There is no question that the hardest part of what we do at The SAMFund is making decisions about grant applications. We are lucky to have an extremely dedicated review committee who painstakingly read every line, then discuss each application we receive. After hours of reading and deliberation, the committee comes away with their recommendations for funding. We strive to make sure our grants are substantial and impactful for those with the most need, and hard decisions are a necessary part of that process.
Based on the hundreds of stories we’ve read from submitted applications, we noticed a few common difficulties young adults (YAs) are currently facing. The following organizations we work with are great resources to address some of these common hardships.
After cancer treatment, returning to work can be difficult or seemingly impossible. When you need help regarding employment, Cancer and Careers can be a great source for help. By providing expert advice, career coaching, free publications, interactive tools, and educational events, Cancer and Careers empowers people with cancer to thrive in their workplace. If you’re looking for a new job after treatment, Cancer and Careers can help with things like reviewing your resume, tips with job searches, and best practices for interviews. If you’ve recently been diagnosed, Cancer and Careers can help with the often difficult conversations you may need to have with your employer and your co-workers, along with information on your rights and how to notice and address discrimination. Lastly, one of the newest components of Cancer and Careers is their Professional Development Micro-Grants Program. The Micro-Grant Program offers cancer patients and survivors financial assistance for professional development opportunities that will allow them to enhance or build new skills.
If you’re incorporating exercise and physical activity into your daily routine to stay well after a cancer diagnosis and there’s a YMCA near you, we want you to know about LIVESTRONG at the YMCA. This 12-week program is designed for cancer survivors to not only improve strength and fitness, but also minimize side effects of therapy and develop supportive relationships with other survivors. Click the link above to find a LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program near you.
If you’re looking for assistance with other areas of need, chances are there’s an organization addressing it. Here are some other categories of challenges we recognized from applications and some organizations that may provide assistance.
Check out our complete list of resources to try and find help in other categories such as Family Building Support, Undergraduate Tuition Assistance, and Financial, Legal, and Work Assistance.
If you still can’t find what the help you need from the organizations above, please don’t give up. Continue looking for support from a variety of sources. Get creative – contact your social supports like churches or community groups (think Lions, Elks, Rotary, etc.), reach out to your local, state, and federal government offices, and if you’re able, speak with the patient navigator, resource specialist, or a social worker at your hospital/treatment center. Learn about your options for overcoming your challenges with our Webinar series, “Moving Forward With Your Financial Health” and our Finances 101: A Toolkit for Young Adults with Cancer program. If you have a specific issue that is most challenging, look for organizations and resources that address your need and may not be specific to cancer survivors. This might include housing programs, scholarships and education grants, utilities assistance programs, and transportation.
As you continue to move forward beyond your cancer experience and you still find that you’re in need of assistance, The SAMFund will be here. Our grants applications are now being offered twice a year, in January and June, so stay tuned for information when the next application is available.
“Don’t Drown in Medical Debt” – free SAMFund Webinar TODAY!