More than Art: Therapy, Healing, Purpose
Category: Community Stories
An Update on TCA’s Community Cancer Care Work
From Catherine Swift, LCSW, Care Delivery Strategist
After years spent caring for AYAs at UNC, one of TCA’s hospital partners, I joined TCA early this year. Since then, I’ve been working alongside the team to expand TCA’s reach to community-based hospitals, clinics, and cancer practices, where approximately 70% of AYAs are treated. We’ve learned so much about AYA cancer care in community oncology, and have already started to drive change for young people in these settings. A few takeaways from our expanded work in the community so far:
- – Although most AYAs are treated in the community, creating AYA programs isn’t always feasible in these settings due to limited AYA patient numbers and limited resources.
- – Most community cancer professionals we’ve met were unaware of the unique needs of AYAs and the unique services available to support them.
- – Even in academic cancer settings, many providers and patients don’t realize that AYA care includes people in their 20s and 30s, not just teens, meaning that these young people aren’t getting tailored care.
- – Once we have opportunities to share about this, most providers we’ve met are excited to learn about AYAs and how they can strengthen care for them.
- – To drive this learning and change, we’ve opened a new grant opportunity for community cancer care settings to complete projects that improve the care they offer to young people.
- – We are still just as committed to supporting our academic hospital partners, and have learned that many of them are also seeking ways to expand AYA care to community settings in their networks.
We’re so excited to be moving this work forward, and appreciate all the support from the TCA community that makes it possible. If you have interest, experiences, or questions about AYA care in the community, please get in touch. We’d love to learn from you and share more about our work!
A Celebratory Drink by Roger Daltrey Himself
The Story Behind “Cuvée Roger Daltrey” – The Official Champagne of Rock and Roll
Over lunch with his son Jamie and friend Jerome Jacober, rock star Roger Daltrey mused on his life in The Who and how long the band had been active. At the time it had been about 50 years. The three men agreed that was something to celebrate. Jerome, the CEO and Founder of Eminent Wines, could even bring a special Champagne to life to toast this amazing achievement. The Roger decided the aesthetics of the line should honor “Tommy.” This was a project made at a time in his life when he could not have imagined he’d be–five decades later–touring, releasing music, an icon in rock and roll history, and the Co-Founder of an American cancer charity for teens and young adults. As with many of Roger’s projects, the question, “how can we use this to support the charity?” was top of mind from the start. “A few years ago, Jerome Jacober from Eminent Wines generously offered to create a limited Cuvée to celebrate 50 years of the success of The Who. On agreeing to this I insisted that it achieved three things: that it should be a great Cuvée, that somehow the bottle clearly celebrated the band, and lastly, we raise awareness and funds for Teen Cancer America.” – Roger Daltrey. It is a festive drink born during a festive time in Daltrey’s life, and a portion of all proceeds go directly to Teen Cancer America. Eminent Wines also donates bottles of the Champagne and its uniquely designed, limited glasses and tubs to TCA events, auctions, raffles, and more. It is a premium Champagne which Roger tasted and helped develop over three years alongside Jerome and Eminent Wines. Purchasing a bottle and its accessories is purchasing artfully designed pieces, infused with the soul of rock music. When you taste the drink, your spirit is sipping alongside Daltrey and toasting to The Who.
SUEWHO Forges Fandom with Fundraising
When music meets mission, magic happens—and no one embodies that better than Long Island native, Susan Porpora (aka SUEWHO). A lifelong fan of The Who (since 1970), Susan has turned her passion for rock legends Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend into a force for good, raising over $2,000 with fundraisers and over $1000 of personal donations for Teen Cancer America.
Founded by Daltrey and Townshend in 2012, Teen Cancer America (TCA) bridges the gap between pediatric and adult oncology care, creating specialized programs and spaces for teens and young adults battling cancer. As a cancer survivor, Susan understands the importance of specialized programs designed for teens.
Each year on her birthday, September 26, Susan (an Avon Ambassador) designates the current Avon campaign as an annual fundraiser, donating her commission from all orders, which she promotes on Facebook and shares to all the groups she belongs to, including those related to The Who, their individual pages and to all the other groups to which she is a member. She also establishes a personal birthday fundraiser through Facebook directly.
Susan’s passion for this worthy cause is only rivaled by her 55 years of love for Roger and Pete. She is proud that she can combine both. “I am a believer in the healing power of music.”
Purchase AVON from Sue (Commissions are Donated to TCA!)
Nia Dennis Teams Up with Charitybuzz for a Once-in-a-Lifetime Gymnastics Experience for TCA
We’re thrilled to share a heartwarming moment that perfectly captures the magic that happens when generous souls come together for a powerful cause. Nia Dennis, viral gymnastics sensation and proud TCA Ambassador, generously donated an exclusive one-on-one private training and gymnastics coaching session as an auction item on the fundraising platform, Charitybuzz.
The winning bidder? A proud father from Seattle who secured the experience for his 7-year-old daughter Vivienne, an aspiring gymnastics superstar. The duo flew to Los Angeles for what turned out to be a truly unforgettable day.
“It was so much fun! I love Nia—I’m so glad to have her as my friend. We’re such a good team!” — Vivienne Kwan, age 7
“What a thrilling experience for my daughter. She was able to meet a hero and a fantastic role model. Her time with Nia was inspiring, fun, and contributed to a cause that’s close to our hearts.” — Pat Kwan, Vivienne’s dad
Nia shared afterward:
“Vivienne filled my cup up as much as I did hers—truly the sweetest little princess. We had so much fun! Getting to teach a rising star, raise funds for young people facing cancer, and do what I love most… gymnastics—it filled my heart to the brim. Honestly, I feel like the true winner.”
This once-in-a-lifetime experience was made possible by the kindness of many. We want to give a HUGE shoutout to Tanya and Oleg at LA Gymnastics Center and LA School of Gymnastics for generously donating the use of their beautiful, state-of-the-art facility in Los Angeles. Check them out here.
Nia Dennis, also known as “NiaNation” is a former UCLA gymnastics star who went viral in 2021 after her floor routine celebrating Black excellence scored a 9.95 and took the internet (and sports world) by storm. The routine was praised by Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris, Janet Jackson, and countless others.
Nia continues to be a proud ambassador for Teen Cancer America and is part of a new generation of athletes advocating for mental health and inclusivity in sports. Her ongoing support inspires us all.
Calling All TCA Ambassadors — and Our Well-Connected Supporters!
Do you have a special skill, exciting access, or a great idea for a one-of-a-kind experience? Whether you’re an official Ambassador or a passionate supporter with amazing connections, we’d love to brainstorm with you.
Let’s work together to dream up more meaningful moments and continue driving impact and vital funds for young people facing cancer. Reach out to jamie@teencanceramerica.org—we’re ready to make some magic.
When people come together with love, kindness, and a shared passion to make a difference—that’s where real change happens.
Mental Health: A Young Survivor’s Story
By Rodrigo Ramirez Aguilar
After cancer treatment, there are days when I can feel very overwhelmed. When I feel overwhelmed, it is normally because of scanxiety or overall anxiety about doctors’ appointments on top of my daily life. During these times I like to reflect on what is stressing me out. I list down the things I can control, normally being school assignments or chores I have put off like cleaning my room, and act on them. This way I feel a sense of control in my life, making me feel accomplished. These ‘wins,’ no matter how small they may be, help me regain control of my mental space.
I have come to terms with some of this anxiety since it is normal to feel medical anxiety. When I feel this way, I like to do things that distract me from my worries. Primarily I like to play video games with my friends since they always cheer me up. I also like to swim and go hiking with my friends; that way I feel that I am helping my body stay healthy to the best of my abilities. Since these activities are things I would do before cancer, it helps me regain a sense of normality.
I also like to reflect on how far I’ve come. I like to think of the times when I did not feel physically good during treatment. I then compare that time to the present and many of the minor inconveniences of life feel even smaller. Being hopeful has also helped me gain control of my mental space. I am hopeful my CT scans will continue to show good results, and I will one day be declared in a state of remission.
A Thank You Note To the Nurses
Being an American young adult that has dealt with cancer makes me feel very thankful. Although chemotherapy is over and I am considered NED, cancer is a battle that I am still fighting. The fact that I am living and recovering makes me grateful for the amazing team that treated me during chemotherapy.
When I first arrived at UCLA pediatric oncology, I was diagnosed with seminoma, a type of testicular cancer. I was told I would have to receive 3 cycles of chemotherapy spanning over 10 weeks. When I first started chemo, I was horrified; I did not know what to expect or how I would feel. Thankfully the nurses at the UCLA hospital were all great; they would check in on me every hour to see if I needed anything. I became friends with many of the nurses there, making me feel cared for and heard.
I remember toward the start of treatment, one nurse had brought me a sock monkey stuffed animal. That sock monkey meant more than just a regular old stuffed animal. It signified that I was being cared for and seen by my medical team. Now, after treatment, I am eternally grateful to the amazing team of nurses that treated me, receiving me with a positive attitude and helping me beat my cancer.
Congreso Internacional de Cáncer Infanto Jovenes
In June of 2023, Operations and Program Development Specialist and teen cancer survivor, Alec Kupelian, was invited to speak at the Congreso Internacional de Cáncer Infanto Jovenes in Santiago, Chile. This international conference was hosted by the Fundación Nuestros Hijos. Their mission is to improve the survival and quality of life of young people with cancer, their families, and survivors through medical programs, rehabilitation, research and development, social programs, foster care and education. The annual International Congress on Childhood and Youth Cancer features experts from the medical field, the Ministry of Health, other organizations including St. Jude, and many more. See the complete transcript of his speech below, as well as the English translation of an article written about Teen Cancer America’s message to Chile and Latin America published by a Chilean news publication.
Liquid Biopsy S.E.E. Summit
Teen Cancer America is hosting an online summit for anyone interested in the emerging field of Liquid Biopsy.
Our interest in this field is because of the possibilities it holds for cancer prevention and reducing late diagnosis in young people with cancer in order to improve outcomes and survival .
We are providing an opportunity to learn about the latest science and then we will explore complex issues such as access, equity, cost and coverage with an expert panel including advocates.
November 7, 2021 Los Angeles Marathon
Teen Cancer America’s team “got off their butts for cancer” once again and completed the LA Marathon and ½ Marathon Charity Challenge to raise funds and awareness for young people affected by cancer! Our runner Peter Mellis came in 1st place for the ½ Marathon Charity Challenge! Our partners BondIt and Buffalo 8 filled the majority of our team and we are thankful that they continue to support us and bring runners each year. Thank you to our partners!
TCA Golf Outing at Metedeconk National Golf Club in New Jersey
Teen Cancer America hosted our first golf outing alongside Bob Lerner at Metedeconk National Golf Club in New Jersey, on Monday, October 18, 2021. Golfers started their day with lunch and practicing at the premier practice facility. Golfers either participated in an 18 hole course or in a golf clinic taught by professional golfer Val Skinner. After golfing they enjoyed a cocktail hour with music from MedRock (Ken Freirich), Donny Keher (from Broadway’s Tommy), and Simon Kirke (Bad Company). Next was dinner with remarks from cancer survivors Jordan Lerner and Neal Reddy. Rich Lerner, of the Golf Channel, led our live auction. It was a highly successful event. Thank you to all of our partners and participants!