Adolescent + Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program

Connection and support are often important for your well-being. Check out these AYA cancer community peer organizations:

• Stupid Cancer: Working to “make young adult cancer suck less,” Stupid Cancer offers multiple ways to connect with the young adult cancer community through meet-ups and their annual conference, Cancer Con. Their site also has links to webinars and resources to stay educated and empowered.
• Imerman Angels: They match you with someone with a similar cancer history and provide one-on-one support. Sign up to become a mentor or request one.
• I Had Cancer: Signing up as a member of this site allows you to read stories other young adult survivors, fighters and supporters and participate in real discussions.
• Cactus Cancer Society: Offers diverse wellness and support online programs, including game night, creative writing workshops and weekly e-newsletter.
• Elephants + Tea: "The elephant in the room is cancer. Tea is the relief conversation provides.” Young adult cancer patients and survivors share stories on a range of topics from survivor’s guilt to friendship through cancer.

We wish you so many good vibes in your job search. Here's a great resource that could be helpful:

• Cancer and Careers: This site provides a comprehensive set of tools to assist individuals with a history of cancer at any stage of the work continuum, from those searching for a job to those already employed. They have helpful resources like a handy job search toolkit and resume and cover letter guides.  

For sure, we recommend starting with these resources as you're exploring and learning about your options.

• Circle Surrogacy: Learn more about surrogacy on this site.
• LIVESTRONG: Get the tools and resources to help you become a parent after cancer.
• The Oncofertility Consortium: This site answers fertility FAQs and explores reproductive options for individuals with a history of cancer. 

Yes, check these out:

• The Expect Miracles Foundation's SAMFund: Financial grant applications generally occur twice yearly to support young adult cancer survivors who have completed treatment. Grants have been used to help pay off medical bills or debt and family planning medical care costs.
• Patient Advocate Foundation: Undergraduate and graduate school scholarships for cancer survivors.

Health insurance is complex. To help you better understand health insurance terminology, such as deductible and co-pay, and how to choose the best plan for you, there are organizations that specialize in providing these resources. These organizations can be a valuable resource and can provide tips on selecting the right plan.

• Triage Cancer
• Patient Advocate Foundation

You bet, here are a few we know of:

• First Descents: Join other AYAs (18-39) on a multi-day adventure centered around whitewater kayaking, rock climbing or surfing. Local weekend trips (FDTribs) are also organized to help connect AYAs with other AYAs closer to home. 
• True North Treks: Designed for AYA cancer survivors, treks include backpacking in Idaho or canoeing in Montana or Utah. 
• Ulman Foundation: Each spring a 12-week run/walk training program takes place in Boston offering a chance to get in better physical shape with other members and supporters of the AYA cancer community.
• Project Koru: Offerings include snowboarding, surfing adventures, and weekend workshop retreats for AYAs diagnosed between ages 18-39.
• YMCA: Livestrong assists those living with, through and beyond cancer to regain strength and connection with other survivors.

You've got this! Here are some helpful resources;

Triage Cancer: Provides information and resource pages regarding legal, insurance and employment resources in each state.

Cancer Legal Resource Center: This organization is part of the Disability Rights Legal Center which aims to provide information through a national telephone assistance line and outreach programs to help educate and support those affected by cancer on matters including accessing healthcare and government benefits.