+ General Information on Cancer in AYAs

► USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital

The USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center (USC Norris), located in Los Angeles, is one of the first comprehensive cancer centers designated by National Cancer Institute. It is an innovative leader in the cancer field, setting a global standard for cutting edge research that is accelerating programs to prevent, control, and cure cancer. a major regional and national resource for cancer research, treatment, prevention, education, and community engagement.

► The HOPE Portal

This site is developed by Children’s Hospital Los Angeles for finding resources and information about childhood cancer, blood disorders, and other rare diseases or conditions.

► The National Cancer Institute

As the leader of the cancer research enterprise, collectively known as the National Cancer Program, and the largest funder of cancer research in the world, NCI manages a broad range of research, training, and information dissemination activities that reach across the entire country, meeting the needs of all demographics—rich and poor, urban and rural, and all racial/ethnic populations.

► LIVESTRONG

A not-for-profit organization providing resources and services for patients with cancer, including AYAs.

► Teen Cancer America

A not-for-profit organization aiming to educate and support medical institutions and health care professionals in the development of specialized AYA cancer care units.

► Stupid Cancer (The I’m Too Young for This! Cancer Foundation)

The nation’s largest online support community for AYAs affected by cancer. In addition to providing resources for AYAs with cancer, this organization holds conferences and podcasts and hosts a peer-to-peer matching app.

► 13Thirty Cancer Connect

National non-profit organization dedicated to helping teens and young adults living with cancer. This site contains teen-oriented resources designed to help teens cope with their disease and treatment and connect with other teens on the same ride.

► Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults

Grassroots organization dedicated to supporting, educating, connecting, and empowering AYA cancer patients and survivors.

► Cactus Cancer Society

Cactus Cancer Society is a nonprofit organization providing online support programs to young adult cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.

► Smart Patients Young Adults Community

Provides online community and financial assistance for young adults ages 18-30 affected by cancer.

► Dear Jack Foundation

Provides quality of life programming that directly benefits adolescent and young adult cancer patients, survivors and their families. Program includes 1 to 1 patient outreach, peer support groups, meditation, life list grant, etc.

► CancerCare – Young Adults

Online counseling services and support groups. Face-to-Face groups only in NYC.

► Escape

Escape’s mission is to provide a sense of Escape for LGBTQIA+ Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients, Survivors, and Caregivers.

► Cancerversity

Provides information, support, and inclusivity for young women of color and caregivers coping with the adversities of Young Adult cancer.

► Young Adult Cancer Connection

Offers emotional and clinical resources, workshop recaps, and peer connection.

► Critical Mass

An alliance of organizations dedicated to enhancing services for YAs impacted by cancer.

► The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is at the forefront of the fight to cure cancer.

► SeventyK

Educating patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers about the unique needs of the AYA cancer patient.

► Society for Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology

Advancing AYA cancer care through research, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration with health professionals.

+ Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment

► The American Cancer Society

This website outlines the different types of cancer, causes, risks, prevention, and diagnosis.

► The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Cancer treatment can be complex, but these pages will describe your options in easy-to-understand terms. You will learn about choosing a blood cancer specialist, understanding lab and imaging tests, making treatment decisions, managing side effects, when to consider complementary and alternative therapies, and more.

► National Cancer Institute

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, finding a doctor and a treatment facility for your cancer care is an important step to getting the best treatment possible.

► National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

NCCIH is the Federal Government’s lead agency for scientific research on the diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine.

► National Comprehensive Cancer Network

A guide of cancer staging. If you have cancer, your doctors will want to know the extent of its growth. Cancer staging is a rating by your doctors of the extent of cancer-based on tests.

► US National Institutes of Health

Registry and results database of publicly and privately supported clinical studies.

► Young Survival Coalition

Provides online support and local meetups to young adults with breast cancer.

► Tigerlily Foundation

Provides education, awareness, advocacy and hands-on support to young women ages 15-45 before, during and after breast cancer.

