January Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Newsletter
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The January Newsletter is organized by the following topics in this order:
- Networking & Support Groups
- Bilingual Resources
- Research Opportunities
- Self-care, Grants, & Other Resources
- Financial Assistance
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Follow our Social Media pages to stay up to date about financial assistance opportunities, events, and other resources!
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UChicago AYA Clinic patients & caregivers:
Do you have an urgent medical question and / or unsure if it's an emergency?
Please call us at:
773-702-6149 for patients who see Dr. Stock & Dr. DuVall
773-702-6808 for patients who see Dr. McNeer, Dr. Henderson, Dr. Desai & Kelly Kramer APN
Please, do not hesitate to call us.
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We are asking University of Chicago & Comer Children's Hospital patients between the ages of 15 - 39 who have been diagnosed with cancer to fill out this survey. It should only take 10-15 minutes and will help us improve your care and others. Click the picture above to fill out the survey.
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Want resources? If so follow one of the links below.
- If you are a patient between the ages of 15 - 18 years of age, click here.
- If you are a patient between the ages of 18 - 39, click here.
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Networking & Support Groups
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Guys Discussion Group
4th Monday of Every Month: January 23rd from 7 - 8:30PM
Join our newest program initiative, The Guys Discussion Group! Each month we’ll hear from a different community member on a certain topic with a chance for open discussion at the end. In this guys-only program, we’ll shoot the breeze with men of all young adult cancer experiences. Nothing is off the table. You won’t want to miss it! Register here.
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Check out Gilda's Club monthly and weekly virtual support groups, such as: Living with Cancer Weekly Support Group, Black Women of Ethnicities Monthly Support Group (Thurs, Jan 5th,10am), Caregiver Weekly Support Group (Monday's at 5:30, Tuesday's at 7:30), Men's Group (Tues, Jan 10th & 24th, 5pm), Grupo de Apoyo Mensual (Tues, Jan 17th, 10am) and more. Learn more and register here.
For those new to Gilda's Club, attending a Beyond the Red Door: Orientation is required, before attending a Monthly Support Group. These take place every Tuesday and can be found on the calendar. If you have any questions, please contact a Program Staff member by emailing info@gildasclubchicago.org or calling 312-464-9900.
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Stupid Cancer
Stupid Cancer Meetups are a space to have fun and connect with your peers, without stigma or awkward questions. Register by clicking the group below.
Monday Nights Digital Meetup
Every Monday at 8 pm CT: Join us a Monday night for a Digital Meetup!
Thursday Nights Digital Meetup
Every Thursday at 7 pm CT: Join us Thursday nights to chat with your peers and meet new friends!
Caregivers Digital Meetup
Wednesday, January 18th 7 pm CT: Join Lori to connect with other caregivers about the ups and downs of the caregiving journey. Lori is a parent caregiver, but all types are welcome! |
Connect with other patients, survivors, caregivers, and professionals to build lasting friendships with people that share your experiences.
Pediatric Survivors Digital Meetup
Tuesday, January 10th at 7 pm CT: Join our community member Alique to hang out with fellow pediatric cancer survivors and talk about your journey as an AYA navigating adulthood.
Gen Z Digital Meetup
Wednesday, January 11th at 8PM CT and Tuesday, January 17th at 6:30PM: No millennials allowed this time! Join Angel to hang out with the Gen Z AYA crew. |
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Caregivers & Coffee
Friday, January 6th and 20th at 10:30 am
Treat yourself! Join us for an online sip and chat morning coffee break for caregivers. Enjoy the welcoming support of other AYA caregivers in conversation and camaraderie!
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Want to sign up or have other questions or need additional information email: danshouseofhope@gmail.com
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Come join your fellow Herd members at our weekly happy hour! This is a relaxed environment for AYAs facing cancer to come together. Register here.
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- Cancer & Careers - La página ofrece información y herramientas para ayudar a las personas que trabajan a enfrentar su lucha contra el cáncer tan eficazmente como lo hacen con el resto de sus vidas.
