About AYA
AYAs Take Chicago (AYATC) is a city-wide, multi-organization annual event that aims to create a relaxed space for Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones to gather, share stories and connect with other people who “get it.”
Adolescents and Young Adults with cancer face unique challenges when it comes to areas like relationships, sexuality and fertility, work and school. AYATC events are themed each year according to different AYA concerns and experiences but encourage open questions and conversations across the board.
AYATC's vision is to build a thriving, empowered, and deeply connected community for adolescents and young adults impacted by cancer, and their supporters, across Chicagoland—where no one faces the cancer journey feeling unseen or alone.
AYAs Take Chicago is made possible by a wide-reaching collaboration of hospitals, nonprofits, and survivor-led organizations, including:
- Rush University, Advocate Health, Northwestern Medicine, University of Chicago, and UIC
- National and regional leaders like Blood Cancer United, Stupid Cancer, Twist Out Cancer, American Cancer Society, Leukemia Research Foundation, Gilda’s Club Chicago, Cancer Wellness Center, Living Well, Waterford Place and Wellness House
- Survivor-and peer-driven communities such as Young and a Survivor, Connecting Champions, and Cancer Survivorship Center
This cross-institutional collaboration represents one of the most comprehensive AYA partnerships in Illinois—ensuring every voice is heard and every participant is deeply supported.
Follow us on Instagram