► 5Under40

Provides medical, wellness, educational, and beauty services to women under 40 who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or have a BRCA mutation.

► Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology

Latest research in the new AYA-oncology field – Not all articles are available to the public, but some are fully available at no cost.

► NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Caring for Adolescents and Young Adults

Comprehensive guidelines for young adults diagnosed with and navigating cancer.

+ Fertility

►USC Fertility

A world renowned team of physicians dedicated to providing cutting edge fertility treatments since 1986 and has helped thousands of couples achieve their dreams of having a healthy baby. This clinic offers all aspects of infertility care, from basic evaluative testing to insemination techniques, to complex IVF techniques with innovative stimulation regimens and novel approaches to embryo transfer, egg donation and gestational surrogacy.

► Alliance for Fertility Preservation

A cancer charity working to The Alliance is made up of a team of professionals who have chosen to join together to advance the field of fertility preservation. Their members are recognized leaders with expertise in all aspects of fertility preservation including, oncology, reproductive endocrinology, urology, psychology, oncology nursing, and reproductive law.

► Cancer.org

Discussion of the fertility options for men before and after cancer treatment.

► American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)

This guide helps start the discussion about fertility preservation, introduces the risks of infertility from cancer and its treatment, and provides questions to ask the health care team.

► LIVESTRONG Fertility Program

LIVESTRONG Fertility is a LIVESTRONG initiative dedicated to providing reproductive information, support, and hope to cancer patients and survivors whose medical treatments present the risk of infertility.

► Hope for Two…The Pregnant with Cancer Network

Free support for women diagnosed with cancer while pregnant.

► The Oncofertility Consortium

Research group dedicated to exploring the relationships between health, disease, survivorship, and fertility preservation in young cancer patients. The site includes information on fertility options and a map of oncofertility centers across the United States.

► Verna’s Purse

ReproTech, Ltd., strives to make fertility preservation services available to all individuals who are facing fertility threatening treatment.They are a financial assistance program for patients with economic challenges.

► HRC Fertility

One of the largest providers of advanced fertility treatments in the United States. They offer fertility testing and a wide range of reproductive treatments. Offices in Encino, Fullerton, Laguna Hills, Newport Beach, Oceanside, Pasadena, Westlake Village, and West Los Angeles.

► National Cancer Institute: Self-Image And Sexuality

At this link, the NCI examines sexuality and reproductive issues as affected by cancer.

► Fertile Action

Educates those affected by cancer about fertility preservation options, offers peer support, and provides grants to reduce costs.

► MyOncoFertility

Educates patients and caregivers about cancer’s impact on fertility and provides self-advocacy tips.

+ Help in Coping with Emotions

► The LIFE Cancer Survivorship & Transition Program

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles provides services that help empower cancer survivors to embrace their future as healthy and fulfilled individuals.

► Elephants and Tea

Elephants and Tea is a media company with the mission to help adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients, survivors and caregivers know they are not alone in their fight with cancer. The Elephant in the room is cancer. Tea is the relief conversation provides.

► The HOPE Program

Coordinates a complete range of culturally sensitive psychosocial services and educational activities for young people with cancer or blood diseases, their families, professionals, and the community; and provides leadership and coordination in psychosocial health outcomes research.

► The Image Enhancement Center

Stress…chemotherapy…radiation therapy… fatigue. Unfortunately, these facets of treatment are only too familiar to patients coping with cancer. Yet there is a place to ease the challenges posed by cancer treatment: The Image Enhancement Center at USC Norris Cancer Hospital.

► Planet Cancer

An online community of young adults between the ages of 20-30 with cancer.

► Stupid Cancer

A non-profit organization that empowers young adults affected by cancer through innovative and award-winning programs and services.

► Cancer Support Community

This organization based in LA and offers support that involves individual and group counseling, educational workshops and mind-body classes.

► The LIVESTRONG Young Adult

A coalition of organizations with the goal to improve the survival rates and quality of life for young adults with cancer between the ages of 15-40.

