Connect with other young adult survivors of pediatric cancer.
Research has shown that outcomes for cancer patients and survivors can be improved with a strong support community.
Read on to find a supportive community that best suits your needs:
Virtual Connections:
Elephants and Tea offers weekly online happy hours for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients and survivors, and they provide an extensive list of community support groups and special interest programs like virtual yoga and art.
Facebook groups are a popular way for families and survivors to connect online. There are a large number of these groups, some private and some public. Children’s Cancer Cause does not sponsor, moderate, or endorse any particular group, but we can point you to a few of the largest active groups: Families of Childhood Cancer Support Group / Childhood Cancer Advocates / Childhood Cancer Survivors
MyLifeLine is a Cancer Support Community resource that offers discussion boards covering a wide range of topics like coping with side effects of cancer treatment, nutrition with cancer, and caregiver support. These boards are moderated by licensed mental health professionals and are available 24/7.
Stupid Cancer offers weekly digital meetups for AYAs and a Discussion Series on topics of interest. Stupid Cancer Meetups are “a space to have fun and connect with your peers, without stigma, or awkward questions” and also take place in-person when COVID conditions allow. The Stupid Cancer Discussion Series are 90 minute online workshops focused on a topic area. The first 30 minutes are recorded presentations, with past sessions available online, and the final hour is a confidential discussion that is not recorded.
13thirty Cancer Connect offers a variety of peer programs in three main categories: arts, wellness, and social gatherings. As of 2021, a range of programs are being offered both virtually and in-person. Stay updated on upcoming in-person/virtual programs on their website and Facebook page.
In-Person Connections:
CancerCon is an annual multi-day conference hosted by Stupid Cancer, which brings together hundreds of adolescent and young adult cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, advocates, and health professionals to build community and connect to critical resources. The CancerCon experience includes educational breakout sessions, group discussions, networking opportunities, a packed exhibit hall, and lots of social activities. The 2022 program takes place in Minneapolis, MN, from June 9-12. An online CancerCon is planned for November 19, 2022.
First Descents provides life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults (ages 18 - 39) impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions.
The Ulman Foundation offers meetups in the Washington, DC/Maryland area for young adults (15-39) who are currently in treatment, post-treatment, or living with long-term disease.