In honour of Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Awareness Week, we’re sharing some links and info to some friends, and partners, and other organizations who join us in working toward a goal of changing what it means to be diagnosed with cancer.
A Fresh Chapter
“A Fresh Chapter’s mission is to help people make sense of the complex emotions of cancer and give them the tools, support, and community to thrive – even in the midst of challenging circumstances.”
AYA CAN: Canadian Cancer Advocacy
“AYA CAN is a peer-led national organization advocating for Canadian adolescents and young adults (AYA) affected by cancer. Our Mission: To advocate for an equitable and integrative system of care to improve the experiences of Canadian adolescents and young adults affected by cancer.”
Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada
“By providing support, education, information and research funding, Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada has been making a difference in the lives of the over 55,000 Canadians currently living with a brain tumour and thousands more before them.”
Cactus Cancer Society
We provide a safe space where young adults (ages 18-45) facing cancer can connect, cope, and thrive with one another in an online community through creativity and expression. We want to end isolation for young adults facing cancer.
Callanish
“Callanish creates a healing space for people who have been irrevocably changed by cancer.”
Canadian Breast Cancer Network
“We strive to voice the views and concerns of breast cancer patients through education, advocacy activities, and the promotion of information sharing.”
Canadian Cancer Society
“We provide nationwide support for people with cancer, their loved ones, and caregivers.”
Canadian Cancer Survivor Network
The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network’s mission is “to promote health by conducting educational activities for cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors on the physical and financial impacts, and other relevant topics, associated with managing cancer. To promote health by providing individuals living with and survivors of cancer, and their caregivers, with access to related counselling, information, or support group programs. To advance education by organizing and participating in conferences and speaking engagements to the public on topics related to cancer. To advance education by conducting research on cancer patients’ and survivors’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being and disseminating the results of the research to the public. To undertake activities ancillary and incidental to the attainment of the above charitable purposes.”
Canadian Partnership Against Cancer
“Guided by the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control, we work with partners across the country to improve cancer outcomes and access to high-quality care for all people in Canada.”
CancerCare Manitoba
CancerCare Manitoba’s mission is to “reduce and, where possible, eliminate the burden of cancer on the people of Manitoba through exemplary programs of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, continuing care, research and education.”
Carley’s Angels
“Carley’s Angels was founded by Carley’s parents, Mark and May Allison; Carley’s sisters, Riley and Samantha Allison; and Carley’s boyfriend, John Servinis, in honour of the girl they all loved, Carley Elle Allison. She was a strong and courageous young woman who battled a very rare form of cancer with contagious positivity that she coined ‘always smile.’”
Chai & Hope: South Asian Cancer Community
“Cancer is not a secret and we, as a community, deserve to let go of the weight of carrying the burden alone. This community is a safe space for all South Asians impacted by cancer: patients, care-givers, friends, and family.”
Childhood Cancer Canada
“We’re a Canadian charity entirely dedicated to helping children with cancer. We do this by raising awareness, investing in critical pediatric oncology research and clinical trials, and providing support to families throughout their journey.”
Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network
“The Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network (CCRAN) is the most trusted colorectal cancer patient and caregiver network in Canada. We champion the health and the well-being of Canadians touched by colorectal cancer and others at risk of developing the disease by providing a ‘SEA’ of services: Support, Education and Advocacy.”
For The Breast Of Us
“Our whole vibe is to empower women of color who are dealing with breast cancer to live their best lives ever, from here on out. We’re talking education that opens your eyes, advocacy that gives you a voice, and a community that feels like home.”
Gilda’s Club Toronto
“We are here because Gilda [Radner] believed people should have exceptional, comprehensive and evidence-based psychosocial cancer support. We meet their evolving needs through programs and services provided by a diverse group of professionals, partners and communities.”
InspireHealth
“We empower those affected by cancer by providing comprehensive support for the mind and body to enhance quality of life and well-being.”
Lymphoma Canada
“Dealing with lymphoma can be overwhelming, whether you’re a patient yourself or you know someone who is. But you don’t have to face it alone. We connect patients, their family and friends, medical professionals, researchers, volunteers, and donors to build a strong lymphoma community. A community that conducts research to learn lymphoma’s causes, to develop better treatments, and to find a cure. A community that helps people talk about and cope with the fifth most common cancer in Canada. A community that invites you to get and give support.”
Man Up To Cancer
“Man Up to Cancer inspires men to connect and avoid isolation during their cancer journeys. As a leading support community for men impacted by cancer in North America, we offer peer-to-peer support, an annual retreat, chemo backpack program, learning opportunities, and more than 40 local chapters geared toward improving the quality of life of our members.”
Pink Pearl Canada
“Pink Pearl Canada is a community-oriented charitable organization that provides support, facilitates connections and empowers self-identifying young women who are courageously overcoming the social and emotional challenges of being diagnosed with cancer across Canada.”
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre AYA Oncology Program
“The AYA Program provides personalized, supportive care related to concerns common to adolescent and young adults with cancer. These concerns can include fertility, sexual health, body image, mental health, school and work, peer connection, family support and wellness.”
The Olive Branch Of Hope
“We support & empower women in their cancer journey by providing a friendly and safe environment for individuals to share their experiences, build a support system, and learn healing and coping strategies during and after a cancer diagnosis. We advocate for those who feel voiceless within our communities. We encourage open dialogue and challenge policymakers to improve research methods and healthcare policies. Through our efforts, we aim to develop culturally relevant support programs, expand our reach, and ensure sustainable funding to support women of African ancestry facing breast cancer.”
Queering Cancer
Queering Cancer’s mission is “to transform cancer care for the sexual and gender diverse (SGD) community by improving research, resources, and support for patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.”
Rethink Breast Cancer
“Rethink Breast Cancer is a Canadian charity known for making positive change and rethinking the status quo when it comes to breast cancer. Rethink educates, empowers and advocates for system changes to improve the experience and outcomes of those with breast cancer, focusing on historically underserved groups: women diagnosed at a younger age, those with metastatic breast cancer and people systemically marginalized due to other factors within the social determinants of health.”
Sur La Pointe Des Pieds
“Connect. Transform. Propel. To change the lives of young people aged 14 to 39 who are living with cancer by offering them an opportunity to participate in a therapeutic adventure expedition.”
Team Shan
“Team Shan was established as a community-based organization by Shanna’s mother, Lorna Larsen, in 2006 to make a positive difference for young women following in Shan’s footsteps. Through the development of an innovative health promotion strategy, Team Shan has effectively addressed the need for young women to be informed about their risk of breast cancer since 2007.”
VOBOC
“VOBOC is a Montreal-based non-profit charitable organization whose mission is to equip, engage and empower Adolescents and Young Adults with cancer to improve their experiences and health outcomes.”
Wellspring
“At Wellspring, you will find a range of specialized programs designed to provide connection and belonging; ease pain, fatigue and distress; build strength and mobility; and support financial and workplace challenges.”
West Island Cancer Wellness Centre
“The West Island Cancer Wellness Centre (WICWC) is here for you. Whether you’re navigating your own diagnosis or supporting someone you love, we provide compassionate care and essential support tailored to your journey. As a registered charity, our welcoming Centre in the West Island of Montreal offers in-person programs, while our virtual classes connect individuals across Canada. At WICWC, no one living with cancer is ever alone.”
