Each year 70,000 Americans between the ages of 15 and 39 are diagnosed with cancer.  Adolescents and young adults are a unique subset of almost every aspect of American life from education to employment, marketing strategies to choices in entertainment, even their rights granted by law such as driving a vehicle and voting.

However, federal agencies DO NOT recognize 15-39 year olds as their own unique population which means funding, research, and outreach is divided into two camps – pediatrics and adult – with no clear line and a huge gap in care. These 70,000 patients have no medical home and providers must make treatment decisions based on research, data, and experiences of children decades younger than them or adults who are their grandparents age.

Well I want to change all that (I know shocker!) which is why I was so honored when Critical Mass: The Young Adult Cancer Alliance asked me to join them as their new President & CEO.  

My first challenge: startup costs, which you all know are always the most expensive.  We need a new website, email program, and talented staff (i.e. those people who actually went to medical school and can talk to folks about how we create change.)

My goal from now until the end of the year is to raise $50,000.  High yes, impossible no.  I have a strong development packet, a list of possible donors from major givers to foundations, and you!  

Anything will help.  If you have a few dollars you could send to Critical Mass I would greatly appreciate it!

Thank you in advance for your consideration and all your years of love and support.

Kate