Support Starter Kit Pilot Program
Pilot Program Overview
After a cancer diagnosis, young adults often face uncertainty and isolation, not knowing what support is available or how to ask for it. Our Support Starter Kit Pilot Program, launched in partnership with the I’m Not Done Yet Foundation during AYA Cancer Week (April 2024), aims to bridge these gaps. This initiative provides thoughtfully curated resources to empower patients and their supporters to stay connected during a challenging time.
How the Pilot Program Works
We created 50 starter kits (25 for patients and 25 for supporters), which will be distributed by our partner hospitals. These kits are designed to encourage communication, build support networks, and spark meaningful connection. There are two kit types:
- Moxie Box (MB-___) for patients: Inspires courage and resilience.
- Rally Box (RB-___) for supporters: Reinforces their vital role in offering support.
The patient and their designated supporter will each receive matching numbered kits (e.g. MB-001 and RB-001 respectively).
Your Role in Distribution
As a distribution partner, your responsibility is to:
- Select patients (18+): Identify young adult patients likely to engage in the feedback process (important for pilot success).
- Deliver boxes to participants Moxie Box to the patient and one matching numbered Rally Box to their designated supporter.
- Log distribution details: Make a note of date and kit numbers, to help us track usage and program outcomes.
- Remind them to retain the important feedback card (it’s their only link to the surveys — and the $50 eGift card)
What’s Inside the Kits?
Each box contains engaging tools and activities to foster connection, including:
- Welcome Letter: Designed by Chelsey Gomez at @OhYoureSoTough and written in the voice of YA patient or supporter who gets it
- Helpful Resources: A Supporter Roadmap, Elephants and Tea Friendship edition, supplemental guides, worksheets and tips
- Activities to encourage connection: Including friendship bracelet kits, conversation starters, fun bingo cards, and Bestie Bucket List planners
- Cards to inspire, connect, support, and express gratitude: Affirmation cards, notecards, empathy cards, fill in vouchers and cards, notepads, and a phone timeout pouch to promote distraction-free moments
- Mementos: Kendra Scott friendship bracelets
- Food/transportation Gift Card: A $25 Uber/UberEATS gift card
Feedback Goals & Process
Patient and supporter feedback is crucial for assessing value and refining future editions. Participants are asked to complete three brief surveys over the month following kit receipt:
- Day 0 (Baseline) – Perceived support and readiness
- Day 15 – How resources were used, motivation, and effectiveness
- Day 30 – Long-term impact on support and communication
Total time to complete all 3 surveys is about 15 minutes. As a thank you for their time, participants will receive a $50 eGift card once they have completed all 3 surveys.
Privacy & Participation
All survey data is collected using a unique kit ID number. Participants provide an email address only for survey reminders and rewards, with no further emails unless they opt-in for updates. Participant emails are not associated with the final summary of the survey feedback.
The Impact We Aim to Achieve
This pilot program seeks to evaluate how the kits improve communication, connection and support outcomes early in the cancer experience, reducing isolation and empowering both patients and their supporters to navigate the challenges together. The insights gathered will shape future versions, expanding the program’s reach and effectiveness.
Questions or Feedback?
We welcome your input! Please reach out with any questions or suggestions. Thank you for helping us make a difference through the Support Starter Kit Pilot Program.
Thanks to Our Partners and Sponsors
A heartfelt thank you to our partner hospitals and AYA community advisors who contributed to this labor of love, and a special shoutout to our generous sponsors and partners: I’m Not Done Yet Foundation, Chelsey Gomez, Elephants and Tea, Kendra Scott, Em & Friends, and Knock Knock. Thank you for helping us ensure that young adults feel connected and supported after a cancer diagnosis. We are stronger together.