- Children's Oncology Group (COG)- Diagnosis Guide for Teens and Young Adults (AYA) in English, Spanish- Esta guía se escribió para pacientes y familias que están aprendiendo acerca de un nuevo diagnóstico de cáncer. Also available in French.
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Zoom Improv (Zip! Zap! Zoom!)
Every Monday at 4PM
Through comedic improv games and exercises attendees will delve into (online) comedy improvisation! All are welcome to tune in once a week to learn some new ideas, have fun, meet new people, and reduce stress. This course is for all experience levels. Attendance each week is highly encouraged. This Improv group is intended for adults.
Learn more and register HERE!
Check out their other events here!
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Young Adult Game Night
Tuesday, January 24th 7 - 8:30PM
Join us virtually for games, trivia, and social connection! Young Adults, ages 18-40, currently or previously diagnosed with cancer and Young Adult caregivers to a loved one with cancer are welcome. Join via Zoom and have a second device (tablet or cellphone) ready for trivia. No experience necessary; opportunities for prizes! Register today.
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Book Club: The House in the Cerulean Sea
Every Friday starting January 19th
Looking to read a good book (cancer or not cancer related) and connect with other young adult cancer survivors and caregivers at the same time?
It’s time for another round of the Young Adult Cancer Book Club!
This next book club pick is The House in the Cerulean Sea, by TJ Klune. Here at Cactus Cancer Society, we’re really excited to read this book together! Register TODAY to receive your FREE book!
Unspoken Ink
Every Wednesday starting January 25th - March 15th, 6 - 8PM
Designed to take you on a journey through your cancer diagnosis and into your survivorship with a small group of your young adult cancer patient/survivor peers.
Join us for our next Unspoken Ink Creative Writing Workshop, which is an 8-week commitment that consists of a 2-hour workshop each week. Each session occurs via Zoom, allowing survivors and caregivers to join from wherever they are. Learn more and register HERE!
Check out their other programs HERE!
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Peer Clinical Trials Support Program for Black and African American Cancer Patients
Cancer Support Community Headquarters is conducting a Peer Clinical Trials Support Program for Black and African American cancer patients.
Participants in this program will be compensated.
This program can give you a safe space to discuss your needs, a better understanding of clinical trails, strategies on how to talk to your loved ones or healthcare team and suggestions for helpful resources.
To participate in this program, you must identify as Black or African American; be a cancer patient, cancer survivor, or someone at high risk for a cancer diagnosis (previvor); and be at least 18 years or older.
If you are interested in being paired with a Peer Specialist, please call 888-292-5162 or visit our website. For any questions, please contact Kara Downey at peerclinicaltrials@cancersupportcommunity.org
Access the application HERE!
Study Opportunities for Patients and Caregivers
Rare Patient Voice connects patients and caregivers with the opportunity to voice their opinions through surveys and interviews to improve medical products and services. We currently have over 190 market research studies open for patients and caregivers. A few of the studies we are working to fill immediately are listed below. Feel free to also share this page with friends or family who may be interested. Become a patient research volunteer today and get paid for your time. Learn more here.
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Self-care, Grants & Other Resources
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Do you need extra financial assistance? Do you or someone you know drive you to your appointments? UCM/Comer and the Lyon's Foundation want to help you and your family help cover some of those costs. Simply fill out THIS application for an opportunity to receive a gas card and/or a parking pass pack for UCM garages. You must be a UCM/Comer patient in order to be eligible for assistance.
Questions? Email denissem@uchicagomedicine.org
Lifelist
Applications OPEN TOMORROW January 3rd at 11AM
LifeList is a wish-granting program that offers hope and support to young adults who are currently receiving treatment for a life-threatening diagnosis. This program provides positive experiences to focus on during treatment and an opportunity to connect with a community of young adult patients, survivors, and advocates who have experienced similar journeys.
