Young Adults

118 Foundation is committed to helping young people, ages 18-39, make their comeback from cancer, restoring trust in their futures and freedom to live fully-because sickness is not their story.

• Offers restoration grants which provide financial assistance for various expenses. See website for more eligibility details.

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 and has a Grief & Loss Program that sends age-appropriate support to children ages 4-18 residing in the U.S. who have experienced the death of a sibling from 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.

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.

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.

• Provides financial support to help cover the costs of medications, and lodging for those traveling for treatment.
• 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.
• Metabolic Nutrition Counseling offers personalized nutritional support for cancer patients and survivors with the goal of supporting metabolic and gut health, helping patients understand how nutrition can play a role in overall well-being.
• Patient Navigators provide guidance and support to anyone faced with a cancer diagnosis or needing a bone marrow transplant.
• Your Transplant Journey Handbook provides comprehensive transplant information and resources in English and Spanish.

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.  

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)
   

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.

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)
   

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.

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.

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.
   

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. 
   

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.

Expect Miracles Foundation’s SAMFund provides direct financial assistance to young adult post-treatment cancer survivors after cancer treatment. 

• EMF’s SAMFund Grant Program provides assistance for designated expenses related to the cancer experience through its Financial Assistance and Family Building grants. 
• Provides a list of resources, including Family Building, Transportation, Tuition Assistance, and general Financial Assistance.

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.
   

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.

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.

To create moments of joy, self-expression, and connection for those facing life-altering health challenges through arts engagement, advocacy, and innovation. 

• Provides virtual and in person art based programs in music, visual arts, literary arts, and movement.

To empower individuals and their families to reclaim their well-being and resilience post-cancer diagnosis.

• Provides professional coaching and rehabilitation resources to equip them with the strength and strategies needed to foster resilience and purpose.

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.

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.

To provide enrichment opportunities and encouragement to young adult cancer patients

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

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.

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

The mission of the Send It Foundation is to inspire positivity, courage, and gratitude in young adults facing cancer through the gift of outdoor adventure and community.

• Provides outdoor adventures for young adult cancer patients and survivors, such as mountain biking, skiing, climbing, and backpacking, at no cost to participants on domestic trips.

To provide uplifting songs to children, teens, young adults age 21 and younger, and senior citizens currently facing tough medical, physical or emotional challenges.

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

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).

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.

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.

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.
   

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

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.

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.

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

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