder,Sickle Cell ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nextstepnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Next-Step-Kyle-Klein-111-KKR55219.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260312T163000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260312T190000 DTSTAMP:20260403T141928 CREATED:20260115T221953Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T203340Z UID:11647-1773333000-1773342000@www.nextstepnet.org SUMMARY:Next Step Comic Book Celebration & Art Exhibition DESCRIPTION:Join Next Step on Thursday\, March 12\, 2026\, from 4:30pm to 7pm EST at LabCentral in Cambridge\, MA for an unforgettable evening celebrating the first public exhibition of our two comic books\, When Lightning Strikes\, featuring the journey of Kara\, a young superhero living with sickle cell disease. This event is free to join. \nRegister Here \nExperience a vibrant gallery exhibition\, an inspiring panel discussion\, and connect with the creative minds behind the project. Enjoy delicious snacks and drinks while learning how teens living with sickle cell disease harnessed creativity and community to navigate the transition from pediatric care to adult care. Plus\, don’t miss the chance to meet former Patriots Super Bowl champion Devin McCourty\, who will be joining us at the event! \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n\n \n  \nWe are so fortunate to be joined by guest panelist\, Dr. Sharl Azar\, a nationally recognized hematologist and advocate serving as Medical Director of the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Center and the Robert K. Kraft Chair of Diversity\, Equity\, and Inclusion at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. \nRegister Here \nQUESTIONS? \nEmail Alice Sich\, Next Step Events and Operations Coordinator\, if you have any questions about this event at alice@nextstepnet.org. \n  \nLOCATION & PARKING \nLabCentral \n700 Main Street \nCambridge\, MA 02139 \nRecommended parking options for this event are\, Osborne Triangle\, which is adjacent to LabCentral\, Tech Square Garage\, and then metered parking on the street. \nRead our comic books URL:https://www.nextstepnet.org/event/next-step-comic-book-celebration-art-exhibition/ LOCATION:LabCentral\, 700 Main Street\, Cambridge\, 02139\, United States CATEGORIES:Fundraising ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.nextstepnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Hero-Image-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260410 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260413 DTSTAMP:20260403T141928 CREATED:20251106T194125Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251111T163634Z UID:11434-1775779200-1776038399@www.nextstepnet.org SUMMARY:Spring Campference 2026 DESCRIPTION:We are hosting our 2026 Spring Campference for young adults\, ages 18-29\, living with a chronic illness from Friday\, April 10th to Sunday\, April 12th at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Watertown\, MA. Part camp\, part conference\, our 3-day Spring Campference fosters friendships and community with peers who “get it.” At a Next Step Spring Campference\, you can: \n\nEngage in educational workshops\nRecharge with new friends\nJoin the music and art mayhem\nCreate fun\, life-changing moments\nEmpower yourself with information and resources\n\n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n\n \n  \nSounds good?! Spots for our popular Spring Campference fill up fast so we encourage you to submit your application below as soon as possible to secure your spot! \nIn Their Words \nOur participants say it best. Read stories from young people who have attended a Next Step Campference. \nDo you have questions before signing up? \nEmail Casey Casey\, Next Step Nursing Director and Partnership Coordinator\, at casey@nextstepnet.org or Kepler Jeudy\, Next Step Program Director\, at kepler@nextstepnet.org if you have any questions about our 2026 Spring Campference for young adults living with a chronic illness. \n\n \n \n 2026 Spring Campference\n Please fill out this application if you are interested in joining our 2026 Spring Campference. \n \n Have you been on a Next Step Campference before?*\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n Attended Introductory Event Only (e.g. Next Step Mobile at hospital\, community center\, etc.)\n \n \n \n No\n How did you hear about the Next Step campference?*\n \n \n Next Step Outreach (Email or Event)\n \n \n \n Google/Internet Search\n \n \n \n Social Media (Instagram\, etc.)\n \n \n \n Family Member/Trusted Adult\n \n \n \n Another Participant\n \n \n \n Medical Staff\n \n \n \n Other\n \n \n \n \n If medical staff\, please include name\, position and hospital:*Name*\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n NicknameAddress* \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State\n AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific\n \n ZIP Code\n \n \n \n Phone*Alternate PhoneEmail*\n \n Preferred mode of contact?*\n \n Email\n \n \n Cell Phone (Call)\n \n \n Cell Phone (Text)\n Current OccupationEmployer or SchoolAgeBirthday\n \n MM slash DD slash YYYY\n \n Race/EthnicityGenderPronouns (he/him\, she/her\, they/them)What is the highest level of education you have received so far?T-shirt sizeHospital or Clinic where you receive medical care?What do you hope to get out of the Next Step campference experience?What topic(s) do you most want to learn about at Campference?PARENT/GUARDIAN AND EMERGENCY CONTACTName*\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n RelationshipPhoneEmail\n \n Medical OverviewDiagnosisDate of Diagnosis\n \n MM slash DD slash YYYY\n \n Are you on active Treatment?\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n No\n Food Allergies & ReactionsEnvironmental Allergies (bee\, latex\, etc) & ReactionsDo you carry an Epi-Pen?\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n No\n Are there are any special accommodations you would need (dietary\, mobility\, equipment\, etc.)