Examples of Lifelist grants that have been given away: concert tickets and meet and greets, free trips, PS5 and many more!
Applications open on January 3rd at 11am. Grants are first come, first serve, so don't delay! CLICK HERE to apply!
CSC Transportation Assistance
Cancer Support Community is providing $100 Transportation Assistance grants for individuals who meet defined treatment and financial income criteria:
- Must be in active treatment
- You will need to contact the CSC Helpline for this grant at (844) 996-0602
- Applicants will need to provide financial information (there is a household income requirement) and verification of treatment from a provider is needed
This is a once a year grant and you will be contacted annually to receive an additional grant.
Cancer Support Community está proporcionando subvenciones de asistencia de transporte de $100 para personas que cumplen con los criterios definidos de tratamiento e ingresos financieros:
- Debe estar en tratamiento activo
- Deberá comunicarse con la línea de ayuda de CSC para esta subvención al (844) 996-0602
- Los solicitantes deberán proporcionar información financiera (hay un requisito de ingresos familiares) y se necesita la verificación del tratamiento de un doctor
Esta es una subvención de una vez al año y se le contactará anualmente para recibir una subvención adicional.
Nik's Wish Gap
Nik's Wish is to bring joy throughout the nation to young adults (18-24) and their loved ones, fighting cancer. The mission of The Nikolas Ritschel Foundation is to enrich the lives, stimulate encouragement, and strengthen the faith of cancer patients who are between 18-24 years old and their loved ones. Learn more about Nik's Wish Gap program and apply today. Application available in Spanish.
What's your dream adventure? The Vy Nguyen Koller Grant is designed to inspire empower young adult cancer survivors to activate their dream trips, embrace the challenges and the beauty of the outdoors, push boundaries and live for today. Named for Send It alumni, this grant is an opportunity to realize the adventures and experiences you dream about, big or small. What is something you have always wanted to accomplish, but need support to get there? What is the ultimate goal, experience, or project you would like to pursue? The Vy Nguyen Koller Grant is available to cancer survivors ages 21-40. View more information and application here.
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Cancer Related Podcasts
This is not an exhaustive list; please send any of your favorite recommendations!
- In partnership with Instagram's @thecancerpatient, we are proud to launch The Cancer Patient Podcast! A podcast for cancer patients, by cancer patients providing information, validation, and connection with a side of humor, sarcasm, and wit.
- Sexually Speaking: Dr. Anne Katz is a certified sex counselor, clinical nurse specialist, and author. Listen to her Podcast, Sexually Speaking.
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Beyond Cancer: This podcast series features cancer survivors sharing how they've navigated the physical side effects, emotional challenges, and different dynamics of life during and after cancer treatment.
- Man Up to Cancer: I'm a stage IV colon cancer survivor, and I have a message for other men: You don't have to go through this alone. Man Up to Cancer inspires men to connect and avoid isolation throughout our cancer journeys. We are changing what it means to “Man Up” in the face of cancer.
- Your Stories: Conquering Cancer: Listen to candid conversations between people conquering cancer – patients, their family and friends, and doctors and researchers working to help us all.
- The Stupid Cancer Show: The Stupid Cancer Show is an award-winning international podcast that, across 11 years and more than 400 episodes, has given voice to the young adult cancer movement. Each broadcast tackles hard-hitting, real-world issues ranging from politics, health care, legislative advocacy, civil liberties and the environment to social media, entertainment, cancer research and medical education.
- Life on Pause: Life On Pause is a podcast for and by young adults living with cancer. Each month, young adult cancer patients from Penn State Health share honestly about their cancer diagnosis, treatment and life afterwards. As cancer causes the group to reflect on issues both large and small, surprisingly relatable stories and themes emerge. From relationships to body functions, nothing is off the table.
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AYA Cancer Chat: Life Interrupted: Listen in as adolescents and young adults (AYA) from the Cancer Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia discuss their experiences with cancer diagnosis and treatment in this podcast, AYA Cancer Chat: Life Interrupted.
