We have several groups and programs for the different stages of the cancer journey.

Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program

Teens and young adults with cancer often face challenges that younger children don't. They may be thinking about school, work, dating, or starting a family. Our AYA Cancer Program supports patients ages 15 to 39 with care that fits their age and specific needs.

We offer help with:

• Education and career planning
• Relationships and mental health
• Fertility preservation and family planning
• Support and AYA specific resources
• Long-term health and lifestyle choices
• We also work with patients who have finished treatment and want to stay healthy long-term.

Young Adult Oncology Group

This social group is for young adults ages 18 to 39 who are living with or beyond cancer. You can join whether you got care at Children's Wisconsin or somewhere else. It's a place to meet people, share experiences and have fun together. Events are held monthly and are free of cost.

Past events have included:

• Hikes
• Art nights
• Cooking classes
• Bucks and Brewers games
• Game nights and more
   

Contact aya@mcw.edu to join or for more information.

Choosing a support program depends on your child's age, stage of treatment and future goals. Our team will help guide you to the best fit.

Here's a quick way to think through your options:

• Has your child just finished treatment and is not yet ready for full survivorship care? The Bridge to Next Steps Program helps your child transition from active treatment to long-term survivorship. It offers an opportunity to meet and greet with the Next Steps Survivorship team to learn about follow-up care and future screening, wellness planning and support to ease the change.
• Is your child a survivor of cancer or a bone marrow transplant and at least two years off treatment? The Next Steps Survivorship Program offers long-term monitoring, care plans and healthy lifestyle guidance after treatment ends.
• Is your child a teen or young adult (ages 15 to 39)? The Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program helps with school, work, relationships, mental health, family planning and resources.
• Does your teen or young adult want to connect with others who've been through cancer? The Young Adult Oncology Group offers monthly social activities and peer support for young adults ages 18 to 39.

If you're not sure where to start, our team is here to help guide you to which support group may be best for you and your family. If you have any questions about how to join a support group, please reach out to our team for more information.

Nationally recognized: U.S. News & World Report regularly names us as one of the nation's best pediatric centers for cancer and blood disorders. We have the resources and expertise to provide the best possible care for kids with cancers and blood diseases.

Whole-child care: Our support programs focus on your child's full health - physical, mental and social-emotional wellbeing. From the first day of diagnosis to long after treatment, we're here to walk with your family every step of the way.

Focused on the family: We provide family-centered care. We know that a child's health affects the whole family, including siblings. We partner with your family, talking openly and about your child's care and your personal beliefs. Our goal is to support you by building on your strengths.

Patient support: Young adults who are currently receiving or have received cancer treatment can get exceptional support through our Young Adult Oncology Group. The group meets monthly to help young adults (18-39) with cancer or recovering from it share experiences and participate in activities.

Next Steps Programs: Right before the end of treatment, you'll enter the Bridge to Next Steps program to better understand your transition and follow-up care plan. At least two years after your child completes treatment, they can enter the Next Steps Clinic. This long-term follow-up program cares for cancer survivors. Our care team monitors for recurrence, manages late effects and promotes overall well-being.

Focus on teens and young adults: Teens and young adults are often gaining independence related to school, work, dating, or future planning when cancer interrupts their plans. Our AYA Cancer Program supports patients ages 15 to 39, with care and resources that fits their age and and specific needs.