We partner with UNC’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center to address the unique needs of adolescent and young adults (AYAs) facing cancer.
In 2016, this collaboration established the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program as one of the first in the country with this focus. As part of this partnership, we fund the position of the program director Lauren Lux (pictured) who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. We also fund various programs run by Lauren and her team that help 13-39 year olds maintain their independence, dignity and identity.
Lauren’s team includes Andrew Smitherman, MD (Medical Director), Catherine Swift, LCSW (AYA Social Worker), and Melissa Matson, AGNP (AYA Nurse Practitioner). This dedicated program team focuses on the following four broad areas:
- Provide excellent age-appropriate psycho-social and medical care for AYA patients and their families;
- Advance AYA-focused cancer research;
- Educate and train providers;
- Build statewide collaboration to address the unique needs of North Carolina’s AYAs.
To learn more about this extraordinary AYA program, please visit uncaya.org
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