► Facing Our Risk

You will find information on local (Los Angeles) efforts to provide information, support, awareness, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

► weSPARK

An organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients, their families, and friends. weSPARK provides, free of charge, multiple services designed to heal the mind, body, and spirit of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer.

► GRYT Health

GRYT Health is an award-winning, mobile app-based social community founded by cancer survivors and caregivers who wanted to create a more human approach to helping people live on their own terms.

► Cancer.net: Parenting While Living With Cancer

A quick article containing tips about how to cope with cancer while taking care of yourself and your family.

► Lisa’s Army

Gives comfort packages to people undergoing cancer treatment.

► I Had Cancer

Offers peer connection and discussion forums to young adult cancer patients and survivors.

► Cancer Hope Network

Matches individuals with cancer and their caregivers with trained volunteer survivors.

► Spero

An app that connects people with cancer with others who have a similar diagnosis.

► Instapeer

An app that provides peer-matching for people with cancer who are of similar age and diagnosis.

► CaringBridge

Provides an online platform to keep family and friends informed of healthcare updates.

+ Assistance in Changing Behaviors to Feel Better

► USC Occupational Therapy

The Occupational Therapy Practice ensures recovery from medical or surgical procedures, maximizes functional activity, minimizes the impact of illness or injury on daily activities, promotes adaptation and resiliency to life-changing health conditions and improves acute care outcomes.

► USC Physical Therapy

Cancer treatment can cause physical impairments that impact your quality of life and ability to function. Obtaining physical therapy during or after cancer treatment can make the recovery process less painful more effective and can speed up recovery time so you regain function faster. USC Physical Therapy Associates provides all patients with a personalized plan of care that addresses the deficits and side effects caused by cancer treatments.

► The National Comprehensive Cancer Network

There are several options for getting back into exercising for cancer patients and survivors.

► Cancer Coach Chris

A cancer survivor dedicates his time to highlight the correlation between nutrition, exercise and cancer healing. His website has related articles, guidelines, and routines to help guide cancer patients and survivors towards a healthier life.

► CancerNutrition.com

Cancer Nutrition is dedicated to helping cancer patients maintain a healthy diet once diagnosed with cancer and after treatment.

► LIVESTRONG

The nutrition necessary for cancer patients and the do’s and don’ts of what to eat.

► Cancer.net

Review of current evidence regarding the relationship between diet and cancer.

► Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Services

A program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is a state-certified aiming to reduce alcohol and drug-related harm in an outpatient approach. They serve youth ages 10-17 and young adults ages 18-25 by offering education and support to their families and significant others. They have an innovative approach to prevention, treatment, and recovery demonstrated by best practices in adolescent addiction medicine.

► Phil’s Friends

Sends free care packages to people with cancer

► Cleaning for a Reason

Provides free house cleaning services once a month for four months for women undergoing cancer treatment

► AYA@USC Annual Getaway Retreat

With the generosity of the Audrey Irmas Foundation for Social Justice, we will be able to bring together young adult patients and survivors along with their loved one to create a supportive community, learn new talent and skills, enjoy entertainers and comedians, or just hang out in a relaxing, healing and beautiful setting.

+ Managing Disruptions in Work, School, and Family life

► The Patient Education and Community Outreach Center (PEOC)

PEOC is a state-of-the-art facility with print and electronic cancer education and resource materials devoted to patients, their families and community members seeking information on cancer. The center also provides outreach activities and conducts informational programs relevant to the communities it serves.

► LIVESTRONG

This section of the LIVESTRONG website discusses the difficulties of dating while having cancer or afterward.

► Imerman Angels

A platform matches and pairs a person touched by cancer with someone who has fought and survived the same type of cancer.

► Cancer Dating Service

A community of cancer survivors, singles battling cancer and people ready for lasting relationships.

► American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society outlines how to care for a patient with cancer at home.

