The YACC Recover Study: A community-led study on quality of life in young adults diagnosed with cancer

Community-Based Research Canada presents “Young People in Community-Based Research”: our winter 2024 e-learning series. This series will highlight community-based research projects, models, and processes that exemplify participatory engagement of young people in research. An important hallmark of community-based research is that the research is participatory, meaning it involves authentic and meaningful participation of stakeholders in all phases of the research. When research has impacts on the lives of young people, participatory research would involve authentically engaging young people in the planning, design, implementation, and dissemination of research. Within this series we will hear about engaged models and processes for research, as well as research projects that have been driven by young people.

Webinar: "The YACC Recover Study: A community-led study on quality of life in young adults diagnosed with cancer"

Imagining the future of young adult cancer care with those directly impacted by it the most. 

Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC) is working with young adults who have been directly impacted by young adult cancer to further deepen the understanding we have on the complexities of being diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 18 and 40 years old and the needs that exist through recovery, survivorship and thrivership. Join our presentation to learn about our experiences, processes, goals, and involvement opportunities for our community-led research initiative - the Recover Study. Members of the Insight Team, YACC Team and the Recover Leadership Team will present.

For more information on the YACC Recover Study, please visit recoverstudy.ca.

Presenters:

Pam Crotty (she/her), Senior Research Manager, Young Adult Cancer Canada

Dani Taylor (she/her), Manager of Programs and Partnerships, Young Adult Cancer Canada

Carolyn Van, Recover Study Leadership Team Member, Young Adult Cancer Canada

Alyssa Dickey (she/her), Insight Team Member, Young Adult Cancer Canada

Geoff Eaton, Founder & Executive Director, Young Adult Cancer Canada

Pam Crotty (she/her) is the Senior Research Manager at Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC) and brings over 15 years of experience in clinical research (management in clinical trials) from the University of Calgary to the YACC team. She completed a graduate diploma in Clinical Epidemiology as well as a Bachelor of Science (Psychology, Sociology and Criminology) at Memorial University of Newfoundland. She is currently immersing herself in to the study of conducting community based research to effectively lead the YACC Recover Study. From Newfoundland and now living in Alberta, she appreciates the somewhat frequent trips back to Newfoundland to see family and friends, and to collaborate in person with the YACC team at their headquarters in St. John’s.

Dani Taylor (she/her), MSW, RSW, is the Manager of Programs and Partnerships at Young Adult Cancer Canada. Dani is an oncology social worker and young adult, colorectal cancer survivor. She has completed her MSW with Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at University of Toronto, as well as her BSW and BA in English Literature with York University. Her experiences with the health care system and support of Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC) led her to explore a career in psychosocial oncology; finding particular interest in illness narratives and systemic violence. Dani has previously worked for Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto (where she continues to facilitate their 20s & 30s Support Group), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (palliative care), and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (allogeneic transplant, palliative care, breast cancer survivorship, and phase one clinical trials).

Carolyn Van was diagnosed with Lymphoma Cancer at 28 years old in 2014. Over the past 10 years she has been both a beneficiary of cancer care programs and has played a role in shaping how we might design and deliver them in the future to better serve more of those in need including populations and communities who have been historically underrepresented, marginalized and underserved. She has worked with organizations looking to better understand and ultimately service those impacted by cancer including University Health Network's Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology Program, University of Maryland School of Social Work, and Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC). Outside of this, she is a Business Management and Interactive Media College Professor, a Management Consultant, and has extensive experience in Program Direction and Scale-up, with programs she has designed reaching nearly a million participants Canada-wide.

Alyssa Dickey (she/her), is a young adult multiple myeloma advocate and an active volunteer with both Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC) and Myeloma Canada. Her life changed forever when she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer, at age 32 after years of missed diagnosis. Roadblocks included both gender and age. By sharing her experience as a 14-year survivor of multiple myeloma Alyssa wants to change the narrative of what incurable cancer means. Alyssa participated in many of YACC’s programs before pivoting to a consultative role as a member of the first Insight team. Insight’s purpose is to provide personal experiences, expertise, and support for the development and delivery of YACC initiatives, programs, fundraising, and research. Outside of her advocacy work, Alyssa works full time in Human Resources Administration for the Ontario Government, and parents a spirited 8-year-old with her partner in Toronto.

Geoff Eaton is a two-time cancer survivor and the founder and Executive Director of Young Adult Cancer Canada. He has first-hand experience attending support groups with people who are closer in age to his grandparents than to him. Geoff is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization and his own experiences help him ensure YACC’s vision remains focused on the well-being of the young adults dealing with cancer in Canada. Geoff is currently serving on the Newfoundland and Labrador Cancer Control Advisory Committee, has participated on numerous cancer related boards and working groups and is on temporary sabbatical from coaching minor hockey. He spends personal time riding his motorcycle with his wife, Karen; playing “jungle-gym Daddy” with daughters, Adia and Mira and son Kane; staying healthy with weight training and hockey; and chasing that sometimes elusive state of “balance.”

*This event is intended for CBRCanada members only. If you are employed, studying, or affiliated with any CBRCanada member institution/organization, you are already considered a member. If you are unsure if your institution is covered, learn more here. Individuals whose institution is not on this list are welcome to register as an an individual member. We value community participation and have a free membership option for registered community mobilizers.