Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA)
You are not alone. To help address your specific needs as an adolescent or young adult, we have created this webpage to help connect you to the AYA Community.
This community is vast and growing rapidly. More importantly, the AYA community is aware of your specific needs and concerns.
Please click on the topic of interest for more information:
Advocacy
Camps/retreats
Financial assistance/scholarships
Fertility/Intimacy and sexuality
Miscellaneous
Networking sites
Support services
As of April 19, 2010
Are you a young adult cancer survivor living in Rhode Island or Massachusetts who would like to begin an exercise program? The Miriam Hospital in Providence RI at The Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine is conducting a research study of young adult cancer survivors. Click on the link below to see more details: http://www.lifespan.org/behavmed/news/newsparticipating.htm#Physical
I’M TOO YOUNG FOR THIS! (i[2]y)
877-735-4673
www.imtooyoungforthis.org
I’m Too Young For This Cancer Foundation, i[2]y, is a survivor-led advocacy, support and research organization working exclusively on behalf of survivors and care providers under the age of 40. i[2]y offers a collection of AYA resources which includes information on scholarships, retreats and online forums. i[2]y also offers a newsletter, radio show and live broadcasts. With over 16 chapters worldwide, their mission is to end isolation and improve quality of life through social media, music, the arts and grassroots community development.
SEVENTY K: ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT CANCER ADVOCACY
www.seventyk.org
Seventy K is a campaign which strives to raise awareness for the rights and needs of the AYA population in the medical community. Seventy K maintains a bill of rights to be established as a standard of care for the AYA population.
VITAL OPTIONS INTERNATIONAL
www.vitaloptions.org
Vital Options International is a non-profit communication, support and advocacy organization. Vital Options originally began as the first psychosocial and advocacy organization for young adults with cancer. Several years ago, the National Young Adult Awareness Week was launched and now takes place annually from April 6-April 12. During the month of April, Vital Options’ talk radio show (called the Group Room) broadcasts young adult programming all month. Vital Options also provides a number of resources and information for young adults on their website.
CAMP MAK-A-DREAM
406-549-5987
www.campdream.org
Camp Mak-A Dream offers cost free camps to children, teens, young adults and their siblings. Camp activities include: hiking, fishing, arts, crafts, ropes courses, carnival and pool parties to name a few. Camps for teens and young adults also offer group discussions, guest speakers and workshops.
CROSSING THE FINISH LINE
267-708-0510
www.crossingthefinishline.org
Crossing the Finish Line offers a week long expenses paid retreat for young adult cancer patients and their families. Patients must be diagnosed with cancer, be between the ages of 24-50 and reside in Pennsylvania, New Jersey or Delaware to qualify.
DREAM STREET FOUNDATION
DREAM STREET AT CANYON RANCH
323-951-1227
www.dreamstreetfoundation.org
The Dream Street at Canyon Ranch program is specifically for young adults between the ages of 18-24. This program gives young adults the opportunity to escape their complex lives and medical problems. Topics of focus include: transitional issues, nutrition, fitness, relationships and self-image to name a few.
EAGLE MOUNT BOZEMAN
406-586-1781
www.eaglemount.org
Two programs are offered at Eagle Mount Bozeman. The first program, Big Sky Adventure Camp, is for ages 10-18 and is free is free of charge for cancer patients and parents. The second program, Young Adult Retreat, is for ages 16-23 and for patients who are in remission. Both programs offer a wide array of outdoor recreational activities.
FIRST DESCENTS
970-845-8400
www.firstdescents.org
First Descents offers adventure programs for the young adult cancer population (ages 18-39) which utilize the beauty and healing properties of the outdoors. Programs include kayaking, climbing and assorted outdoor adventures.
NEXT STEP
617-864-2921
www.nextstepnet.org
Next Step partners with other organizations to provide life changing retreats and workshops all across the United States for young adult survivors of childhood cancer, young adults diagnosed with cancer and young couples dealing with cancer.
OKIZU FOUNDATION
TEENS N’ TWENTIES (TNT) PROGRAM
415-382-9083
www.okizu.org
The TNT program offers weekend recreation and support programs to patients and siblings between the ages of 18-25.
PLANET CANCER
YOUNG ADULT RE-ORIENTATION
512-452-9010
www.planetcancer.org
Weekend retreats are available for young adults between the ages of 18-40 and also for young couples. Guest speakers will highlight various topics specific to the needs of the AYA population. Participants will also have time for networking and recreational activities. Retreats are free of charge to participants.
