Adolescent + Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program

Resources

At the Reid R. Sacco Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program we aim to provide you with long-term survivorship care so you can live life to the fullest.  Here are some resources dedicated to AYA survivors that may help you do so. Please speak to your Care Team about additional support or referrals. We have created two AYA resource guides that incorporate AYA patient/survivor voices, suggested questions to ask your Care Team and a curated list of resources. You can access them here: Survivorship Resource Guide for Adolescents & Young Adults and Resource Guide for Adolescents Young Adults with Cancer 

Welcome to, Be Prepared: Your Online Toolkit, created with you in mind. Whether you have an extensive medical history or are going to the doctor for the first time since you were a kid, the forms included here will save you time, money and energy.

Click on the document titles to download the forms and then choose to save or print. Clicking on the module header will download all forms in that section. Fill out the forms and store them in a designated place so you have them readily accessible when you need them. Don’t forget to bring them to your next appointment!

Before Your Visit:

How to prepare for your visit

Collecting Information

General Health

After Your Visit:

How to Keep Track

Health Insurance

Download all Forms

This toolkit has been reviewed by Dr. Susan Parsons of the Reid R. Sacco Adolescent & Young Cancer Program at Tufts Medical Center. Materials were adapted from the City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, The Patient’s Toolkit for Diagnosis developed by Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine (SIDM) Patient Engagement Committee and Cancer + Careers online resources.

Stupid Cancer
Working to “make young adult cancer suck less,” Stupid Cancer offers multiple ways to connect with the young adult cancer community through meet ups and their annual conference, Cancer Con. Their site also has links to webinars and resources to stay educated and empowered. 

Imerman Angels 
Imerman Angels matches you with someone who has a similar cancer history, providing one-on-one-cancer support.  Sign up as a mentor or request one.

I Had Cancer 
Signing up as a member for this site gives you access to read other young adult survivor, fighter and supporter stories as well as participate in real discussions.

Cactus Cancer Society
Offers diverse array of wellness and support online programs including game night, creative writing workshops and weekly e-newsletter.

Elephants & Tea
"The elephant in the room is cancer. Tea is the relief conversation provides.” Stories are written by young adult cancer patients and survivors on a range of topics from survivor’s guilt, friendship through cancer and dealing with covid-19 as a survivor. Read at your leisure or sign up for their weekly e-newsletter.
 
Ulman Foundation 
The Ulman Foundation offers educational scholarships and links to additional resources.  

Cancer and Careers
This site provides a comprehensive set of tools to assist individuals with a history of cancer at any stage of the work continuum, from those searching for a job to those already employed.

Circle Surrogacy
Learn more about surrogacy on this site.

LIVESTRONG
Get the tools and resources you need to help you become a parent after cancer.

The Oncofertility Consortium
This site answers fertility FAQ and explores reproductive options for individuals with a history of cancer. 

 

The SAMFund
Financial grant applications generally occur twice a year to support young adult cancer survivors who have completed treatment. Grants have been used to help pay off medical bills/debt and family planning medical care costs.

Patient Advocate Foundation
Undergraduate and graduate school scholarships for cancer survivors.

Health insurance is complex. Here are a few organizations that specialize in helping individuals better understand health insurance terminology (such as deductible versus co-pay and the Explanation of Benefits document) and tips on how to pick the best plan for you. 

First Descents
Join other AYAs (18-39) on a multi-day adventure centered around whitewater kayaking, rock climbing or surfing. Local weekend trips (FDTribs) are also organized to help connect AYAs with other AYAs closer to home. Virtual programing and an Out Living It blog are also offered on their site.

True North Treks
Designed for AYA cancer survivors, treks include backpacking in Idaho or canoeing in Montana or Utah. Free online mindfulness classes for young adults and their caregivers affected by cancer take place on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month.

Ulman Foundation
Each spring a 12-week run/walk training program takes place in Boston offering a chance to get in better physical shape with other members and supporters of the AYA cancer community.

Project Koru
Offerings include snowboarding and surfing adventures as well as weekend workshop retreats. For AYAs diagnosed between ages 18-39.

YMCA
Livestrong assists those living with, through, and beyond cancer regain strength and connection with other survivors.

Triage Cancer
Provides information and resource pages regarding legal, insurance and employment resources in each state.

Cancer Legal Resource Center
This organization is part of the Disability Rights Legal Center which aims to provide information though national telephone assistance line and outreach programs to help educate and support those affected by cancer on matters including accessing healthcare and government benefits.

 

Helpful Websites, Apps and Books for Weight Loss

Tools for Mindful Eating
Websites and apps are suggested by Tufts MC’s Weight and Wellness Center to assist in mindful eating.