New Jersey Hospital Expands Young Cancer Patient Support

Young people with cancer often find themselves in an impossible middle ground, too old for pediatric wards but too young to fit in with adult patients. That's about to change for teenagers and young adults in New Jersey.

Hackensack University Medical Center just launched the state's first partnership with Teen Cancer America, supported by a $379,819 donation from Teen Cancer America and First Citizens Bank. The three-year gift will create two new positions: an adolescent and young adult program coordinator and a social worker dedicated entirely to this overlooked age group.

"Many times, they are the oldest patients in pediatric settings and the youngest in the adult, which leads to feeling overwhelmed and isolated," said Dr. Burton Appel, associate director of the Children's Cancer Institute at Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital. The expanded program serves patients aged 15 to 39 who face unique challenges including fertility concerns, managing relationships, finishing school, and starting careers while battling cancer.

The program addresses a critical gap. Recent years have brought significant survival gains for cancer patients overall, but adolescents and young adults haven't benefited equally. This age group needs specialized care that acknowledges their distinct emotional and social needs.

The Ripple Effect

The impact reaches far beyond the hospital walls. Families won't need to travel to New York or Philadelphia for specialized care, keeping young patients close to their support networks during the hardest time of their lives.

"Keeping people close to home is a real challenge for this population and for their families and caregivers," said Hilary Gan, chief programs officer at Teen Cancer America. "If people can be closer to home and not have to go to New York or to Philadelphia, that makes a huge difference."

The program also aims to increase clinical trial enrollment among young patients, which could accelerate medical breakthroughs. With New Jersey's largest pediatric and adult cancer programs working together, the hospital can now coordinate seamless care regardless of where treatment happens.

This donation represents the latest in a decade-long partnership between Teen Cancer America and First Citizens Bank, which has helped expand similar programs at hospitals nationwide since 2015. The gift contributes to a $10 million fundraising goal celebrating the tenth anniversary of Tackle Kids Cancer, which has already raised over $30 million for pediatric cancer research and patient care.

No young person should fight cancer feeling alone and out of place.