My battle has been long, and overwhelming at times. I thought I was the only one. Lonely and depressed, I searched the web for some insight on how to deal with these feelings, not so much the chemo and its impressive side effects. When I found i [2] y, it was because I searched the words stupid and cancer. How excited I was to find them. Through their continued will and determination, I myself joined in the only way I knew I could. By letting others who wanted to help me do so, I was able to join with them and be able to advocate for "stupid cancer" as well as my specific rare type of Ovarian cancer. To be in your 20's, and noone else around to relate to, I'm too Young For This was what I needed. Because of them, I may have found my new calling :)
The first four months of my treatment I was in a room full of old people every 3 weeks feeling like there were no other young people with cancer near me. I finally found i[2]Y and realized there was a whole network of young people I could connect with. I listened to the Stupid Cancer show and learned things about my disease and how to help myself. I even got one on one support from the founder himself. I'm now in remission, have 6 more treatments to go, and I'm on facebook and i[2]Y almost every day talking to other people who've had cancer, supporting them and myself. I'm now an activist for young adult cancer, hope to be an ambassador someday, and feel I have a true purpose in life.
I have worked in collaboration with Matthew Zachary and I2Y for the past 3 years. They are a very dedicated and professional group of people. They are a much needed organization dedicated to assisting young adults affected by cancer.They have been a great resource for patients in this population that we come in contact with. They have been very helpful.
I2y led by Matthew Zachary filled a void for young adult cancer patients and survivors. Long overdue, i2y raises awareness, conducts a weekly radio show and is a treasure trove of information for young adults affected by cancer. One of the more recent highlights was the cancer summit for young adults, which had amazing speakers and excellent breakaway groups/workshops. With a heart of gold, tremendous energy and an internal drive that won't quit or slow down Matthew is the man!
I have deep respect and admiration for Matthew and his entire organization! Something long over due to reach out to young survivors to show them they are not alone. Matthew you had done an amazing job! Be well an dcontinue the great work! Ron Bye
This is the most innovative cancer advocacy group I've encountered. Focusing on young adult cancer survivors, they've amassed a passionate group of survivors and volunteers whose mission is to raise awareness of survivorship issues facing the young adult cancer community. Matt Zachary, Kate Goldberger and the rest of the team are creative, energetic leaders. Definitely at the top of their game!
This is a wonderful organization that does everything it can to service a somewhat neglected population in the cancer world - adolescents and young adults. It speaks their language and hosts appropriate events to support, educate and advocate for its constituency. It's motto - "Stupid Cancer" says it all!
I'm Too Young FOr This is a hip, "tell-it-like-it-is", comprehensive resource for young adults with cancer. I refer my clients to i2y regularly for information and resources that will facilitate their experience and help them to not feel so isolated from diagnosis through survivorship. The Stupid Cancer Show puts a voice to the experience of living with cancer at a time when you least expect to be focusing on your health. The energy behind this peer driven network is empowering and helpful to so many young people throughout the country!
I2Y is an invaluable source for young adults touched by Cancer. Whether you need information specific to being young and facing Cancer, or you need a distraction from the pressure, I2Y significantly improves your experience.
i2y is an incredible force in the Young Adult Cancer world! As many of us know Young Adults are often left behind and misunderstood when they are diagnosed with cancer. I wish that something like this had been around when I was diagnosed in 2004 at age 20 with Level 3A Malignant Melanoma. I2Y gives young adults the forum to meet others in similar situations, vent about what they are going through and get out and have fun (as I like to say, "Laugh in Cancer's Face"). It's time to throw out the isolation of being under 40 with Cancer and bring in the power of being surrounded with others that understand and support you! It is sometimes hard to get yourself out there and talk to others about your experience and the great thing about i2y is that it's okay to feel that way because there is always something going on and when you are ready to get out and mingle i2y is there with open arms!!! If you haven't checked out i2y yet it's time to get involved!!
I[2]Y has been a big help for me. After being diagnosed and treated, finding a support group to help me had been difficult. I tried the standard ones, but they did not fit me. I heard about I[2]Y from a coworker and went to a movie night. Then a happy hour. Then a conference. I have met some wonderful and supportive people. I have made great friendships and I know where I can turn to talk about the hardships and fears that I am going through. They have helped me overcome some of my fears and put me in touch with others who I can talk about my experiences with.
MZ and his board have done an amazing job of reaching out to Young Adults batting cancer. They do it with creativity and that needed spark that so many of us young people need. He has created a movement and it will not be stopped. Kudos to him for creating a much needed space for young cancer patients and survivors to find everything that they need at their finger tips. He's also great at connecting people to other great nonprofits to help aid them. Bravo to i2y and it's leader Matthew Zachary!
Although I wish I had found I2y when I was diagnosed, it has changed my life for the better by bringing me into contact with young adults who "get" what it's like to have cancer at such a young age. These are friendships I know I will have for a lifetime and I have Matthew Zachary to thank for that and so much more! He is an inspiration for building I2y from the ground up to the amazing organization it is today and it's only going to get better from here! I2y is giving me the opportunity to advocate for myself as well as other fellow cancer survivors and patients. I had a blast at my 2nd OMG Conference and was able to hear one of my "cancer idols" speak, Erin Zammett. Thank you I2y, you rock!
MZ and team make being a young adult cancer survivor easier. i[2]y provides us with a place to go to be ourselves, not to be someone others want us to be. i[2]y helped when I was newly diagnosed and, almost more now that I am a survivor. They provide us with hope that, while we are in a minority, we aren't alone. And, when you're going through something like this, that can make ALL the difference. Survivors rule. Stupid cancer.
Through this organization, I have been empowered. I'm glad to have met people all over the country that understand and experience what I go through every day. I could not have done this without this organization. i2y ROCKS!
I only wish this organization had more mula to battle the cancer world. I would've tried selling my cancerous lymphs up on the inet if I knew that the extra change could actually change how many people know about i[2]y!!!! I freakin love you guys. Love a stupid cancer fan.
Far and beyond the hippest, directest, in cancer's face group of advocates out there. MZ, Alan, Jack & Kairol got it going and won't quit. They are engaging, well informed and good-intentioned. The cancer resources that they bring to light through the stupid cancer show and the support provided for young adults surviving cancer is first rate (and fun).
A place where you can let your hair down; when you don't have much hair. Patient to patient means truth and honesty. Thank you.
Since the time I first met founder Matthew Zachary, I have been impressed with all that he and his organization have been able to do for young adults who are living with cancer. The organization is part advocacy (more advocacy), part support group, part entertainment. They manage to educate you, entertain you and make you feel connected all at the same time.
I am a 21 year old cancer survivor and advocate. Although it has been over 15 years since I was diagnosed, I am still learning how to cope with cancer in my life. This organization helped me to realize what it means to be a survivor. It gave me the power and the opportunity to express my feelings to others who, for a change, know how I feel. Since becoming a member and doing my part to expand the organization, I have seen first-hand that this simple social interaction is the best "social medicine" for cancer survivors.
