Young Adults

Children with cancer and their families, caregivers, young adults, healthcare professionals and researchers related to childhood cancer

To change the lives of children with cancer through funding impactful research, raising awareness, supporting families, and empowering everyone to help cure childhood cancer.

• Travel For Care Program offers financial assistance to eligible families for travel for childhood cancer treatment at medical institutions in the U.S. and Canada.  Patient must be diagnosed by age 18 and be under 21 and in active oncology treatment following a relapse, or enrolling in or currently participating in a clinical trial for active oncology treatment or a treatment innovation not available at their local institution. Applications must be submitted by a social worker or medical representative. 
• Childhood Cancer Treatment Journal is a free treatment organizer for families of childhood cancer to help parents keep track of important treatment information.
• Ambassadors Program involves family members and friends of a childhood cancer hero who choose to get more involved with ALSF.
• My Childhood Cancer: Survey Series aims to better understand how childhood cancer affects families.
• SuperSibs Programs aim to comfort, encourage and empower siblings during their family’s battle against childhood cancer.
• Offers a free guide for education professionals to help patients, their siblings, and classmates cope with a diagnosis or death in their school community.

Patients ages 18-50 who are having a bone marrow transplant in the U.S.

Provides encouragement, positivity, and hope to patients who are starting their bone marrow transplants by giving them a box of handwritten inspirational cards, notes, and other items during this physically and emotionally challenging time.

Young adult cancer community between the ages of 15-39 and their support networks.

To improve the quality of life and health outcomes of young adults with cancer through programs that promote and strengthen connections between young adults and their communities of support.

• b-aware provides young adults the education they need before a friend is diagnosed, so they feel empowered to be strong supporters when the need arises.
• b-there provides resources post-diagnosis to ensure young adults feel connected and supported throughout treatment and beyond.
• b-there app allows survivors and friends to connect, coordinate visits, and manage wish list.  
   

Young cancer survivors who are parents or guardians of small children

To provide young cancer survivors who are parents of small children with a safe space for individual and familial healing, recovery, and reconnection.

• Offers a variety of virtual support groups and programs 
• Offers “Bright Box” art project kits to families with children 10 years old and younger
• Provides free age-appropriate books about dealing with big emotions, cancer and illness, and grief and loss, to the children of parents going through cancer
• Provides small grants to families/parents/caregivers in need. Priority is given to families with a child 6 years old and under (including those diagnosed while pregnant) where a parent or child’s primary caregiver is in active treatment or is a recent survivor (within 6 months of last treatment)
   

Young adult cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers, ages 18 to 39

To encourage, empower and connect young adult cancer survivors and caregivers (formerly Lacuna Loft)

• Provides online support programs
• Lifestyle information and resources
• Creative workshops, writing group, Speaker Series, and more.

Patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals impacted by cancer in the U.S.

Cancer Commons is a non-profit network of patients, physicians, and scientists united by a shared goal to optimize each patient’s outcome and maximize collective learning to benefit the next patient.

• Navigators and oncology experts will review a patient’s current care, explore options for further testing and/or treatment plans, and offer personally curated resources and options with no charge for services. 

People affected by cancer in the U.S. and Canada

To provide support, education and hope to people affected by cancer; to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community.

• Offers support through a network of more than 52 local affiliates and 175 locations
• Cancer Support Helpline® - offers resources and emotional support via phone or live chat, and is staffed by licensed mental health professionals
• MyLifeLine - create a private, personal webpage to help keep family and friends stay involved and informed
• Frankly Speaking About Cancer® – education series that provides trusted information on a variety of topics important to people affected by cancer; information is available in a variety of formats
• Virtual Home - resources to connect you to education, support, and action opportunities to enhance your health and well-being from the comfort of your computer
• Open to Options – provides general information about clinical trials, helps patients identify important questions about treatment options and decisions based upon personal needs
• CancerSupportSource® - a tool that assesses distress in key areas (such as sleep, nutrition, worry about the future) and provides referral and follow-up care for all patients
• Cancer Experience Registry - a unique online community that brings people impacted by cancer together to make their voices heard, connect with each other, share experiences, learn from and help others
• Cancer Transitions – an evidence-based programs for cancer survivors who have completed their treatment (in partnership with LIVESTRONG)
   

Adolescent and young adult cancer patients and survivors

To guide young adults with cancer to social support programs and services that can help them manage their mental healing as well as their physical battle.

