A COMMUNITY COMING TOGETHER
We are a community of healthcare workers and advocates from Fort Worth, TX leading the way to help adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 15 and 39.
With your help, we can educate, inspire, and comfort those who need it
WHO WE ARE
We are a community of healthcare professionals, young adult cancer survivors, their families, advocates, and passionate volunteers.
WHAT WE DO
Our coalition works together to improve the lives of adolescents and young adults (AYAs), ages 15 to 39, diagnosed with cancer in our community.
WHY IT MATTERS
AYAs face unique medical barriers and psychosocial issues that, when not addressed, can have devastating short and long-term consequences.
A Guide For Young People Facing Cancer
So, you have cancer. Now What…?
Whether you have just been diagnosed, are already receiving treatment, or have completed most of your treatment, there are probably so many things running through your head all at the same time — questions, feelings, new thoughts —
As hard as it might be to focus on anything, there are a few things that might help you get a better handle on the situation.
This book is designed to help you get a handle on some of what is going on and give you some tips for dealing with the massive challenges your cancer diagnosis has thrown at you.
AYA CANCER IS DIFFERENT
Every year, almost 90,000 AYAs are diagnosed with cancer in the United States.
Approximately 500 are diagnosed in and around Fort Worth.
That’s 8X the number of pediatric patients.
Unlike children, however, there has been a limited focus on the AYA population.
The consequences are significant. In addition to a lack of available age-relevant support and resources, eye-opening data has revealed that survival rates for many AYA cancers have not significantly improved in more than three decades.
DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER IN THE U.S. EACH YEAR
DIAGNOSED IN & AROUND FORT WORTH EACH YEAR
YEARS SINCE THERE'S BEEN A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN SURVIVAL
MINUTES BEFORE ANOTHER AYA IS DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER
CANCER IS THE NO. 1 CAUSE OF DISEASE-RELATED DEATHS IN AYAS
OUR AYA INPATIENT UNIT & INFUSION CENTER
In May 2016, our coalition opened America’s first community-supported AYA oncology inpatient unit and infusion center for patients ages 18 to 29.
Located inside Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth, the unit provides an age-relevant treatment “home” for young adults, ages 18 to 29, diagnosed with cancer in our community.
What the Fort Worth Adolescent and Young Adult Coalition has achieved is a good practice model for the region’s young people with cancer, one that will be the envy of community hospitals throughout the USA.
I commend the Fort Worth community’s spirit of collaboration, for delivering a world-class facility and most of all, for putting young patients and their families first.
I’M AN AYA
Were you diagnosed with cancer between 15 and 39 years old?
Whether you’re looking for information, resources, support, or encouragement, we have what you need.
I’M A PROVIDER
AYA cancer is different from cancer in other aged patients. This population has unique needs, and we’re here to help you provide your best care to them.
I’M A SUPPORTER
We are a community of professionals, advocates, survivors, volunteers, and people like you. Learn how you can get involved.
AYA STORIES
An FWAYA Coalition Story | Candice’s Story
An FWAYA Coalition Story Each year 77,000+ young adults are diagnosed with cancer. My 21-year-old self never thought I would be part of this statistic. My 21-year-old self also never imagined not only living this long but to have REALLY lived. No, I guess I never...
AYA Cancer Story | A Mothers Journey by Laura Rutledge
An Introspective look from an AYA Cancer Mom April 22nd, 2010 is a day that will forever be etched into my memory. It is the day that our happy world of carpooling kids, going to soccer games, proms, college essays, etc. came to a screeching halt. After 11 months of...
Johanna’s FWAYA Cancer Story | Fort Worth AYA Oncology
Johanna’s FWAYA Cancer Story My name is Johanna; I was 33yrs old when I was diagnosed with soft tissue small cell sarcoma in early March of 2019. My husband of 10 years and I are parents to a rambunctious soon to be 5yr sweet old girl, who is on the first-name basis...
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