YOUNG ADULT CANCER-CANADA
RETREAT YOURSELF
877-571-7325
www.youngadultcancer.ca/
Retreat Yourself is an annual weekend retreat for young adult cancer survivors and their caregivers who reside in Canada. Topics discussed during the retreat include fertility, friends and finances. A number of recreational activities are also offered. This weekend retreat is free of charge to young adult cancer survivors and their caregivers.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE/SCHOLARSHIPS
AMERICAN BRAIN TUMOR ASSOCIATION (ABTA)
800-886-2282
www.abta.org
The American Brain Tumor Association offers two comprehensive resource listings entitled, Financial Assistance Resources and Scholarships and Education Financial Aid Resources which provide information that is specific to the AYA population.
FERTILITY, INTIMACY AND SEXUALITY
ADOPTION AFTER CANCER
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/adoption-after-cancer/
This listerv is for those who wish to share information, advice support and stories to those who choose to adopt after cancer.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF SEXUALITY EDUCATORS, COUNSELORS AND THERAPISTS (AASECT)
804-752-0026
www.aasect.org
AASECT is a non-profit interdisciplinary professional organization. To locate a professional, click the “Locate a Professional” tab and enter your country and state information.
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY (ACS)
800-ACS-2345
www.cancer.org
ACS is a nation-wide, community-based voluntary health organization. ACS provides a wide variety of information on sexuality and fertility which includes fact sheets, frequently asked questions and publications.
AMERICAN FERTILITY ASSOCIATION (AFA)
888-917-3777
www.theafa.org
The AFA is a non-profit organization which provides information on infertility treatments, reproductive and sexual health and family building options. Messageboards, online chats, magazines, print newsletters and e-newsletters are all available. The AFA also provides a professional network to locate physicians and therapists.
CANCERBACKUP
0808-800-1234 (UK)
www.cancerbackup.org.uk
CancerBackup is a national cancer information service in the United Kingdom which provides information on sexuality, infertility, relationships and a number of other related topics.
CANCER.NET
888-651-3038
www.cancer.net
Cancer.net provides oncologist-approved cancer information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Fertility and pregnancy information for teens and young adults is available at the website.
FERTILE HOPE
888-994-HOPE
www.fertilehope.org
Fertile Hope is a national, non-profit that is dedicated to providing reproductive information, support and hope. Fertile Hope provides information on how to locate a physician or fertility professional, a toll-free information hotline and a number of educational publications including the Cancer and Fertility Guide for Young Adults. Message boards and survivor stories are also available for networking and communication.
PREGNANT WITH CANCER NETWORK
800-743-4471
www.pregnantwithcancer.org
Pregnant with Cancer Network is a national non-profit organization which connects women who are pregnant with cancer with women who have been pregnant with the same type of cancer. The website includes articles, survivor stories and a book corner.
LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER FOR TEENS
www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org/audience/teens/program.htm
This program is designed to help teens deal with the appearance, health and social side effects of cancer treatment. It is a hospital- based public service program that is offered in 16 cities nationwide. An online component for teens called, 2BMe, was designed to reach teens everywhere. 2BMe provides information on skin care, hair care, fitness, friends and fashion.
PATIENT ADVOCATE FOUNDATION
800-532-5274
www.patientadvocate.org
The Patient Advocate Foundation is a national, non-profit organization which offers a variety or resources, publications and programs. An informative publication for the caregivers of young adults entitled, “Too Young to be Ill” is available at the website.
ABTA GROUP ON FACEBOOK
AMERICAN BRAIN TUMOR ASSOCIATION (ABTA)
800-886-2282
http://www.causes.com/braintumor
Join the ABTA group to network and socialize with other brain tumor survivors and individuals who share the same cause. View photos, videos and upcoming ABTA events.
GROUP LOOP
202-659-9709
www.grouploop.org
Group Loop is an online community for support, education, and hope for teens with cancer and their parents. Networking options include online support groups, discussion boards and a “friend’s database.”
I’M TOO YOUNG FOR THIS! (i[2]y)
877-735-4673
www.imtooyoungforthis.org
I’m Too Young For This Cancer Foundation, i[2]y, is a survivor-led advocacy, support and research organization working exclusively on behalf of survivors and care providers under the age of 40. i[2]y offers a collection of AYA resources which includes information on scholarships, retreats and online forums. i[2]y also offers a newsletter, radio show and live broadcasts. With over 16 chapters worldwide, their mission is to end isolation and improve quality of life through social media, music, the arts and grassroots community development.