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Camp & Retreat Opportunities
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First Descents provides life-changing, outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions. You can climb, paddle, and surf and connect with others who have similar experiences. Learn more here.
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True North Treks takes groups of young adults and caregivers affected by cancer from across the US on free backpacking and canoeing treks where they can connect with nature, peers, and themselves. Learn more here.
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Project Koru provides adventure-based experiences such as surfing, canoeing, stand up paddling, and snowboarding for young survivors. Learn more here.
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Send it Foundation creates outdoor adventures for young adult cancer fighters and survivors, removing them from their cancer experience and creating the space to play, connect, and have fun outdoors. Learn more here.
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Epic Experience provides free, week-long adventures in the Colorado Rockies for adult cancer survivors (over age 18) to help survivors live beyond cancer. Learn more here.
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The Cassie Hines Shoe Foundation helps young adults with cancer by guiding them to peer support programs, including a free trip to Northern Michigan (Base 2 Summit) and encouraging participation and connection. Learn more here.
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Camp Mak-A-Dream hosts camp experiences for all ages, including family camp, full of activities and education to help patients understand and cope with cancer. Learn more here.
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Cancer patients and survivors 18-years-old and older will have the opportunity to swim, hike, and kayak through the Idaho outdoors.
Lottery Registration Opens January 2022. Learn more here.
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Financial Assistance Opportunities
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The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society offers the following financial assistance programs to help individuals with cancer: Co-Pay Assistance Program, Patient Aid Program, Pay-It-Forward Travel Assistance Program, CAR T-Cell Therapy Travel Assistance Program and Urgent Need Program. Learn more here.
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The Leukemia Research Foundation offers a one-time grant for eligible patients with a blood cancer diagnosis- Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma, or Myelodysplastic Syndromes. The maximum grant award is $1,500.00 per applicant. Learn more here. OPEN NOW
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The Samfund and Expect Miracles Foundation provides grants to 21-39 year olds post-treatment or on maintenance therapy. Learn more here.
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Cancer Care offers limited financial assistance for cancer-related costs and co-pays, and our professional oncology social workers can help you find additional resources. Learn more here.
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The National Organization for Rare Disorders has several financial assistance programs including Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma and Caregiver Respite Program. Learn more here.
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The PAN Foundation has several financial assistance programs open including Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Mantle Cell Lymphoma, Melanoma, and more. Learn more here.
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The DAM Cancer Foundation provides financial assistace to young adults ages 18-35 who have cancer and are in need of assistance. Learn more here.
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Family Reach can help eligible patients with a grant to help cover non-medical, everyday living expenses, such as mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, and transportation costs. Learn more here.
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The Andrew Weishar Foundation provides direct financial assistance to adolescents and young adults battling cancer. Learn more here.
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The Patient Advocate Foundation has several financial assistance fund programs available. Learn more here.
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The Healthwell Foundation provides financial assistance to the underinsured through grants to help with expenses. Learn more here.
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College Scholarship Opportunities
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The Patient Advocate Foundation awards scholarships to cancer patients. Application currently closed. Learn more here.
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The Hope Education Scholarship Program from Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation provides $5,000 in financial assistance to young cancer patients and survivors, or the siblings of pediatric cancer patients and survivors. Application currently closed. Learn more here.
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The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation provides scholarships to young adults impacted by cancer. Application curently closed. Learn more here.
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Cancer for College provides scholarships for young adults diagnosed with cancer. Application period currently closed. Learn more here.
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The Simon Cancer Foundation assist cancer patients by awarding scholarships. Application period is currently closed. Learn more here.
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The Ruth Cheatham Foundation Scholarship Program is designed to provide funding to cancer patients and cancer survivors who wish to continue their education through an accredited undergraduate school, trade school or graduate school. Application period currently closed. Learn more here.
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