January, 18th 2025: Join us for food, drinks, dancing, and author sharing — all to support our mission. Learn more here!
Our Impact
Since 2007 we have raised over $400,000 for the AYA Cancer Research. The SGAYA Cancer Research Fund funds: AYA Cancer Research here in NE Ohio, educational and self-esteem building programs to help AYA Cancer survivors and their families address the issues surrounding cancer, family and patient social support, and AYA Cancer Advocacy and Awareness. Our Wellness Program provides healthy snacks for PAYA Cancer in-patients and the BE CALM STAY STRONG PACKAGE provides health and wellness items to assist with relaxation and comfort. All items/food/books/etc are distributed under the direct supervision of Hospital Social Workers.
Why AYA Cancer?
About 80,000 adolescents and young adults (ages 15-39) are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States.
Survival rates among young adults with cancer haven’t improved since 1975
Only 10% of 15 – 19 year olds and 2% of 20 – 29 year olds with cancer participate in clinical trials.
Adolescents and young adults are the most challenging age group to provide follow-up therapy; which means that secondary cancers go undetected for a longer period of time.
Help us treat cancer in our young people with many opportunities to get involved: volunteering, sponsorship, donations and organizational partnerships.
Board of Directors
Jennifer Anand
Kristina Cullis
Polly Furey, Vice President
Lauren Ghazal, PhD, FNP-BC
Angie Giallourakis, PhD
Harry Giallourakis
Steven Giallourakis, President
Nick Hudson
Natalie Kelly, PhD, ABPP-CN
Andrew Mitrow, Treasurer
Angeli Persons
Patricia A. Pophal
Joey Terry, Secretary
Stefanie Thomas, MD
Chris Weiss