? Please explain:Are there any activity limitations?Please list any medications you take\, and how often.Please take a moment to describe what symptoms you display if you’ve overextended yourself or are starting to get sick. How can we best support you in such a situation?INSURANCE INFORMATION(Please bring your insurance card to the program)Insurance Co:Policy #:Name of Insured:\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n PrescriptionPlan #:Telephone #:Over the Counter Medications: I—or my child\, if under the age of 18—has permission to take over-the-counter medication\, for the dosage amount suggested by the pharmaceutical maker\, if feeling unwell due to symptoms such as headache or stomachache. Please check appropriate boxes and provide your signature below:I—or my child\, if under the age of 18—may take over-the-counter medication that I brought:*\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n No\n I—or my child\, if under the age of 18—may take OTC medication provided by a staff person:*\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n No\n I—or my child\, if under the age of 18—should not\, under any circumstances\, be given the following OTC medications:Please indicate:*\n \n \n I consent\n \n \n \n I do not consent\n CONSENT AGREEMENTAUTHORIZATION AND RELEASE\nThis Consent Agreement\, Authorization and Release must be read and signed to be eligible to attend Next Step's Young Adult Campference.\n\nRELEASE OF LIABILITY\nI understand that occasionally accidents occur during campference activities and that participants may sustain serious personal injury and property damages as a consequence thereof. Knowing the risks of campference activities\, nevertheless\, and in consideration of my acceptance for participation at a campference\, I hereby agree to assume those risks and to hold harmless Next Step\, and all campference agents\, representatives\, employees and volunteers\, from any and all liability\, claims for personal injury and/or property damage\, costs\, expenses and damages arising out of or connected in any way with my participation in campference activities. Further\, I acknowledge that Next Step accepts no responsibility for the loss\, damage or theft of my personal property.\n\nI acknowledge and understand there is an increased risk that Covid-19 and other communicable illnesses can be transmitted in any public place\, including an in person Next Step program. Next Step seeks to protect its staff and participants during any and all in person activities. By attending a Next Step in person program\, I agree to assume these risks.\n\nAdditionally\, as a precondition to participating in a Next Step program I understand to participate in person I must be up to date on my vaccinations against Measles\, Mumps\, Rubella\, Varicella\, and Pertussis (unless medically exempt with a doctor's note). I must also have my provider complete a medical application every 12 months to participate in person at a Next Step program.\nPlease indicate:*\n \n \n I consent\n \n \n \n I do not consent\n CONSENT FOR MEDICAL TREATMENTThe undersigned hereby grants permission to the medical staff or consulting physicians at Next Step to administer medication and provide medical care for me\, including any medical emergency care required. I also give my consent for any emergency transportation deemed necessary.Please indicate:*\n \n \n I consent\n \n \n \n I do not consent\n Community Agreement/Rules of ConductThe young adult campference is a close-knit community; therefore we ask that you agree to a few things that will promote being together in a safe manner. Please sign this Community Agreement\, which asks that you agree to conduct yourself ethically and respectfully while living in the program: \n\n\nDelegates are to demonstrate a high degree of maturity and self-respect\, taking into account the rights and feelings of others.\nDelegates are responsible for charges incurred\, e.g. vandalism and breakage of property\, etc.\nDelegates are to adhere to curfews\, directives and designated schedule times.\nSuitable attire is to be worn during the campference workshops and activities.\nSmoking is prohibited indoors.\n\nThe Following Behaviors are grounds for Immediate Dismissal: \n\nPhysical confrontations or assaults. This means harming\, attempting to harm\, or threatening to harm another person\, with or without a weapon or dangerous object\nBullying. As defined as unwanted\, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated\, or has the potential to be repeated\, over time. Verbal bullying is saying or writing mean things. Social bullying involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships and can include leaving someone out on purpose\, telling other’s not to be friends with an individual\, spreading rumors\, embarrassing someone.\nStealing or damaging property\nPossession or use of drugs and alcohol\nSexual misconduct or sexual assault\nPlease indicate:*\n \n \n I agree to the community agreement\n \n \n \n I do not agree to the community agreement\n PHOTO AND INFORMATION RELEASEI give Next Step permission to photograph and use pictures or visual and/or audiotapes of me in professional or fundraising activities. On occasion\, with this permission\, participant photographs may be included on the Next Step website\, on a bulletin board\, video\, newsletter\, campference album\, or in personal photographs. Next Step respects the privacy of participants and does not allow unauthorized visitors to photograph the campference or participants. In addition\, by signing below\, I give Next Step permission to give my name\, address and/or phone number to groups or individuals wishing to support Next Step by inviting me to an event or by sending me information related to Next Step. This list will not be sold or given to anyone else for any other reason.Please check appropriate box and provide your signature below:*\n \n \n I agree to the photo release\n \n \n \n I do not agree to the photo release\n Please SignBy signing below\, I hereby acknowledge that I have read and fully understand the terms and expectations of the program. All information provided is current and accurate to the best of my knowledge. Name*\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Date*\n \n MM slash DD slash YYYY\n \n Please check this box to indicate that the above signature will serve as your electronic signature\n \n (Delegate or Legal Guardian if the Delegate is not over the age of 18)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ URL:https://www.nextstepnet.org/event/spring-campference-2026/ CATEGORIES:Cancer,HIV,Program,Rare Genetic Disorder,Sickle Cell ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nextstepnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/76ead9bf-e8af-44fc-98b4-d97bfd80e40e.