From nationally recognized University hospitals leading in research and systematic change to community hospitals delivering vital services to under-served communities, our grantees are working hard every day on behalf of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. They are bridging the gap in age-specific care on a broad range of issues; such as fertility preservation, financial support, clinical trial access, psychosocial care, etc. Meet some of our grantees and see what we’re helping them achieve.
Funding Change by Empowering the Future
As tomorrow’s citizens and leaders, our young people between the ages of 15 – 39, represent the future. They are a unique population with specific health care needs. It is imperative that the standards of care for this demographic changes in order to provide the best overall care. TCA believes that AYAs are the future and we want to bring a systemic change while improving their outcomes and chances of survival. By funding game changing hospital programs that are successfully addressing pivotal issues of AYA cancer – TCA is helping to impact the lives of 1000s of young people with cancer across the US.
Who We Support
TCA is a national grantmaker that can support any hospital providing cancer services to AYAs. Our goal is to empower the future by improving access to AYA appropriate care, an enhanced treatment experience and improved outcomes. We believe that the AYAs impacted by an issue, such as cancer, are the real experts and we select hospitals that are caring for them directly.
We choose our grantees carefully based on the submission of detailed proposals that are peer reviewed by experts in the field. Before a grant is awarded, a rigorous development tool is produced to set clear goals and targets.
More Than Dollars
What sets TCA apart is our commitment to supporting grantee organizations not only with funding, but also with a variety of opportunities to help them become as effective as possible in achieving their missions and advancing the collective goal. Partnership is extended in some of the following areas:
- Strengthen education: We are invested in the continued education of physicians and allied health professional working towards better treatment and targeted care.
- Cultivate leaders: We support individuals interested in age-specific cancer care to continue learning, growing, and proving the value of their roles.
- Build momentum: We bring grantees together to network with one another and spark collective synergy toward systemic change.
Progress Since 2013
- Number of Grants: 34
- Number of Hospitals Supported: 53
- Total Funding Allocated: Over $9 million
- AYA Facilities in Partner Hospitals: 18
- Positions Funded: 48
- States: 19
- Cities: 32
“[TCA is] not just providing an outline, but a true roadmap and the best I’ve ever received.” -Dr. Marcio Malogolowkin, UC Davis Health
“TCA funding for a program manager along with the efforts of the AYA team and hospital leadership has allowed us to provide quality, patient-centered care to AYAs at MD Anderson. We do that by addressing unmet needs of our AYA patients on topics relevant to them such as coping/mental health, exercise, financial stress, genetic counseling, healthy behaviors, knowledge of AYA resources, late effects, nutrition, peer support, quality of life, relationships/sex/intimacy, and many others.” -MD Anderson
“Thanks to this wonderful partnership, we have been able to shine a spotlight even brighter than before on this patient population. There has been increased attention given on the program from various departments throughout the Health System and stakeholders in the community. And with Teen Cancer America’s support, we are able to better leverage funding from other donors and supporters locally and nationally.“ -University Health Systems – San Antonio
“This gift will ultimately help us expand our existing efforts and provide us with resources to standardize the way we provide optimal cancer care to a vulnerable population across the pediatric and adult medical centers and in accordance with clinical practice guidelines. This will enable us to better contribute to the scientific base as well.” -Stacy Sanford, PhD, CBSM, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Apply for Funding
Teen Cancer America has decided to postpone the June 1 grant cycle. We want to ensure health systems and providers have ample time to respond, without the undue stress of this covid-19 crisis, while adjusting thoughtfully to the care of their AYA population. Consultation remains available and will continue to be a requirement of the LOI /grant process. If you have any questions please contact Hilary@teencanceramerica.org **Please click here for further instruction.**
Click here to apply and learn about TCA Charitable Grant opportunities.
Teen Cancer America, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, empowers hospitals across the country to provide age-specific care and treatment to adolescents and young adults with cancer in order to provide better experiences and, ultimately, rates of survival. According to independently audited financials, Teen Cancer America operates at 83% efficiency and has received the Independent Charity Seal of Excellence of one of the highest available rankings from GuideStar.
Support the AYA Movement
Your donation to TCA helps us provide essential support, funding, and resources to improve the chances of survival of AYAs. We select grantees that together, build momentum for systematic change. If you’re concerned about AYAs with cancer; if you think we need to empower their future; if you want to have a real hand in making things better — donate today and support our “boots on the ground” efforts throughout the USA.