• Survivorship program in Northern Michigan consists of 6 days of adventure-based learning at no cost
• Travel Assistance for young adults to attend an approved survivorship program in the US
• Annual Base2Summit Scholarship for a Michigan resident who is accepted to an accredited school of higher learning; see website for details
• Lists a variety of survivorship resources related to support, finances, legal, etc.

Pediatric (age 4 and up) and adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in the US

To offer support and encouragement to cancer patients in treatment

• Volunteers send cards and uplifting messages to cancer patients via postal mail
• Website provides links to patient resources.

Children with cancer and their families in Canada

To create victories for Canadian children with cancer through investment in national, collaborative, lifesaving research, empowering education and community programs.

• Provides information and support for families of newly diagnosed children plus special events.
• Offers an emergency fund to children and young adult patients and families experiencing financial hardship. 
• Provides scholarships for childhood cancer survivors.
• Offers a benevolent fund to assist with funeral expenses.
   

Kids and young adult cancer patients/survivors ages 3-26

Connecting kids and young adults by teaming them up with a mentor or friend in a profession/field they are interested in or who shares their interests.

• In-person and virtual programs
• Activity kits provided

Young adult cancer patients and survivors in the US

To provide impactful programming benefiting adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer; to improve quality of life; to create positive health outcomes from treatment to survivorship.

• Breathe Now program is a yoga retreat for survivors ages 21 to 39 years (1 to 3 years from active treatment) and their partners (who were with them during treatment).  Includes healthy eating and sessions with a social worker to help couples get back to a balanced relationship and away from being patient and caregiver.
• LifeList program is for 18-39 year old patients, currently undergoing treatment for a difficult cancer diagnosis, to make a wish list of positive activities, items and/or adventures.  Includes the opportunity to connect with others who have experienced similar journeys. 

Adolescent and young adult cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals worldwide

To help adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients, survivors, and caregivers know they are not alone in their fight with cancer

• Provides a free quarterly print magazine and online site with stories and experiences written by young adult cancer patients and survivors
• Offers digital programs and events to bring the AYA community together to interact and empower each other
• Collaborates with AYA organizations across the US.

Young adult cancer survivors between the ages of 21 and 39, finished with active treatment and live in the U.S. (no legal resident status required)

Expect Miracles Foundation's Samfund Grants Program supports young adult cancer survivors in the U.S. as they recover from the financial impact of cancer treatment. Through direct financial assistance, in-person, and online support, Expect Miracles Foundation helps young adults move forward towards their personal, professional, and educational goals.

• Grants cover a wide range of post-treatment financial needs (must be related to the cancer experience), such as car payments and repair, rent/mortgage supplementation, dental, cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, continuing education expenses, laptops, utilities, family-building expenses, and basic needs such as groceries and gas
• Applications are offered twice each year in the Spring and Fall (usually around January and September) 
• Webinars and other resources provide information on a range of Young Adult issues and challenges including dealing with medical debt, employment, insurance, and fertility.
   

Young adult cancer survivors and caregivers between the ages of 18 to 45

To provide free, life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions.

• Offers various levels of adventure programs such as whitewater kayaking, rock climbing or surfing. All food, lodging, gear and instruction are included with the activity.  Travel scholarships may be available.
   

Rare disease caregivers, military/veterans and their families, and other communities in need

To create resilient communities by improving mental health and emotional wellbeing, one hour at a time.

• Free individual mental health counseling services for military service members, veterans, and their loved ones. Services are donated by community mental health professionals.
• 1:1 Peer Support and Group Peer Support for the military community, as well as rare disease caregivers and individuals affected by interpersonal and community violence.

Adult cancer survivors, caregivers, and family members

Healthy Ukulele exists to provide all adults who are impacted by cancer's challenges with the fun of music and learning the ukulele in the hawaiian style. Provides free virtual live group ukulele classes.

Cancer patients 18 and older, caregivers, healthcare professionals in the U.S.

To support the emotional and physical needs of cancer survivors, patients in treatment, and caregivers by providing therapeutic arts and wellness programs that celebrate the power of self-expression and self-healing to cultivate strength, renew spirit, and foster hope.

