Resources & Support Groups for Young Adults with Cancer

Resources for Young Adults (18-40 Years of Age)

Local Support Groups

Wellness Community, West Los Angeles
2716 Ocean Park Blvd., Suite 1040
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 314-2555

Wellness Community, Pasadena (Closed Fridays)
200 E. Del Mar Blvd.,
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 796-1083

Wellness Community, Winnetka (San Fernando Valley/Satellite)
19725 Sherman Way,
Winnetka 91306
(805) 379-4777 or (818) 407-1643

Teen Impact - Young Adults Group (20-30+)
Children's Hospital, Los Angeles
4650 Sunset Blvd.,
Los Angeles, 90027
(323) 361-4660
Meets: Every second and fourth Monday of each month--except August, no groups.     

weSpark
13522 Ventura Blvd.,
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
wespark.org
(818) 906-3022
Offers support and programs for cancer patients, their families and friends.

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Online Support Groups

Breast Cancer Network of Strength (Formerly known as Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization) cancer.org
(877) 986-9472

Planet Cancer - Young Adults with Cancer
planetcancer.org
Headquarters:
314 E. Highland Mall Blvd., Suite 306 
Austin, Texas 78752
(512) 452-9010
Online community for young adults with cancer. You must register to participate.

Imerman Angels
imermanangels.org
(877) 274-5529
Imerman Angels connects a person fighting cancer, survivors, and caregiver with someone who is familiar with the same experience.
The service is free and helps anyone touched by any type of cancer, any age, living anywhere in the world. One-on-one cancer support.

Stupid Cancer.org
stupidcancer.org
Social networking forum and bulletin board system helping to bring  together young spouses of adults with cancer to share information, support, and experiences.

Vital Options
vitaloptions.org
(800) 477-7666
The Group Room cancer talk radio show is a weekly call-in radio show where listeners can tune in live every Sunday from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, PT

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General Information

Young Survival Coalition (YSC)
youngsurvival.org
(877) YSC-1011
Resource link is a peer-support network and information line that can  provide young women with breast cancer information, resources and a connection to other young women affected by breast cancer. Check the Point of Contact Program. FREE Guidebook for Breast Cancer can be downloaded from the internet.

I'm Too Young For This
imtooyoungforthis.org
(877) 735-4673
Motivates young adults affected by cancer to get busy living by celebrating the art of survivorship through the use of music, the arts, and social media.

Cancer Net
cancer.net/youngadults or asco.org
(888) 651-3038
Information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Cancer Care
cancercare.org
Email: [email protected]
(800) 813-HOPE (4673)
Cancer Care offers online and telephone support groups for young adults and their partners and family members. Cancer Care also offers individual counseling, telephone education workshops and financial assistance. All services are completely free of charge.

Lance Armstrong Foundation 
(866) 235-7205
The Foundation focuses its activities on survivor resources, support, scientific and clinical research grants. LAF helps survivors face the cancer by helping them understand what to expect from the cancer experience and assists them in asking the right questions.

Livestrong Young Adult Alliance
livestrong.org
(866) 467-7205 / (877) 236-8820
Lance Armstrong Foundation
P.O. Box 161150
Austin, TX 78716-1150
A coalition and leadership community of key voices in cancer advocating positive results for young adults with cancer.

Look Good... Feel Better
lookgoodfeelbetter.org
(800) 395-5665
A free national program of the American Cancer Society dedicated to techniques to help restore appearance and self-image during cancer treatment.

MaleCare
malecare.com
(202) 844-8369
Comprehensive online support resource for young men during cancer treatment.

Waitingroom
(310) 612-4046
Waitingroom is the first national magazine to address the unique needs young adults.

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Scholarships

American Cancer Society Scholarships
Survivors of Childhood Cancer
The ACS will help with the cost of attending College. Call (800) ACS-2345 or (800) 877-1710, ext: 221 (CA Div. for scholarships).

Beyond the Cure Scholarship
(800) 532-6459
The National Children's Cancer Society offers college and vocational Scholarships to childhood cancer survivors. Through the Beyond the Cure Program, the NCCS will award stipends of up to $5,000 per academic year to survivors who have illustrated the ability to overcome the difficult challenges of childhood cancer. Applicants must be 25 years of age or younger and have been diagnosed before 18. See criteria and application on website.

Brian Morden Foundation
brianmordenfoundation.org
(800) 997-7278
Award for an individual scholarship is $1,000. See website for details.

Carolyn's Compassionate Children Scholarship
[email protected]
(866) 540-1392
Scholarship Program CCCpedia - a comprehensive database with over 3,000 scholarships for young adult cancer survivors cancer patients.

Friends of Scott Foundation
friendsofscott.org
(619) 223-7268
Offers two scholarships per year, one per semester, to cancer patients currently being treated or to cancer survivors.