► Cancer And Careers

A resource on cancer in the workplace, including tips for interviewing, what your employer can and can’t do, fashion and beauty tips, and career coaches to help you through work-related transitions.

► First Descents

First Descents offers young adults free outdoor adventure experiences designed to empower them to climb, paddle and surf beyond their diagnosis, defy their cancer, reclaim their lives and connect with others along the way.

► EduMed

EduMed connects students with expert-driven information about education, training, and financial aid opportunities in healthcare and medical support. They help students living with (or recovering from) cancer learn effective strategies for doing well in school while dealing with the common mental, physical and emotional side effects of the disease.

+ Financial Assistance

► David Andrew Pooh Maddan Foundation

A foundation provides financial assistance to young adults diagnosed with cancer.

► Cancer for College

This website assists cancer survivors in reaching their goal of a college education by providing scholarships in various amounts.

► Cancer Care

An organization provides assistance for cancer related costs, child care, home care, transportation to treatments, etc.

► CFAC

A coalition of organizations that help cancer patients manage their financial challenges.

► Cancer and Careers

A resource database for financial assistance to those with cancer.

► Livestrong.org

Resource for health care planning, help with finances, employment and assistance programs.

► The Samfund

Provides support to young adults who are struggling financially because of cancer through direct financial assistance and free online support.

► DAM-Cancer Foundation

Provides financial grants to young adult cancer patients ages 18-35.

► Allyson Whitney Foundation

Provides grants to young adults at the ages of 16-36 who are currently undergoing treatment or recently finished protocol. Grants help cover unanticipated expenses including transportation, hotels, rent, medical expenses, fertility options, integrative therapies, wigs, etc.

► Hope for Young Adults with Cancer

Provides resources and direct financial support for young adults ages 18-40.

► Sy’s Fund

Helps young adults ages 18-39 by funding their passions, pursuits, and hobbies as well as integrative therapies such as acupuncture, reflexology, and therapeutic massage.

► L.I.F.E.

Provides financial assistance for young adults between 18-30 who have received cancer treatment and are in financial need.

► Nicki Leach Foundation

Provides financial support for researches leading to new discoveries for young adult cancers and provides an educational grant awarded to one young adult per year.

► Alex’s Lemonade Stand – Travel for Care Program

Provides financial assistance needed to travel to treatment for patients under 21 and with original diagnosis age below 18.

► Cuck Fancer

Provides financial assistance to young adults (18-29) within five years of diagnosis.

► Patient Advocate Foundation

Provides co-pay assistance and scholarship program for survivors under age of 25 who have been diagnosed with or treated for cancer, a chronic or life-threatening disease within the past 5 years.

► My Hometown Heroes

Provides college scholarships for young adult cancer survivors (17-39).

► Cancer Survivors' Fund

Awards four levels of scholarships to assist with college expenses for young cancer survivors. Provides financial assistance for prosthetic limbs as well.

► Andre Sobel River of Life Foundation

Awards four levels of scholarships to assist with college expenses for young cancer survivors. Provides financial assistance for prosthetic limbs as well.

► Brian Morden Foundation

Awards a scholarship to student pursuing major in either music, technology, or medicine – cancer survivors given special consideration.

► The Michael A. Hunter Memorial Scholarship

Awards secondary education scholarships to Leukemia/Lymphoma patients and/or children of non-surviving Leukemia/Lymphoma patients.

► National Collegiate Cancer Foundation (NCCF)

The General Scholarship Program supports young adult cancer survivors and current patients between 18-35 pursuing an associate, bachelor, master’s, doctorate or certificate at an accredited college, university or vocational institute.

► The Simon Cancer Foundation

Provides scholarship to cancer patients and survivors enrolled in a 4 year university or college.

+ Camps, Retreats, Adventure Programs

► AYA@USC Annual Getaway Retreat

With the generosity of the Audrey Irmas Foundation for Social Justice, we will be able to bring together young adult patients and survivors along with their loved one to create a supportive community, learn new talent and skills, enjoy entertainers and comedians, or just hang out in a relaxing, healing and beautiful setting.