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260420 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260421 DTSTAMP:20260403T141928 CREATED:20250924T174306Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T182136Z UID:11392-1776643200-1776729599@www.nextstepnet.org SUMMARY:Support our Boston Marathon team! DESCRIPTION:Team Next Step is back to run the historic Boston Marathon! This year we have five amazing athletes running the 130th Boston Marathon on Sunday\, August 20th. Their support will help us welcome even more seriously ill young people into the Next Step community where they will make new friends\, set goals with mentors\, and create a sense of self beyond their diagnosis. Please join the team and donate any amount to one of our runners or to the entire team in the link below. \nDonate Now \nThank you Adam Farkes\, Daniel J Kim\, Michael Loban\, Lexi Minicucci and Cameron Ritz for volunteering your time and for all of your hard work in supporting our mission. You truly are changing lives. A special thank you to the Bank of America Marathon Official Charity Program for welcoming us back for another year. We are so grateful for your partnership in this important work. \nQUESTIONS? \nContact Lindsey Dacey\, Next Step Development Director\, if you have any questions about supporting Team Next Step: lindsey@nextstepnet.org URL:https://www.nextstepnet.org/event/supportourbostonmarathonteam/ CATEGORIES:Fundraising ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.nextstepnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Lexi2-copy.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260816 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260817 DTSTAMP:20260403T141928 CREATED:20260204T162908Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T154713Z UID:11701-1786838400-1786924799@www.nextstepnet.org SUMMARY:Run the 2026 Falmouth Road Race DESCRIPTION:Run the 54th Falmouth Road Race for Next Step on Sunday\, August 16\, 2026! This year we were awarded 15 bibs through the Numbers for Nonprofits program. The fundraising minimum to join Team Next Step is $1\,300. Before race day\, we’ll offer ways to stay connected as a close\, supportive Team Next Step community and after the race\, you can join us at our celebratory BBQ near the finish line for runners and their friends and families. This is your chance to secure one of the most sought-after bibs in the country and run a beautiful oceanside course for a life-changing cause. \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n\n \nYOUR IMPACT \nThis historic 7-mile race is more than just a run for Next Step—it’s a chance to make a life-changing impact. By joining our team\, you’ll help teens and young adults living with serious illnesses connect with their community\, gain the self-advocacy skills needed to navigate complex adult healthcare\, and build the confidence to see a future where their illness does not define them or limit their goals. Our young people can attend Next Step programs at no cost to them or their family because of amazing volunteers like you. You truly are changing lives by running with Team Next Step. \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n\n \nQUESTIONS? \nContact us if you have any questions about joining Team Next Step\, Lindsey Dacey\, Next Step Development Director: lindsey@nextstepnet.org \nClick here to read stories from Team Next Step \nClick here to watch young people talk about their Next Step Experience \n  \n\n \n \n 2026 Falmouth Road Race application\n Fill out the form below if you are ready to commit to running the 54th annual ASICS Falmouth Road Race for Next Step. \n \n Name(Required)\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Phone(Required)Email(Required)\n \n Address(Required) \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire\, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo\, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea\, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea\, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine\, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaRéunionSaint BarthélemySaint Helena\, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania\, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluTürkiyeUS Minor Outlying IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands\, BritishVirgin Islands\, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabweÅland Islands\n Country\n \n \n Date of Birth(Required)\n \n MM slash DD slash YYYY\n \n Singlet(Required)\n \n Women's Singlet\n \n \n Men's Singlet\n Size of shirt or singlet(Required)\n \n S\n \n \n M\n \n \n L\n \n \n XL\n \n \n XXL\n Runner Release Waiver and Fundraising Agreement(Required)\n \n I will follow the rules and regulations of the road race event.\n \n \n I will release the road race event organizers for any responsibility in case of an accident\, illness or injury.\n \n \n I acknowledge that this road race requires physical activity and there are possible risk and danger.\n \n \n I allow my photo to be taken during the event and used for event advertising and marketing.\n \n \n I agree to raise a minimum of $1300 for Next Step and to submit the guaranteed minimum to the Next Step office by September 17\, 2026\n \n \n I confirm that all information in this registration form is accurate and true.\n Select AllRunner signature(Required)\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ URL:https://www.nextstepnet.org/event/run-the-2026-falmouth-road-race/ CATEGORIES:Fundraising ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.nextstepnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/group.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR