b-present foundation

Nearly 90,000 Adolescent and Young Adults (AYAs) ages 15-39 are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States, and this number continues to increase.

Additionally, there are over 633K AYA survivors currently living in the US. AYAs are the most underserved population by age, and it is well documented that they often fall through the gaps in the healthcare system. Social support is vital to their quality of life and health outcomes. Yet, supporters in this age group often lack the life experience to stay connected and supportive, leaving the patient to endure this difficult time feeling isolated and alone.

b-present Foundation is a San Diego-based nonprofit established following the devastating loss of 20-year-old Kirsten to cancer in 2016. We improve the quality of life and health outcomes of adolescents and young adults with cancer nationwide through programs that promote and strengthen connections between young adults and their communities of support.

b-present actively engages with the national AYA community of survivors, supporters, health professionals, researchers, and nonprofits. b-present partners with researchers to study the barriers to social support, lead monthly meetings with western hospital AYA coordinators, lead focus groups to get program feedback, and host annual community workshops to discuss support gaps. These collaborative relationships allow the diverse needs of the AYA population to stay top of mind and shape future program innovations, interventions, and strategies to improve support.

Our goal is to help every individual see the important role they can play in the social support network and how they have the power to reduce social isolation and improve health outcomes by being present when they are needed most.

Through two key programs, b-aware and b-there, we amplify the importance of presence before a diagnosis and provide the tools and resources after a diagnosis so supporters feel ready and empowered to be present when needed. Why? Because every young adult with cancer should feel connected and supported throughout treatment and beyond.

b-aware

Measurably improve AYA readiness to provide quality support for AYAs with cancer nationwide through research-based education on the challenges, barriers and how-to’s of social support, and ignite a community inspired, equipped and ready to be present when they are needed most.

b-there

Measurably improve AYA quality of life from the point of diagnosis onward by improving communication and connection between AYAs with cancer and their communities of support, empowering supporters to be there when needed, and supporting them in their efforts.