► First Descents

Free adventure trips for young adults (18-39) affected by cancer.

► True North Treks

Offers wilderness treks for young adult survivors and caregivers.

► Athletes for Cancer

Adventure trips for young adults affected by cancer.

► Send It Foundation

Provides outdoor adventures for young adult cancer fighters and survivors.

► Camp Mak-A-Dream

Offers Montana-based retreats for children, teens, young adults and siblings of those affected by cancer.

► The Cassie Hines Shoe Foundation

Provides a weekend-camp and social support for those who received cancer diagnosis between 16-30. Connects to other camps as well.

► Camp Simcha

Offers a free program to people between the ages of 6-20 in or out of treatment for cancer

► Survive and Thrive Cancer Programs

Offers adventure expeditions to young adults affected by cancer. **Cost associated with this program.

+ Body Image Support

► Look Good, Feel Better

Boosting self-esteem of individuals going through cancer through instructive beauty workshops focused on managing cancer’s more transparent side-effects.

► Body Image Support Groups at UChicago

• Look Good, Feel Better o Groups meet the first Monday of every month at 10:00 a.m. in the DCAM building room #1005. To register, call 1-877-824-0660.

• Facing the Mirror with Cancer o For more information or to schedule a session, call Lori Ovitz at 1-312-214-3545.

► J Crager Alternatives

Located at 3950 N. Avondale, Chicago, IL 60641. Provides consultations for hair support and wigs.

► Chrysalis Custom Hair

Located at 3015 West Roscoe, Chicago, IL 60618. Provides free consultation. Wig and skin products at private salon designated for cancer patients.

► Lindi Skin

Skin care products designed for individuals undergoing cancer treatment.

+ Career and Legal Assistance

► Cancer and Careers

Providing tools and resources for those working during and post cancer treatment.

► Disability Rights Legal Center

Provides information and education about cancer-related legal issues to the public through its toll-free national telephone assistance line and webinars.

► Patient Advocate Foundation

Provides legal counseling regarding access to care, job retention, and medical debt for those with cancer.

+ Transportation and Housing Assistance

► Corporate Angel Network

Offers free empty seats on corporate jets for those with cancer traveling to an accredited treatment center.

► Joe’s House

List of discounted accommodation near hospitals for those affected by cancer.

+ Free Gifts and Services for Cancer Patients

► Brushes with Cancer

A program that matches artists with those touched by those touched by cancer to creatively portray their story.

Chicago-based program: https://applytodayforbrusheswithcancer.splashthat.com/

► 3 Little Birds 4 Life

Grants wishes to young adults ages 18-40 with any type of cancer at any stage.

► Wish Upon a Wedding

Grants weddings or vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness or serious life-changing circumstances.

► Craig Willinger Fund

Grants trips to see soccer matches for teens and young adults (10-25) with a cancer diagnosis.

► Phil’s Friends

Sends care packages to individuals with cancer.

► Good Wishes

Provides one free scarf or wrap to anyone experiencing hair thinning or loss due to illness and/or treatment.

+ AYA Books and Blogs

► Terminally Illin’

Kaylin Andres artistically depicts her experience with cancer as a 23-year-old in this clever comic book.

► Everything Changes: The Insider’s Guide to Cancer in your 20’s and 30’s

Kairol Rosenthal offers advice and stories from 25 young adults with cancer.

► Blog: Texting with Cancer

Natalie Sun documents her breast cancer diagnosis at age 25 through an optimistic and pessimistic texting conversation.

► Planet Cancer: The Frequently Bizarre Yet Always Informative Experiences and Thoughts of Your Fellow Natives

Compilation of essays by young adults impacted by cancer. Planet Cancer is now a Livestrong initiative.

► The Courage Club: A Radical Guide for Audaciously Living Beyond Cancer

Katie Campbell describes her own young adult cancer experience and presents ways in which she found meaning in life with cancer.