Cancer Organizations Come Together to Support New Young Adult Cancer Survivors

Six cancer organizations both nationally and across Northern New Jersey have joined forces to bring young adults affected with cancer together for a Young Adult Survivor Movie Night. The event will be held on Wednesday May 30 between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. at Gilda’s Club Northern New Jersey and will feature a screening of the critically acclaimed film 50/50 followed by a facilitated discussion about the movie’s impact and how it addresses the unique and important issues facing young adults with cancer. 

Approximately 70,000 young adults ages 15-39 are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States. The Stupid Cancer Foundation, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Young Survival Coalition of Northern New Jersey, Gilda’s Club Northern New Jersey, The Valley Hospital’s Blumenthal Cancer Center and John Theurer Cancer Center at HackensackUMC are the partners hosting this 50/50 Movie Young Adult Survivor Night.  

“When people think about cancer, young adults aren’t the first that come to mind. The reality is that one young adult is diagnosed every 8 minutes,” said Kenny Kane, Vice President of Operations of the Stupid Cancer Foundation. “We are thrilled that these five other cancer organizations recognize the need to support young adults with cancer, and are helping us create a greater sense of community in New Jersey for support, networking, and information.“

50/50 is an award-winning film starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen about a young man’s journey through cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. The film is based on the true story of screenwriter Will Reiser’s own experiences with cancer and has been very well received by critics, picking up two golden globe nominations. “Refusing to hide from pain or bow to it, 50/50 makes its own rules. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen are a dream team,” raves Peter Travers of Rolling Stone Magazine. Following the film will be a guided discussion led by Stupid Cancer Foundation’s Kenny Kane and John Theurer Cancer Center’s oncology social worker Anita Vargas, LSW.

This collaboration is anticipated to be the first of many programs for young adults with cancer in New Jersey. This program is free to the public and pizza and refreshments will be served. However, due to the adult content of the movie no one under 18 will be admitted to this event. In addition, space is limited, so pre-registration is required. Please RSVP by contacting Gina Londino, Patient Services Manager at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at 908-956-6608 or gina.londina@lls.org.

About Stupid Cancer Foundation

Stupid Cancer Foundation (aka The I'm Too Young For This! Cancer Foundation) is a non-profit organization that empowers young adults affected by cancer through innovative and award-winning programs and services. We are the nation's largest support community for this underserved population and serve as a bullhorn for the young adult cancer movement.

About Gilda’s Club Northern New Jersey

Gilda’s Club Northern New Jersey is a cancer-support community serving 12 counties in North Jersey as well as southern Rockland County, and is part of an international network of affiliate clubhouses anchored by Gilda’s Club Worldwide. All services at the Hackensack-based clubhouse, from lectures and workshops to support groups and social events, are open to anyone – men, women, children and teens – who has been touched in any way by cancer, and are completely free of charge. For further information or to make a donation, visit http://www.gildasclubnnj.org or call (201) 457-1670.

About Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services. 

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.lls.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. www.lls.org.

About Young Survival Coalition of Northern New Jersey

About John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center

John Theurer Cancer Centerat Hackensack University Medical Center is among the nation’s top 50 U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals for cancer – the only cancer center in New Jersey with this designation. It is New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive cancer center dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, management, research, screenings, preventive care, as well as survivorship of patients with all types of cancer.

Each year, more people in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area turn to John Theurer Cancer Center for cancer care than to any other facility in New Jersey. The 14 specialized divisions feature a team of medical, research, nursing, and support staff with specialized expertise that translates into more advanced, focused care for all patients. John Theurer Cancer Center provides comprehensive multidisciplinary care, state of the art technology, access to clinical trials, compassionate care and medical expertise—all under one roof. For more information please visit jtcancercenter.org.

The Valley Hospital’s Blumenthal Cancer Center

Certified by the American College of Surgeons as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program, Valley is known for its centers specializing in the diagnosis, care, and treatment of prostate and lung cancer, its surgical oncology program, its radiation oncology program, and its comprehensive oncology clinical trials program.  No hospital in the nation has more Gold Seals for cancer care from The Joint Commission than The Valley Hospital. For more information, visit www.ValleyHealthCancerCenter.com.

About Young Survival Coalition of Northern New Jersey

Established in 1998, Young Survival Coalition (YSC) was the first nonprofit organization to focus exclusively on the unique needs of young women affected by breast cancer. Founded by young survivors for young survivors, YSC began as a grassroots organization to advocate on behalf of all young women diagnosed with breast cancer to increase their quality and quantity of life. Based in New York City, with 23 affiliates nationwide, YSC today provides comprehensive resources, support and education to address every phase of a young woman’s breast cancer experience. YSC is well known for its four national Tour de Pink® rides for breast cancer; regional In Living Pink events; ResourceLink program; as well as educational materials such as its Newly Diagnosed Resource Kit (NDRK), Metastatic Navigator and its Factor Series on topics such as fertility, genetics and breast reconstruction. It also co-presents the C4YW — Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer. For more information or to make a donation, please visit: www.youngsurvival.org.

Media Contact

Amy Leahing

P4 Strategy on behalf of John Theurer Cancer Center

305-458-0599

aleahing@p4strategy.com

Back