City of Hope is an organization dedicated to the research and development of life-changing treatments for cancer. They strive to transform the future of cancer care and work diligently to not only support patients through treatment but also their caregivers and family members. City of Hope combines cutting-edge research, compassion, and innovation to create hopeful realities for all impacted. While the City of Hope exists in several locations across the United States, L.L. Foundation for Youth had the opportunity to directly support the team located in Southern California.  

Statistics show that one out of every 20 new cancer diagnoses are found in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) between the ages of 15 and 39. Emerging adulthood is a time often marked by exciting life transitions that a cancer diagnosis can derail. AYA cancer patients are faced with emotional challenges associated with not being able to participate in the major coming of age milestones and no longer feeling a sense of control over their lives. City of Hope helps to support youth experiencing these challenges through their AYA Patient Navigator Program. This program creates a safe space for youth to overcome barriers related to their diagnosis and aims to increase their quality of life. This program provides a strong foundation for AYAs with a cancer diagnosis to become active participants in their journey.  

L.L. Foundation for Youth has been integral to the support of hiring new AYA navigators who are responsible for supporting youth through this unique journey. This role will be responsible for connecting patients to support services and continuing to build out the core of this program. The Patient Navigator Program aims to enroll 50 AYAs impacted by their cancer diagnosis.  

In addition to the ongoing work to build out a strong infrastructure for the AYA Patient Navigator program, the City of Hope received public recognition for their research efforts. Dr. Saro Armenian was awarded the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPHO) Frank Oski Lectureship which recognizes exceptional investigators in pediatric hematology and oncology. In May of 2023 he will have an opportunity to give a lecture at the annual ASPHO meeting in May 2023, where the innovative work supported by the L.L. Foundation for Youth, including the AYA Patient Navigator Program will be mentioned.  

We at L.L. Foundation for Youth are so honored to participate in these life-changing opportunities for cancer patients.  

The Braille Institute was founded over 100 years ago in 1919 by accidental gunshot survivor J. Robert Atkinson. Left blind by his injuries he went on to learn Braille, publish a braille magazine and distribute braille works through the National Library Service. He began what we know as the Braille Institute. Today the Braille Institute has locations across California, mobile formats, and virtual services. The Braille Institute works tirelessly to provide the visually impaired and blind with free resources, workshops and events.

Braille Institute’s Youth Services Program provides services to youth by way of workshops. The participants are primarily youth of color and are from low-income areas. Their goals for 2022 were to serve 44 students and upgrade their library to accommodate the new need for remote learning. In addition to their goals of increasing access to their invaluable resources, they hosted a virtual support group for families. The Braille Institute also made a remarkable impact with their “I’m Going to College” days, where blind and visually impaired youth got to explore their options when it came to being successful in higher education. This program was remarkable because it unlocked new opportunities for youth.

During COVID-19, Braille was forced to deliver programming on a remote basis. This increased the need for services and capacity. Through our grant the Braille Institute was able to expand their youth services:

“[L.L. Foundation for Youth’s] generous $100,000 grant allowed us to think inspirationally and grow the scope and number of our activities for the year. We were able to promote our Youth Assistant to Youth Specialist/Instructor and hire a new Youth Assistant in her place while adding more hours to the position.”

In addition to this, L.L. Foundation for Youth provided funds to support the renovations and additions to the Braille Institute Library.

L.L. Foundation for Youth is proud to be part of the Braille Institute and grateful for the opportunity to support such a rich, life-enhancing programs.