Michael A. Hunter Memorial Scholarship
oc-cf.org
(949) 533-4202
Award for an individual scholarship is $1000. Applicants should be a US Citizen. The Michael A. Hunter Memorial Scholarship provides two $5,000 scholarships to high school seniors and college students who are leukemia patients or children of a non-surviving leukemia patient. Candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and must be a resident of Orange County, California. Download application from website.

Susan Komen for the Cure College Scholarship Award Program
komen.org
(877) 465-6636
Offers college scholarships. Must be no older than 25 years of age and be a US citizen. Scholarships vary from State to State. 

National Children's Cancer Society
(800) 532-6459
Offers scholarships for college and vocational school to childhood cancer survivors. They will award stipends up to $5000 per academic year to survivors who have illustrated the ability to overcome the difficult challenges of childhood cancer. See website.

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Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults
ulmanfund.org
(888) 393-3863
Two scholarships are open nationwide. One for nursing students and one For young adult cancer survivors.

Working Against Cancer Scholarship Program
workingagainstcancer.org
(626) 914-2914
Assists young cancer survivors (30 years and younger) by providing awards toward academic and vocational education. A candidate must be a cancer survivor or recently diagnosed with cancer, but does not need to be currently receiving treatment to qualify.

National Collegiate Cancer Foundation
collegiatecancer.org
(717) 215-0943
The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation was established to provide Services and support to young adults whose lives have been impacted by cancer and who have continued with their education throughout treatment or after their treatment. These $1,000 competitive awards will be judged on criteria set by foundation (see website). Applicants must be between 18-35 years of age.

Patient Advocate Foundation's Scholarship for Survivors
patientadvocate.org
(800) 532-5274
Patient Advocate Foundation will be offering ten (10) $3,000.00 scholarships that will be awarded for the 2009-2010 school year. Please see website for eligibility requirements. Applicant must be under the age of 25 and a survivor/current patient of cancer or a critical or life-threatening disease.

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Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the United States (PBTFUS)
pbtfus.org
(800) 253-6530
National Family Support Program Coordinator
Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the United States
302 Ridgefield Ct.,
Asheville, NC 28806
PBTFUS offers college scholarships for brain tumor survivors. Please see website for additional criteria or call directly to the foundation.

Ronald McDonald House Charities
rmhc.org
(630) 623-7048
Offers scholarships to students who face limited access to educational and career opportunities. Scholarships are for students living in the United States and living in areas where there are participating local chapters. Please check website.

SAMFund: Surviving and Moving Forward
(617) 938-3484
thesamfund.org
The SAMFund provides financial assistance to young adults as they move forward with their lives after cancer. Survivors are empowered to achieve their educational, professional and personal goals. Grants and scholarships provided by the SAMFund cover a wide range of post-treatment financial needs, such as (but not limited to): graduate tuition, student loans, car and health insurance premiums, rent, utilities, current and residual medical bills, fertility-related expenses, gym memberships and transportation costs. Applicants must be between 21 and 39, finished with active treatment and residents of the United States. Application process is once a year, beginning in June. Please see website for details.

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Cancer for College
cancerforcollege.org
(760) 599-5096
Awards scholarships to current and former cancer patients who are currently attending  either a four year accredited university and/or attending a junior college.

Cancer Survivors Fund
www.cancersurvivorsfund.org
(281) 437-7142
Scholarships are granted for college education of the cancer survivors. See website for eligibility requirements

Young Cancer Survivor Scholarship Program, California Division Office
(800) 877-1710
Please contact:
Victoria Hudson
(510) 893-7900, Ext. 223
Email: [email protected]

Other Resources

FinAid
finaid.org
(724) 538-4500
Provides an overview of financial aid options, scholarship listings.

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Financial

Andre Sobel River of Line Foundation
andreriveroflife.org
(310) 276-7111
When no other resources are available, social workers at our affiliated children's hospitals send us urgent requests on behalf of single parent families in financial crisis. We respond immediately and without additional paperwork, because their social workers have already verified their need. The variety of requests range from essentials such as food, transportation, utilities, and medications not covered by insurance to funds to protect a family from eviction or foreclosure.

Cancer Care
cancercare.org
(800) 813-HOPE
Agency offers limited grants for expenses such as transportation, medication co-pays, home and child care. Based on financial need.

Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund
bmcf.net
(877) 774-7768
Supporting patients 18-40 currently undergoing cancer treatment by covering services to meet daily needs, such as co-payments, health expenses, rent, insurance, etc. Please call to check availability of funds or check website, click Apply for Assistance.

