Our Mission
Our mission is to build community and support for the AYA cancer community through wellness, storytelling, education, and research.
We work to support AYAs facing cancer through community building and survivorship support with Elephants and Tea and our wellness programs.
We raise money to fund research to cure cancer through the Harry and Angie Giallourakis AYA Cancer Research Fund.
Why We Do What We Do
Angie and Harry Giallourakis founded The Steven G. AYA Cancer Research Fund (now the Steven G. Cancer Foundation) 14 years ago in honor of their youngest son Steven who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 15 years. Steven is the inspiration behind the SGCF mission.
Steven is now a four-time cancer survivor. He beat four different cancers: At age 15 (stage 4 osteosarcoma), at 18 years (secondary AML) and most recently at age 29 years (pleomorphic sarcoma and renal cell carcinoma).
As a family, the Giallourakis’ have witnessed the triumphs and tribulations Steven has gone through as a patient and survivor. The family is very aware that Steven’s health is but one example of the suffering that takes place when an adolescent or young adult is diagnosed with cancer.
SGCF believes cancer survivorship and quality of life go hand in hand. Our programs reflect that. We strive to support and create resources in the areas of wellness, social support, education and research.
Staff
Board of Directors
Medical Advisory Committee
- Dr. Mike Roth
- Dr. Stefanie Thomas
- Kayla Fulginiti, MSW, LCSW
- Whitney Hadley, MA, MSW, LSW
Patient Advisory Committee
- Jennifer Anand – Co-Chair
- Jay Carty – Co-Chair
- Averi Allison
- Christian Bullock
- Cristina DiFranco
- Kimber Harris
- Josh Hepner
- Ellen O’Brien
- Sha’Leicia Simpson