There are a growing number of organizations dedicated to helping young adult cancer fighters and survivors. We have grouped these organizations according to what they do below and highlighted those that are in Michigan with a mitten.
American Cancer Society
Everyone’s heard of the American Cancer Society, what you may not realize is they have plenty of information for
a young adult cancer patient and survivor. Just scroll the tabs on the top of the page to find a wealth of
topics anywhere from research and treatment to support and heathy tips.
If you have a specific need, find the search bar and start typing, you’ll be surprised what pops up!
The Anti-Cancer Club
The mission of the Anti-Cancer Club is to give you hope and inspiration. You can take charge of your care, treatment and recovery. The site is loaded with blogs and links to articles that will help you take charge of your life!
Cancer.net
Cancer.Net provides timely, comprehensive, oncologist-approved information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), with support from the Conquer Cancer Foundation. Cancer.Net brings the expertise and resources of ASCO to people living with cancer and those who care for and about them to help patients and families make informed health care decisions.
Camp Kesem
Camp Kesem operates free summer camps for children who have been touched by a parent’s cancer. There are camps throughout the U.S. The University or Michigan and Michigan State University are among the locations.
To apply: http://campkesem.org/camper-application
Main page: http://campkesem.org
CancerCare.org
CancerCare provides free, professional support services for young adults affected by cancer, as well as cancer information and additional resources.
Cancer to 5k
A free, 12 week training program designed to introduce cancer survivors to physical activity by providing them
with the engagement, guidance and support necessary to complete a 5K distance run. If you are living in an area
without a training team choose the “At Home” team and enjoy the same support virtually.
(Cancer to 5K is a division of The Ulman Cancer Fund)
CaringBridge
Caring Bridge is a nonprofit organization providing free websites that connect families and friends with each
other and their community during a serious health event, care, and recovery.
Cancer Knowledge Network (CKN)
CKN offers its readers a tangible, practical way of living with cancer, from beginning to end.
Chemo Bites
Chemo Bites offers gift boxes for purchase. These boxes are artfully presented and filled with hand-picked,
nutritious and tasty snacks.
Children with Hair Loss (CWHL)
Children with Hair Loss (CWHL) is a Michigan based non-profit supplying those UNDER 21 with wigs and smiles. CWHL was created as a resource for ALL CHILDREN who have medically-related hair loss. It is our mission to empower these children to become whole again by making hair replacement available to those who may be financially challenged and might otherwise not have a means of obtaining the hair they want and need.
Cook For Your Life
Healthy recipes for people touched by cancer.
Critical Mass
Critical Mass is a gathering of the best minds – scientists, doctors, advocates and patients – in a
collaborative effort to offer resources that AYAs will find useful to survive and thrive.
Fertile Action
Fertile Action is an organization that helps women touched by cancer become mothers through education,
advocacy and financial aid for fertility preservation.
Fertile Hope
Fertile Hope is a LiveStrong initiative dedicated to providing reproductive information, support and hope to
cancer patients and survivors whose medical treatment presents the risk of infertility.
Group Loop
Group Loop is a safe (and fun!) online community where teens affected by cancer can meet and connect with
each other to build social and emotional support, and to regain a sense of control over their lives.
Additionally, Group Loop provides educational information about cancer, and tools to cope with the
anticipated changes in relationships and day-to-day activities due to a cancer diagnosis. Plus, it’s free to
use!
Healing and Cancer Foundation
This international organization is based in Canada and not specific to young adults. They endorse
‘integrated cancer care’ which means getting the best of scientifically-proven medical care and combining it
with wisdom-based healing practices.
I’m a Cancer Killer – The Becca Foundation
The Becca Foundation is designed with young adults as its focus. Learn how to start your own support group
with great advice from I’m a Cancer Killer.
Life with Cancer
Life with Cancer’s mission is to enhance the quality of life of those affected by cancer by providing
education, information and support.
My Life Line
MyLifeLine.org is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that encourages cancer patients and caregivers to
create free, customized websites. Their mission is to empower patients to build an online support community
of family and friends to foster connection, inspiration, and healing.
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
NCI is loaded with cancer information and research including a section specific to young adults. Get tips to
cope with your cancer battle.
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
NCCS’s mission is to advocate for quality cancer care for all people touched by cancer. They offer advice
from the time of diagnosis through survivorship.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
This is a national resource designed to help in your fight against cancer. Although much of the website is
research, webinars and information for medical personnel, there is an excellent online Guide for Patients
specific to adolescents and young adult.
Stupid Cancer
Stupid Cancer proudly supports a global network of patients, survivors, caregivers, providers and advocates
to ensure that no one affected by young adult cancer goes unaware.
Survive & Thrive Cancer Programs
Survive & Thrive uses adventure expeditions, film, healthy living and education to encourage and inspire
those touched by a cancer diagnosis.
Teens Living with Cancer
The efforts of Melissa’s Living Legacy Foundation are dedicated to the approximately 15,000 teens undergoing
treatment in the United States for cancer each year.
Topplers Blog: Making a Difference
This national organization was created for AYA’s that are dealing with long hospital stays associated with
chronic cancer. Just because you’re stuck in bed doesn’t mean you can’t Make a Difference. If you have a
cause you’re passionate about, fill out the form and Topplers blog will help you turn that BIG idea into a
program that can help others.
You can make an impact!
The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults
A leading voice in the young adult cancer movement, The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults works at a
grassroots level to support, educate, connect, and empower young adult cancer survivors. From the time of
diagnosis, through treatment, and beyond, the Ulman Cancer Fund helps young adults and their loved ones
fight cancer through various direct support programs and resources.
Wigs 4 Kids
Wigs 4 Kids is a local, grassroots nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that provides wigs
and support services to Michigan children experiencing hair loss as a result of illness and treatment.
Our program is available to children and
teens between the ages of 3 through 18 at no cost to them or their families. To learn more, please
visit:
Wish Upon a Teen
The teenage years are filled with many anxieties related to self-identity, body
image and planning for the future. For teens also faced with a life-limiting illness or coping with a
learning disability, the transition from childhood to adulthood can be especially challenging.
Since 2011, Wish Upon a Teen has
worked on behalf of these exceptional teens by offering creative social and education opportunities
designed to promote peer interaction and build self-esteem… making a difference, one teen at a time.
