Supporting Teens and Young Adults Through Cancer
Referrals and Information
Call 914.614.4270 | AYA@WMCHealth.org
When cancer invades your world, the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program is ready to help. We know what you’re going through, and we know how to help patients just like you between the ages of 15 and 39. In the AYA Program, you’ll experience cancer resources such as:
- Advanced, specialized treatments tailored just for you, your condition, and your health history.
- An experienced and well-respected team with a track record of making the most of advanced technology, equipment, and breakthrough therapies to fight cancer.
- Individualized support – every step of the way.
With the support of the AYA Program, you are never alone. Our doctors and team members provide plain talk explanations, encouragement, compassion, and doorways to proven, valuable resources. They’ll help you and your family gain knowledge to make important decisions so you can do so with dignity and on your own terms. We consider this personal touch essential.
You’re Not Alone
From the moment you connect with the Adolescent and Young Adult Program, we’re in this together. Every year, more than 70,000 adolescents and young adults, known as AYAs, get cancer. Your needs are special, and are often unlike those of younger or older patients.
AYAs are usually dealing with other life issues, including school or work, relationships, and issues such as sexuality and fertility. Maybe you’re living at home. Maybe you’re just gaining independence, are established in your career, or have your own family.
Wherever you are in life, all AYAs are an important part of the healthcare team and are partners in learning about, and making decisions about, care and treatment.
An Integrated Model
More Than Just Disease Treatment… We Care for the Whole Person
The AYA Program believes in integrated care. This means that a group of providers cares for you as a whole person and not just your illness. We can help address side effects that impact the most important parts of your life and we can provide you with resources tailored to your needs. Whether cancer is affecting your emotions, sexuality, relationships, finances, or a myriad of other areas, we have a team member who can help.
Support Services
- Online and in-person support groups with other adolescents and young adults.
- Financial and career guidance.
- Help with school and educational needs.
- Fertility counseling and referrals for fertility preservation.
- Referrals to AYA-specific cancer resources.
- Psychological counseling and social-work support.
- Enrollment and access to the latest clinical trials.
Leaders In Cancer Care
Advanced Cancer Care and Support
The Cancer Center at Westchester Medical Center, the flagship of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), is known for its expert diagnoses and treatments – all available conveniently close to where you may live or work. Our doctors, surgeons, nurses, psychologists, and social workers partner with you to achieve the best health and minimize side effects.
Westchester Medical Center teams up with New York Medical College, its academic affiliate also located in Valhalla, NY, on research, with the goal of achieving the highest-quality cancer care. This includes opportunities for patients to participate in clinical studies exploring new treatments.
Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, also a member of WMCHealth, is the only children’s hospital in the Hudson Valley. Patients from across the Northeast and beyond seek our expertise for the most complex medical conditions.
Appointments, Referrals and Information
Please contact us to learn more about the cancer resources and support available to teens and young adults at Westchester Medical Center.
AYA@WMCHealth.org
914.614.4270
The Cancer Center at Westchester Medical Center
Pediatric Hematology / Oncology at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital
Westchester Medical Center Cancer Center Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital
100 Woods Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
914.493.7000
Our Partners
We proudly partner with organizations throughout the region and the U.S. in providing support to our young adult cancer patients. Partner organizations include:
We are pleased to refer patients for genetic testing when needed through our genetics program.
Our Providers
Program Co-Director
Additional Team Members
Lila Pereira, PhD
AYA Program Co-Director
Jaclyn Basso, RN, MS, CPNP
AYA Nurse Practitioner
Barbara McLain, LCSW
AYA Social Worker, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
Cynthia Kamajian-Duncan, LCSW
AYA Social Worker, Westchester Medical Center