• Offers virtual/online national programs and in-person programs in Greensboro, NC

Cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers in the U.S.

To inspire and empower people affected by cancer; to provide support to guide people through the cancer experience, bring them together to fight cancer—and work for a world in which their fight is no longer necessary.

• Provides free, confidential, one-on-one support to anyone affected by cancer, not just patients, through education, guidance, and referrals.
• Offers The LIVESTRONG Guidebook and other materials to help cancer patients and survivors as they navigate the health care system.
• Additional resources include a prescription discount card, cancer-focused education resources for teachers/families, and cancer survivor exercise programs through the YMCA. 
• LIVESTRONG Fertility - Dedicated to providing reproductive information, resources and financial support to survivors whose cancer and its treatment presents risks to their fertility.

Caregivers to children with cancer, healthcare professionals

To help empower, inform, and heal caregivers of children diagnosed with cancer through peer support and evidence-based programs.

• Provides online communities for parents seeking peer connections
• Retreat program offers a weekend of self-care,  peer connecting and the opportunity to develop the tools to obtain balanced living in the aftermath of a pediatric cancer diagnosis
• Caregiver Coffee Breaks empower a parent to build an in-person or virtual peer support community
• In-hospital support groups available in certain geographic areas
• Connects caregivers to patient family engagement opportunities and approved caregiver studies.

Young adult cancer patients ages 18-24 in the US

To provide enrichment opportunities and encouragement to young adult cancer patients

• Apply online to request a wish for respite, travel, technology or other needs.

Patients and caregivers

To empower people who are suffering with life-altering diseases by giving them the most comprehensive and up-to-date guides to treatment and facilities for their disease free of charge.

• Provides free educational materials, written for ease of understanding, in print and online.

Children and adolescents whose parent/guardian has cancer (US, Canada, and International)

To provide free peer-to-peer support and resources to kids affected by their parent or guardian’s cancer.

• In-person and virtual programs that support the wellbeing of kids of adult cancer patients
• "How to Talk to Kids About Cancer" kits and webinars
• Resource navigation for parents and caregivers on navigating cancer with kids at home

Children and teens age 21 or younger, worldwide, battling a life-threatening or life-limiting physical, mental or emotional medical challenge

To provide uplifting songs for children and teens currently facing tough medical, physical or emotional challenges.

• Creates an original, personalized song, free of charge, based on the child’s interests and favorite music.

Children and teens with chronic or life-threatening medical conditions in the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Israel, Australia, New Zealand; teens ages 13-20 with medical issues worldwide and their teen siblings

Partners with experts to create programs that help brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families.

• Partner facilities offer in-hospital programs such as parties and entertainment
• Check with your child’s treatment center to see if a Starlight Comfort Kit is available (backpack filled with toys, games, books).

Young adult cancer patients and survivors, caregivers

To empower, support, and improve health outcomes for the young adult cancer community

• Offers CancerCon - an annual 4-day gathering which includes informational workshops, educational breakout sessions, group discussions, networking opportunities, and social activities
• Organizes meet-ups - volunteer-hosted social gatherings of local groups of survivors
• Hosts the Stupid Cancer Show - a YouTube Channel featuring interviews with survivors, informational episodes, and radio show content
• Offers an online community including regional Facebook groups, online forums, blogs, and social media
• Stupid Cancer Summit: free, one-time events hosted at cancer centers to share information, provide resources, and bring together the local young adult survivor community
• Lists other organizations that provide financial, legal, reproductive, and other assistance.

Teens and young adults with cancer, survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals

To improve the experience, outcomes, and survival of teens and young adults with cancer by providing facilities and programs designed especially for them in hospitals across the USA.

• Partners with hospitals around the country to provide strategic guidance to establish specialized facilities and services for the teenage and young adult cancer community
• Offers stories, videos, a newsletter, and list of resources through the website.

Cancer and transplant patients and families, caregivers, survivors

To improve the quality of life for cancer and transplant patients and their families by providing vital financial assistance, comprehensive resources, educational information, physician referrals, and emotional support programs.

