Programs

Our Programs

Young adults diagnosed with cancer are required to press pause during such a pivotal time in their lives and often don’t receive consistent support from busy friends. Unfortunately, poor support can contribute to a negative response to treatment and overall worse health outcomes. Through two key programs, b-aware and b-connected, we are providing the information and tools that empower the social support network to be present from pre-cancer diagnosis through survivorship.

  • What is b-aware?

    b-aware is educating the general young adult community about the importance of being there for others. We’re proactively providing young adults access to important information and experiences that amplify and reinforce the importance of presence and inspire active change. By giving young adults the tools and experiences before a friend is diagnosed, they will feel empowered to be a strong supporter when the need arises.

    What is b-aware?

    b-aware b-informed b-empowered

    Not all of us will face a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime, but every single one of us will be called on to be a supporter. If we learn how to be the best possible supporter today, we have the power to improve the experience for others.

    Learn from the past.

    b-present.

    Change their future.

    Share Your Story
    • Leading Cause of Death

      Leading Cause of Death

      Cancer remains the #1 cause of disease-related death among young adults (YAs) between the ages of 18-39.
    • Survival Rates Are Not Improving

      Survival Rates Are Not Improving

      Unlike pediatric and older adult patients, YAs with cancer have seen little improvement in survival rates since 1975.
    • Social and Emotional Issues

      Social and Emotional Issues

      Isolation is the #1 psychosocial issue impacting YAs with cancer. Finding effective social support is often difficult for this age group.

    SOURCE: Couzin, 2007

    • Humor is complicated, particularly when it’s around a sensitive subject. 😅 But it is also a popular coping mechanism often described by patients as therapeutic. ⁣ ⁣ The physical act of laughing produces endorphins that help alleviate pain. Humor can also reduce anxiety and discomfort, breaks up the pity party, takes the conversation in a different direction, and allows patients to talk more openly about their concerns and fears. ⁣ ⁣ So the next time your favorite survivor tells a dark joke, recognize they are trying to find humor in a tough situation, and may just want to lighten the mood for both you and them. Follow their lead. If they are looking for a laugh, it's okay to laugh with them. ⁣😂 ⁣ Laughter is great medicine...for both of you.⁣
    • Sharing the news of a cancer diagnosis with friends and family is a big deal, and each person will approach it differently based on their needs and concerns. 😰 ⁣ ⁣ Some may want to share the news as quickly and with as many people as possible, while others choose to keep it private. Support their decision and give them the room to share on their terms. ⁣ ⁣ Want to learn more about the ins and outs of sharing a diagnosis? This article is worth the read: http://bit.ly/ComingOutWithCancer
    • A beautiful soul is never forgotten. It's been four years since our hilarious, strong, and sassy Kirsten gained her wings. 👼 Today, we are remembering her exactly how she would have wanted, which is filled with joy. Although we miss her every day, she continues to give us strength as we strive to turn her vision into reality because no one should ever have to face cancer alone. 💪⁣ ⁣ In Kirsten's honor, we challenge you to spend your day laughing with your favorite people. 💛 #bpresent⁣
    • Tired of the commercialization of Valentine's Day? Opt for spending tonight hanging out with your best friends eating pizza, 🍕 watching movies, 🎥 and being your most present self. These are your people, let's celebrate them! 💛 #PalentinesDay
    • Don't let the IV pole be their only plus one. 🙅 Whether they are treated at the children's or adult hospital, young adults with cancer often feel out of place. It's rare for them to come across another patient their age, leaving them feeling isolated and alone. 😣 ⠀ ⠀ Having no one around to relate to or talk to would SUCK...don't ya think? Grab some takeout, 🥡 a deck of cards 🃏, and head to the hospital for some quality time with your friend. 👭⠀
    • Stronger together. 💪 “I got clearance to go outside today after 9 days inside! And right after I got that news, a group of my friends came with a surprise visit! It was perfect timing, I got to walk all the way down to the plaza and directly into sunshine. The first time I’ve been outside in 9 days. God did it feel good…” —Lyon H.⠀⁣ ⁣ 📸: @lyon_herron

  • What is b-connected?

    b-connected is providing the necessary tools to facilitate strong support for young adult cancer patients post-diagnosis through survivorship. We’re addressing the unique needs of these young adults throughout the treatment journey by working closely with patients, survivors, and supporters, to enhance the connectedness of social support networks.

    What is b-connected?

    The b-there Tool

    Our web-based patient and supporter connection tool, b-there, is designed to ensure the support network has the information they need to be there for the cancer patient from the day of diagnosis.

    The tool gives the patient a simple, low-stress way to control visits, convey status, and request needed items, allowing supporters to be responsive to the patient’s physical and emotional needs. Through the easy-to-understand patient dashboard, supporters can quickly get updates on how the patient is doing, what they need, if they want visitors, how they can help, and more.

    Interested in helping evaluate the b-there tool?  Check out the latest info on our testing.

    I Want to Help
    • Patient Status

      Patient Status

      Informs supporters how the patient is doing, the patient's preferred method of contact, and if they are welcoming visitors.
    • Calendar

      Calendar

      Lets supporters know when the patient is available, what activities are of interest to them, and how they can help.
    • Wish List

      Wish List

      Allows supporters to see what the patient needs, when they need it, and how they would like it to be delivered.