University of Iowa Adolescent and Young Adult - AYA Cancer Program

The 2nd episode of our AYA Cancer in Focus podcast is out. Join Dr. David Dickens as he talks with Helaina, an adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivor, about her experiences. Listen in as Helaina shares her journey, discussing the unique challenges of facing cancer as a young adult. Tune in for an insightful and heartfelt conversation about hope, resilience, and the realities of navigating life with cancer. https://player.captivate.fm/episode/acd39559-3a0a-42f5-863a-06baf69818d6?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0c6p02IjTgjjwJJd2ZS0QO8yAUWQ5TlBdscmOBToOY4PqIF-ay6VNEdCo_aem_Vgbbtzx4A3DftMk7TVApJQ

Thank you FIGHT WITH FLASH Baseball Club for bringing May Day cheer and many smiles to AYA cancer patients with cute May Day bags. Patients were blooming with joy!

Something fun coming soon!

Herky on Parade III Announcement Video Herky on Parade III coming summer 2024.

Let's GO HAWKS!!!! AYA patients and families had so much fun at Kinnick Stadium! Only 130 days till kick off! 💛🖤🏈👋 Iowa Football @ Kinnick Stadium Iowa Hawkeyes

Congratulations to David Dickens, MD, who recently hosted his first podcast for the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium (CRC)! Listen as he and a guest discuss important considerations in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer. “I hope to spread information and education about the challenges that young adults face when diagnosed with cancer and when possible, solutions and opportunities,” said Dr. Dickens, clinical professor and director of pediatric hematology, oncology, and bone marrow transplantation.
He said, “Big10 CRC is one of those opportunities to team up with other great programs to face these challenges together. By doing so, I hope to make progress move faster.” Dr. Dickens will publish podcast editions quarterly. https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d84a1dfd-a73f-4760-ab30-592cd344942f

It can be overwhelming to consider all the challenges facing AYA patients and survivors. Understandably, this can make it difficult to figure out the best way to show support and that you care. Here are a few options to support AYA patients through their cancer journey, but keep in mind there are endless ways to support the AYA cancer community.

Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer patients age 13 to 39 years old have unique challenges. AYAs often do not have the same access to care compared to other age groups, and they experience disparities in diagnosis, treatment, insurance coverage, and outcomes. AYA patients have to navigate a confusing medical system, while also Imagine facing going through pivotal life moments like starting a career, finishing college, or finding love. Join the movement and help us spread awareness and support for the AYA cancer community.

Welcome to week! This week is dedicated to shining a spotlight on the incredible AYA Cancer community and the unique battles they face. AYA – which stands for Adolescent and Young Adult. The AYA cancer community includes patients, survivors, advocates, healthcare professionals and industry partners. .

Today is One Day for Iowa! You can support the University of Iowa Adolescent and Young Adult - AYA Cancer Program and help young people between the ages of 13-39 as they navigate their cancer journey. Show your support and donate today! https://1dayforiowa.org/24ayacp Thank you!

Our Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program partners with Cancer America for many projects, including their Play it Back iniative, which allows patients to use songwriting and producing as an opportunity for self-expression.
Listen to AYA patient Ryan's first song with Play It Back, called Wash Me Away. It’s about weathering the many storms in life that can take away your will to keep moving forward.

Ryan Dwars - Teen Cancer America Ryan Dwars hails from The Hawkeye State of Iowa. Just like that state’s nickname, Ryan is a warrior. He never created or performed music until after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Ryan, a father of 2, started to dig into music once he started creating with Play It Back. He noticed parts ...

What a fun evening of laugher, camaraderie, and brainpower at Trivia Night at Hy-Vee! Congratulations AYA patients for placing second! Huge round of applause for your brilliant minds! Teen Cancer America

Such a "gouda time" at the Adolescent and Young Adult cancer Charcuterie Board workshop! We learned about cheeses, quality meats, nuts, fruits and got hands-on guidance from our friends at Hy-Vee! Special thanks to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge for your hospitality! Teen Cancer America

Today we are shedding some light on what some Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) would like those in their lives such as family, friends and health care providers to know. It’s time to stop dismissing their concerns and feelings. Instead, take time to listen and stand up for AYAs!

It can be overwhelming to consider all the challenges facing Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) patients and survivors. Understandably, this can make it difficult to figure out the best way to show support and that you care. So we went straight to the source.
We asked our community to provide insight into the kinds of support they would most appreciate as they go through their cancer journey. Here are a few options, but keep in mind there are endless ways to support the AYA cancer community, including spreading the message about adolescent & young adult cancer.

The Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer experience is unique. Major life milestones that are tricky for all young people - like starting a career, finishing college, or finding a romantic partner - can feel impossible when cancer is thrown into the mix.
It does help a bit that the AYA community is interconnected and diverse. It is made up of patients, survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and advocates all working together to improve care and outcomes for AYA cancer. While there is support available, it’s not reaching all AYAs.
Join the movement and help us spread awareness and support for the AYA cancer community.

WELCOME TO WEEK! For those of you who don’t know, this week is all about raising awareness about the AYA Cancer community and the unique challenges of adolescent and young adult cancer. Think of this as your crash course on all things AYA.
To spread awareness of this special community, this week Teen Cancer America and other groups that support AYAs will be sharing helpful information, resources, and programming. Follow the hashtags so you don’t miss a thing! And don’t forget to spread the word by resharing our posts all week.

Your donation to the AYA program creates opportunities for patients and families to attend social events! This past February AYA patients attended an Iowa Women's Basketball game. Good luck in the March Madness Women's Basketball. Dreams do come true! We will be cheering you on! Donate today! https://1dayforiowa.org/fa-ayacp23

Today is ! Every gift to AYA helps young adult cancer patients! Because of generous donors AYA patients can receive a manicure and pedicure in our hospital salon. Thank you for pampering our patients and lifting spirits! Donations are being matched, up to $500. https://1dayforiowa.org/fa-ayacp23

Today is our One Day for Iowa AYA 24-hour online giving day! We have a generous donor who will be matching every dollar, up to $500. Money raised will help us celebrate life events of AYA patients during cancer treatment. https://1dayforiowa.org/fa-ayacp23

Mark your calendar! One Day for Iowa, our AYA 24-hour online giving day is Wednesday, March 29! We have a generous donor who will be matching every dollar, up to $500. Money raised will help us celebrate life events of AYA patients during cancer treatment. https://1dayforiowa.org/fa-ayacp23

Join RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Scarlet Envy for a FREE Virtual Makeup class. Learn everyday makeup tips that highlight your natural beauty. Wednesday, April 26 at 6pm CT. Open to teen & young adult cancer patients/survivors age 18-39. Sign up today as spots are limited and will goes fast! Teen Cancer America https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teen-cancer-america-virtual-makeup-class-with-scarlet-envy-tickets-581232791927

Happy Child Life Month! A big THANK YOU to our Certified Child Life Specialists, Mackenzie and Kathy, for providing psychosocial care to patients and families every day. We appreciate you and your passion for helping patients and families through life's most challenging events and experiences.

Wonders & Worries “New Wonderers” Support Group helps kids understand their parent’s cancer diagnosis and cope. Bew sessions begin in April. Curriculum will include cancer education, expression of feelings, identifying stress and coping techniques with hope for the future. Activities and craft supplies will be mailed to each kiddo prior to the first session. There is no charge for these support groups.
• School ages 5 to 11 whose parent is a Cancer Center patient and has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Six weeks April 5 – 26 via zoom, Wednesdays 5:30pm to 6:30pm.
• Teens ages 12 to 18 whose parent is a Cancer Center patient and has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Five weeks April 5 - 26 via zoom, Wednesdays 7pm to 8pm.
“I can't thank you enough for all that you have done. I do believe that what my girls learned in these sessions will help them tremendously through their dad's cancer journey.” Parent whose daughters participated.
For more information contact [email protected] Wonders & Worries University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

Join us for the 5th annual University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Symposium Friday, April 21. Learn more about improving care for cancer patients 13-39. bit.ly/AYAsymposium2023 Teen Cancer America UAB - The University of Alabama at Birmingham

A little love goes a long way! Thank YOU Teen Cancer America for brightening the day of our AYA patients with a candy gram. It's TCA's Month of Love! https://givebutter.com/tcalove23

Today our University of Iowa Adolescent and Young Adult - AYA Cancer Program is making things extra sweet for several of our patients with heart-themed cookie kits to decorate while receiving treatment. Happy Valentine’s Day! 💕
Learn more about how our AYA Cancer Program is addressing the needs of teens and young adults as they navigate their cancer journey: http://spr.ly/61823WwOp

No green thumb? No problem! Come build some Lego succulents with us!

Build while hanging out with other young adult cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. We’ll send you everything you need to participate!

Tuesday March 7th, from 5:00-7:00pm PT / 7:00-9:00pm CT / 8:00-10:00pm ET

There are limited spots for this program, so sign up today! http://bit.ly/3lceoIM