• CancerBuddy provides a user-friendly digital experience to help people affected by cancer across the US find buddies, share experiences and resources, provide support, and build a supportive community of peers
• Clinical Care Counseling provides confidential individual and family supportive counseling, financial guidance and resource referrals for cancer, transplant patients, and family members
• Patient Navigators provide guidance and support to anyone faced with a cancer diagnosis or needing a bone marrow transplant
• Ask the Expert enables individuals to anonymously pose questions concerning transplantation and to have them answered by transplant specialists
• Lifeline Fund provides financial support to help cover the costs of donor searches, medications, home and child care services, medical equipment, transportation, cord blood banking, housing costs and other expenses associated with transplant
• Carelines provides social media tools for crowdfunding, journaling and a volunteer task calendar for anyone with a cancer diagnosis or receiving a bone marrow, stem cell or cord blood transplant 
• Your Transplant Journey Handbook provides comprehensive transplant information and resources
   

Cancer survivors, caregivers, and healthcare providers wanting to share their story (English and Spanish)

To humanize every cancer diagnosis by helping to improve quality of life and health outcomes.

• Provides cancer survivors a chance to share their stories with those who need that help the most, empowering them to help turn their experiences into something positive.
• Provides a community to connect with others who are navigating life with a cancer diagnosis.
   

Adolescents and young adults facing childhood cancer ages 13-25

Produced by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Together by St. Jude is an online resource providing information and education for adolescents and young adults facing cancer, no matter where the patient receives treatment. The website offers trusted information, practical resources, and shared stories of hope and healing.

• Website is offered in multiple languages

Young adult cancer survivors ages 18 to 39 and their caregivers in the United States. (some programs available for survivors who were diagnosed and treated for cancer between 18-39 years of age, but are now "Next Level" (e.g., 40 or older)

To empower teens and young adults with cancer, and those who care for them, to live longer, healthier, and more meaningful lives through free backpacking and canoeing treks in beautiful wilderness destinations.

• Please see website for specific trek information, application details and fundraising requirements
• Participation may include additional outdoor activities, mindfulness meditation and yoga
• Bilingual, "All Latine" trek for Latine young adult survivors.
   

Cancer survivors, previvors (individuals who are genetically predisposed to cancer), and caregivers

Twist Out Cancer provides psychosocial support to cancer survivors and their loved ones through creative arts programming. We are a global community that enables anyone touched by cancer to connect, create, support and inspire. 

• Virtual and in-person programming throughout the United States and various other countries.
• Brushes with Cancer: Program that matches those touched by cancer with artists to create a unique piece of artwork that reflects on their journey with cancer.
• Twistshops: Art therapy-focused workshops that promote healing, relaxation, and emotional recovery.
• Podcast featuring stories of extraordinary artists and courageous individuals who have been touched by cancer.

Young adults aged 15 - 39 who are affected by cancer through their own diagnosis or that of a loved one

To change lives by creating a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, impacted by cancer.

• Offers programs and services providing cancer support, information on health and wellness, advocacy, and education specific to young adults dealing with cancer
• Promotes awareness through exercise programs to empower individuals in the fight against cancer through active lifestyles
• Provides financial assistance navigation and local support services in the Baltimore, MD and Washington, DC areas

Parents with serious illness, their children, and healthcare professionals who serve them in the US, Canada, and internationally.

To provide free, professional support for children and teenagers through a parent’s serious illness or injury, so that they can reach their full potential.

• Offers an educational & coping curriculum which addresses a child’s wonders and alleviates their worries when their parent is diagnosed with a serious illness or injury. Delivered through parent and professional apps (W&W2GO), podcasts, webinars, and other online materials which are free and available in 175 countries.
• Provides parent and professional consultation via national helpline along with local in-person Texas-based services.
• Offers an international directory of child life specialists and licensed mental health professionals whose fees vary.
• Provides professional education, credentialing opportunities, and training materials.

Young adult cancer survivors diagnosed between ages 18 and 45, co-survivors and family members

YASU provides support for young adult cancer survivors and their co-survivors with virtual programming outreached on a national level, providing emotional, spiritual, and social support under professional guidance and with peers who understand and can relate.

• Offers virtual (national) and in-person (Pittsburgh) support programs to young adult cancer survivors and co-survivors
• Special groups for LGBTQ+, caregivers, and grief support for family members
• Offers additional financial assistance and respite trips for eligible members