OUR HISTORY

Life as a 20 year old, bald, Leukemia patient is never something we ever imagine in our wildest dreams growing up. Not knowing anyone else similar in age who can share how they coped with such fear and uncertainty was only the beginning of Stephanie Scoletti's concerns. Little did she know that this disease would blossom into a mission that Pittsburgh, PA has never seen.

In 2011, Stephanie became the Cancer Caring Center’s Director of Support Services. Within a year, she began leading a support group for young adults with cancer, ages 18-39, and called it Young Adult Cancer Support (YACS). Attendance multiplied over the first 2 years, and voices were heard. Young adult cancer is different. The experiences and issues are different. The developmental stage they're in when diagnosed is different. Being their parents' caregivers while also parenting young kids when diagnosed. Not to mention financial toxicity, infertility, and self-identity as three of the major roadblocks that arise once cancer hits.

Time for a change. In 2014, Stephanie expanded YACS by adding social and financial components to the program. Since then, the members and their co-survivors have participated in monthly social outings, providing a break to everyday stress, fears, and anxiety and instead giving an uplifting experience surrounding them with peer support and an enjoyable outing at no cost to them. Stephanie and her husband started hosting fundraisers that supported the social outings and $100 stipends. From successful fundraising and increased support over the years, recipients now receive $300 stipends annually. Over the next 5 years, 375 stipends were awarded and $200,000 has been raised for YACS. Over 500 survivors have benefited from the program. Stephanie built the community for young adult cancer survivors which is why Young Adult Survivors United was established as a new 501(c)(3) organization, providing greater opportunities for support group expansions, increased memberships, increased funding, and a greater impact so that young adult survivors can cope and thrive with peer support and the necessary tools that no other organization can do.

OUR BOARD