AYA is designed to support and empower adolescents and young adults with cancer through a comprehensive approach that includes providing essential resources, mentorship, and nurturing a strong, supportive community. By acknowledging your unique needs and challenges, we aim to support you and enhance your well-being and resilience during this rough and challenging journey.
The West Virginia University (WVU) AYA program supports adolescents and young adults 15 to 39 years old.
Resources
The WVU AYA program supports adolescents and young adults 15 to 39 years old.
YA Cancer GabFest | December 9-13
Join in for a week of interactive online crash courses for facing young adult cancer. Find more info and register at YA Cancer GabFest.
A leading AYA cancer advocacy group providing support, community-building programs, and resources specifically for young adults affected by cancer.
This organization focuses on improving the experience of teens and young adults with cancer by providing age-appropriate facilities and programs.
A magazine written for and by cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers, focusing on the unique experiences of AYAs.
Young Survival Coalition (YSC)
YSC focuses on young adults diagnosed with breast cancer, offering resources, support groups, and community connections.
Provides free professional support services including counseling, support groups, educational workshops, publications, and financial assistance for young adults with cancer.
Offers life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer, empowering them through active, supportive experiences.
Provides financial assistance to young adult cancer survivors to help them recover financially from the burden of cancer treatment.
Upcoming Meet Ups
Date Thursday, December 5
Time 5:30 p.m.
Location Black Bear Burritos 3119 Universty Avenue, Morgantown, WV
Feel free to bring a friend or family member! Please RSVP to laurel.lyckholm@hsc.wvu.edu.
Download the December event invitation to share!
About AYA Meet Ups
Lyckholm and Tomboc hope the developing AYA Program will serve as a model for regional sites of the WVU Cancer Institute to create AYA programs of their own.
Those interested in joining the group and being added to the list to receive information about upcoming events can email laurel.lyckholm@hsc.wvu.edu.
For more information on WVU Medicine Children’s, visit childrens.wvumedicine.org.
Past Meet Ups
April 2024
The WVU Cancer Institute held its first Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program Meet Up at the WVU Baseball game against the University of Central Florida on April 14.
The goal was to bring together young people ages 15 to 39 who are in any stage of their cancer journey. This was the first of many AYA Meet Ups aimed at providing networking and peer support.
Laurie Lyckholm, M.D., WVU Cancer Institute Hematologist/Oncologist, and Patrick Tomboc, D.O., Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist at WVU Medicine Children’s, spearheaded the event.