Cameron Siemers Foundation for Hope
cameronsiemers.org
(877) 774-7768
Offers life grants to young adults between the ages of 18 and 28 and have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, you can apply for a Life Grant. A Life grant is a $5,000 award to be used in the fulfillment of a dream, goal, or project that you take on to make a difference in your life and the lives of others.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
lls.org
(800) 955-4572
Offers financial assistance through two programs:
A. Patient Aid - up to $500 per fiscal year for co-pays for medications used for treatment of CNS lymphoma or related side-effects and conditions such as anemia, nausea, pain, depression and infection.
B. Co-pay Assistance Program up to $1,000 per calendar year for medical or medication co-pays and insurance premiums.

Rise Above IT (RAI)
raibenefit.org
Rise Above It (RAI) provides consultation and financial assistance to Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer patients; specifically
those undergoing or pursuing clinical trial treatment options. Potential grant recipients must meet the following criteria to become beneficiaries of RAI.
A. The patient was between the age of 15 and 39 at the time of diagnosis.
B. The patient is undergoing or actively pursuing Phase I, II, or III Clinical Trial treatment option.

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Co-payment Assistance Programs:
These organizations offer co-payment and sometimes other financial assistance for patients with certain diagnoses. The list of diagnoses served by each organization may change over time. Income guidelines also vary.

Health Well Foundation
(800) 675-8416
healthwellfoundation.org

Patient Advocated Foundation
(866) 512-3861
copay.org

Patient Access Network Foundation
(800) 316-7263
panfoundation.org

Patient Services Inc. (PSI)
(800) 366-7741

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State and Federal Programs

State Disability Insurance Program
edd.ca.gov
(800) 480-3287
Income for people who are unable to work because of an injury or disability (not related to work) and have recently paid into the system through "SDI" payroll deductions.

Social Security Disability Insurance
ssa.gov/disability
(800) 772-1213
This program provides disability income for people who anticipate being unable to work for at least a full year. Eligibility and monthly benefits are based on a person's recent work history and their contributions to the system through payroll taxes (FICA) on earnings. As a general rule, a person must have worked at least 5 years of service. The SSA accounts for a person's work history in "credits" or "quarters." Applications are easily initiated by calling the toll free number or can be submitted via the website.

Fertility

California Cryobank, Inc.
cryobank.com
(800) 977-3761 or (310) 443-5259
11915 La Grange Ave.,
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Provide information on sperm/egg banking/storage.

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The National Infertility Association
resolve.org
Helpline for Southern California: (877) 203-7773

Main Office
The National Infertility Association
1760 Old Meadow Rd., Suite 500
McLean, VA 22102
National infertility information advocacy and support organization for those facing fertility issues.

American Society of Clinical Oncology
Patient Site
resolve.org
(888) 651-3038
ASCO in 2006 published guidelines regarding fertility preservation in cancer patients. To access information, type the words "fertility preservation" in into the search box.

Oncofertility Consortium
myoncofertility.org
(866) 708-3378
This national consortium, support by an NIH grant for interdisciplinary research, is focused on medical, financial, and other aspects of reproductive options for Cancer patients and survivors as well as parents of young patients.

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Camps

First Descents
firstdescents.org
(970) 845-8400
First Descents
P.O. Box 2193
Vail, CO 81658
First Descents provides whitewater kayaking and other outdoor adventure experiences to promote emotions, psychological and physical healing for young adults with cancer.

Camp Make-A-Dream
campdream.org
(406) 549-5987
Children's Oncology Camp Foundation
P.O. Box 1450
Missoula, MT 59806
Camp provides cost-free camp programs to children and young adults. Adult Cancer Retreats are open to women of all ages (18+) who have either completed treatment or are currently in treatment for cancer. The Ovarian Cancer Retreat is open to women diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer specifically (any stage), while the Women's Cancer Retreat is open to women with any cancer diagnosis. While the camp is cost-free, participants are responsible for the airfare to Missoula, Montana. The camp has a Young Adult Conference and a Young Survivors Conference. Please contact Camp Make-A-Dream for more information.

Teen Impact
[email protected]
(323) 361-4660
Three-Day Retreat - Southern California Area through Children's Hospital for teens and young adults.
Children's Center for Cancer & Blood Diseases
Children's Hospital Los Angeles
4650 Sunset Blvd., #99
Los Angeles, CA 90027

PearlPoint, formerly known as The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation.
pearlpoint.org
(615) 467-1936
A weekend retreat for Young Adult Cancer Survivors (Ages 20-35). Retreat is located in Centerville, Tenn. The retreat is free of charge, except transportation to costs, to young adult cancer survivors from any location and at any stage of survivorship. For more information, contact camp directly.

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Resource Directories

National Brain Tumor Society
(800) 934-2873
braintumor.org
On-line resource directory.

Cancer Care
(800) 813-HOPE
cancercare.org
Free Booklet: A Helping Hand: The Resource Guide for People with Cancer

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