Oncology Youth Connection

Programs: Education & community awareness-high school education program: lack of awareness is one of the biggest contributors in many of the hurdles faced by young adults that are diagnosed with cancer. To begin to address this problem, oyc has worked over the past year to develop a high school cancer awareness curriculum to raise awareness and provide health teachers a tool to provide students with accurate facts. It's focus is accurate information on aya cancers, including the importance of early diagnosis, as well as how to best support a friend with cancer.

monthly survivor activities: oyc hosted survivor activities that included dinners, sporting events, movies, concerts, hikes and more. Activities were planned to give young cancer survivors an opportunity to meet and network with peers their age with a similar experience and learn of resources available to them as they navigate the months and years following diagnosis. Oyc also partnered with ohsu to teach a 6 week class: "cancer transitions: moving beyond treatment". It was developed to help young adults during the first two years following their treatment, a challenging time for many.

created the shine grant, first awarded in february 2012. Applicants must be cancer survivors between the ages of 18 and 35 who want to pursue something either hindered or inspired by their cancer diagnosis. Awarded one to two times per year in amounts ranging between $500 and $2,500 each. Awarded for the first time this year in one grant of $2,500.

other small programs that further the mission of oyc.