Programs

b-aware // b-connected

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

    • Not all heroes wear capes. Right now, they are wearing scrubs and masks. 🏥⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Healthcare workers are at the frontline of this crisis, working extra long hours and isolating themselves from their families to keep the rest of us safe. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Know an amazing hospital worker? Tag them below and let them know they are appreciated! 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️⁣⁣ ⁣ 📸 @marieglbrt_
    • Being present, whether in person or virtually, is an important part of a healthy daily routine. By positively impacting the life of another, endorphins are released, giving us the “helpers high.” It boosts serotonin, giving us an improved sense of well-being. 💪⁣ ⁣ And the more we practice being present, the better we are at it. We become more selfless, and better able to sense whether a listening ear, a helping hand, a welcome joke, or an act of kindness is needed. ⁣ ⁣ Just like exercise, presence can reduce anxiety and stress, and lead to a healthier and happier existence. 😄 So be on the lookout for those daily opportunities to be there for someone that needs you...it may just provide the boost you both need!
    • During these uncertain times, we need to make room for all the emotions people are feeling. Cancer survivor @suzie_summers shares an important reminder…⁣ ⁣ "Cautious optimism > Positive vibes only ⚖️ Sometimes we need to just feel sad or angry, and let there be space for that feeling instead of only positivity all of the time. "Positive vibes only" tells me that a person can't handle anything but "good vibes"...People who use this phrase make me feel like they are incapable of supporting me through a rough time. Anyone else feel that way too?"⁣
    • With the coronavirus (COVID19) leading to the cancellation of most community, school, and sporting events, people are self-isolating, and feelings of loneliness become magnified. Here are five ways you can support someone in isolation...⁣ ⁣ Click the link in our bio to read our full list of support tips. ⁣#SupportDuringCrisis
    • Luck is sometimes a matter of perspective. 🍀 Take a moment to reflect on the people you feel lucky to have in your life. Who's the gold at the end of your rainbow? 🌈
    • According to the @cdcgov, in times of crisis, it's crucial to take care of yourself and each other. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. The emotional impact of an emergency on a person can depend on the person's characteristics and experiences, the social and economic circumstances of the person and their community, and the availability of local resources.⁣ ⁣ Here are a few things you can do to support yourself...⁣ ⁣ 1. Connect with others. Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Maintain healthy relationships. 📱⁣ ⁣ 2. Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage of COVID-19. 📺⁣ ⁣ 3. Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs. 🧘🏽⁣ ⁣ 4. Make time to unwind and remind yourself that strong feelings will fade. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly. Try to do some other activities you enjoy to return to your normal life. 🏌️⁣ ⁣ 5. Maintain a sense of hope and positive thinking. 🙂⁣ ⁣ Have another support tip to add? Drop us a comment below. 👇 #SupportDuringCrisis⁣ ⁣ Read CDC article: http://bit.ly/2WhRz7Z ⁣

  • 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.