Reid R. Sacco Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program The Reid R. Sacco Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program at Connecticut Children’s provides comprehensive cancer care for adolescents and young adults. We offer state-of-the-art medical care and support for the unique emotional and social needs of patients in this age group. AYA Program Objectives Increase AYA access to clinical trials Provide fertility and sexual health consultations and education to AYAs and families Provide specialized psychological, social and emotional support Connect AYAs to local and national resources Collaborate with oncology specialists at local adult hospitals to provide consultation and increase expertise in caring for AYAs with cancer Provide survivorship support Adolescent and Young Adult Resources We understand that being an AYA with cancer comes with its own special set of challenges. Our team is here to help support you and those who care about you every step along the way. AYA Q&A This booklet aims to answer some of the questions you may have when faced with a cancer diagnosis as an AYA. Adolescent Cancer Patient & Survivor Resources Helpful resources for patients ages 15 through 17. Young Adult Cancer Patient & Survivor Resources Helpful resources for patients 18 and over. Welcome and Helpful Tips from the AYA Cancer Advisory Council Part of our team is our AYA Cancer Advisory Council, a group of AYA cancer patients and survivors who aim to use their experience to provide resources and support to help you through your cancer journey. Sexual Health Q&A Information from our Comprehensive Fertility and Sexual Health Program that provides answers to questions about sexual health and cancer. My Friend Has Cancer…How Do I Help? When a friend is faced with a cancer diagnosis, this resource offers valuable advice. Life After Cancer: Support for Adolescents and Young Adults Even though treatment is complicated, our team is still here to help. Connecticut Children’s has beautifully renovated spaces in our outpatient clinic and inpatient unit for AYAs to use during treatment. We understand that AYAs need a space of their own to take a break, gather with friends or join others for a game or movie night. If you are interested in referring an AYA patient or would like to speak with someone from our program, please call 860.545.9630. Collaboration With Local Adult Hospitals In addition to providing care at Connecticut Children’s, The Reid R. Sacco Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program collaborates with oncology specialists at the University of Connecticut Health Center, Hartford Hospital and St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center to provide consultation, medical care and support services for patients up to age 40 with diseases more often found in younger patients Each patient’s physician participates in the coordination of care and in medical decision-making discussions with patients and their families. When appropriate, patients who are eligible are given an opportunity to enroll in a clinical trial. Research and Scholarly Advancements Thanks to the support of the Reid R. Sacco Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Alliance, Dr. Michael Isakoff continues to make advances in AYA cancer research and publishes his work to benefit patients and their clinical care providers. The AYA Cancer Program was established through the generosity of the Reid R. Sacco Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Alliance. The origin of the Alliance began when, just a few weeks before graduating high school 2003, Reid Sacco was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer seen predominantly in adolescents and young adults (AYAs). In seeking resources with which to fight his cancer, Reid and his family found an alarming gap in oncology care for the AYA age group (15-39). There were few experts, limited novel therapies, and no eligible clinical trials. In April 2005, after a courageous two-year battle, Reid lost his life at age 20. In July 2005, Reid’s family established the Reid R Sacco AYA Cancer Alliance to start a movement to find better treatments, and someday a cure, for the cancers striking AYAs. The Alliance supports research and clinical programs aimed at providing expertise in treating and conquering AYA cancers. In 2007 the family co-founded the launch of an AYA Program at Connecticut Children’s, directed by Michael Isakoff, MD. The Reid R. Sacco Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program at Connecticut Children’s continues to provide exceptional and potentially life-saving access to clinical trials for AYA cancer patients.
