Background/History

Young Adult Cancer Canada was established in 2000 [originally as RealTime Cancer] by Geoff Eaton, after his first cancer challenge.  Geoff's vision focused on educating and supporting young adults.  At the core of that vision was the belief that cancer, like all of life's challenges, brings with it valuable lessons and experiences.

For the first three years of operation, which included a cancer relapse and additional treatment for Geoff, Young Adult Cancer Canada remained focused on the school program and delivery of positive messages to young adults.  During a meeting with a mentor on the morning of the 2003 golf tournament, Geoff began a process that would fundamentally change the vision and operations of Young Adult Cancer Canada while keeping the values and beliefs fully intact.

Young Adult Cancer Canada knew, through primary and secondary research, that young adults were dealing with cancer - 70% of high school students surveyed by Young Adult Cancer Canada have already had cancer in their family and young adults are diagnosed with cancer more than twice as often as kids.  Yet in Canada, there remained a huge gap in services for young adults as not one organization had young adults with cancer as its focus.  The vision was obvious; Young Adult Cancer Canada had to be that cancer resource for young adults looking for inspiration, information and support.

In February 2004, the RealTime Cancer Community, a web-based peer support tool, was launched; the site shares stories of young adult survivors and supporters and facilitates their connection.  With the launch of the site, Young Adult Cancer Canada developed partnerships with cancer centers and community organizations to aid with promotion.  The RealTime Cancer Community continues to grow and provide essential positive messages to users of the site.

By late 2004, Young Adult Cancer Canada began to explore the delivery of its first retreat.  Retreat Yourself 2005 was delivered in September with major contributions from Dr. Karen Albritton, Dr. Rob Rutledge and Tim Walker (big thanks to Barb, Dawn & Lynne too!).  Geoff summarized the event appropriately when saying, "It was the most significant thing we've ever done."  As a result of Retreat Yourself promotion, Young Adult Cancer Canada now maintains relationships with cancer partners in every Canadian province and the Retreat Yourself program is now an annual event.

Today, Young Adult Cancer Canada is focused on the promotion and evolution of its four primary programs: the public education program, the RealTime Cancer Community, the retreat and an annual survivor conference, as well as the continued growth of the organization.  Currently, Young Adult Cancer Canada is based in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, with an office team of four; plans for physical expansion and new partnerships with local groups are in development.

For more information on Young Adult Cancer Canada operations you can download the 2006-2007 annual report.