NATIONAL BRAIN TUMOR SOCIETY (NBTS)
800-934-2873
www.braintumor.org
NBTS is a non-profit organization which serves those affected by brain tumors. NBTS offers message boards and blogs for young adult brain tumor survivors.
PLANET CANCER
512-452-9010
www.planetcancer.org
Planet Cancer is an online community of young adults with cancer. At this website, there are a number of opportunities for social networking via blogs and chat forums. Planet Cancer’s website also provides a wide variety of information for the specific needs of young adults.
PREPARE TO LIVE (P2L)
www.preparetolive.org
Prepare to Live is a unique non-profit organization which is founded and managed by cancer survivors. P2L is dedicated to using the power of web and film to build the young adult cancer community. Through P2L, young adults can share their story in writing or through film. An ongoing short film festival is available at the website for participants to submit their own short film. Participants also can share experiences with other young adults by connecting through the Buddy Search or share artwork through a collaborative art project, the White Square Project.
STARBRIGHT WORLD
www.starbrightworld.org
Starbright World is an online support network for teens with chronic and life threatening illnesses and their siblings. Teens can connect via bulletin boards, chat rooms and blogs.
TEENS LIVING WITH CANCER
www.teenslivingwithcancer.org
Teens Living with Cancer provides facts about cancer and tips for coping and healthy living. Teens are also able to connect with one another via discussion boards and teen connection stories.
YOUNG ADULT CANCER-CANADA
877-571-7325
www.youngadultcancer.ca/
Young Adult Cancer Canada focuses on inspiring, informing and supporting young adults between the ages of 15-39. Blogs, forums and young adult survivor stories are available at the website.
YOUNG CANCER SPOUSES
www.youngcancerspouses.org
The mission of Young Cancer Spouses is to bring together young spouses of adults with cancer to share information, support and experiences. This website offers tips for caregivers, opportunities to share stories and message boards for networking.
AMERICAN BRAIN TUMOR ASSOCIATION (ABTA)
800-886-2282
www.abta.org/index.cfm?contentid=157
The American Brain Tumor Association offers a Pen-Pal program called Connections. In this program, brain tumor survivors are matched up with one another to share experiences and support one another. Pen-pals communicate via email, telephone or letter. For participants under the age of 18, a signature is required by a parent or legal guardian.
BEYOND THE CURE
800-532-6459
www.beyondthecure.org
Beyond the Cure is a program of the National Children’s Cancer Society and was created for the survivors of childhood cancer. This website provides a variety of information which covers topics to include: relationships, employments and emotional issues to name a few. Beyond the Cure also offers a free publication entitled, The Mountain You Have Climbed: A Young Adults Guide to Childhood Cancer Survivorship.
CANCERCARE
800-813-4673
www.cancercare.org
CancerCare is a national, non-profit organization that provides free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer. Specialized programs and publications for young adults are available.
CANTEEN
www.canteen.org.au/
Canteen is a national support organization for young people (ages 12-24) living with cancer in Australia. Canteen offers education programs, support programs and recreational activities.
GROUP LOOP
202-659-9709
www.grouploop.org
Group Loop is an online community for support, education, and hope for teens with cancer and their parents. Networking options include online support groups, discussion boards and a “friend’s database.”
IMERMAN ANGELS
312-274-5529
www.imermanangels.org
Imerman Angels is a national non-profit organization that connects cancer survivors or caregivers with one another as a way to provide support, encouragement and friendship.
ULMAN CANCER FUND FOR YOUNG ADULTS
www.ulmanfund.org
The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults provides comprehensive support resources for young adults with cancer and their families. Support resources available include support groups, networking events and a survivor/loved ones network. Educational publications and scholarships for young adults are also available.
ABTA Social Workers
ABTA Social Workers are available by telephone and/or email to help answer questions or provide further assistance. Please contact us at 1-800-886-2282 or socialwork@abta.org if you have questions, comments or suggestions. We encourage you to share your input with us!
January 2010
2720 River Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018
Phone: 847-827-9910
Fax: 847-827-9918
Toll-free Phone: 800-886-2282
E-mail: info@abta.org