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December 9, 2008
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELAESE
Young Adults with Cancer: The Forgotten Generation
Calgary, AB - Dec. 9, 2008 - In May 2008, Mike Lang (25), went to a walk-in clinic to get a puffer for what he thought was asthma and instead was told that he had a tumor the size of a grapefruit in the middle of his chest. Three weeks later he was officially diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma Stage 3, and his life took a drastic change of direction.
Eight months later, after countless tests, 94 vials of blood drawn, 12 rounds of chemotherapy and 20 radiation treatments, Mike and eight other young adults (YA's) from across Canada are setting out on new adventure to raise awareness about the specific issues and trials of one of Canada's most underserved populations; young adults with cancer. On July 11th, 2009, Mike and the expedition team will be heading down to the Owyhee River (one of the most remote and picturesque rivers in the lower 48) in the SE Oregon desert on an 9 day kayaking expedition with the goal of creating an engaging adventure film highlighting the lives and issues surrounding this "Forgotten Generation" of cancer survivors.
As well as showcasing the strength and will of the survivors as they face struggles and triumphs on the river, the film will show that YA's have huge potential to effectively impact society (Lance Armstrong and Terry Fox were both YA's at the time of their diagnosis) and therefore should be given the appropriate amount of funding and attention. Many people are surprised to learn that despite great advances in technology and huge increases in cancer survivorship of children and adults (a 50% better chance of survival then in 1975), the five year survival rates of young adults has stayed virtually unchanged for the past 30 years! On top of this, YA's with cancer have to deal with a number of issues unique to their age group, such as fertility, financial and job insecurity, and dating/relationships, which are often not addressed within the current cancer support groups and organizations.
Despite the hardships Mike has gone through in the past months he has discovered so much about himself and his passions and he wants to let other Young Adult cancer survivors know that it is possible to not only survive their cancer but thrive as well. This eye opening and encouraging story of one group of YA's fight for validation and recognition in Canada will showcase the indomitable spirit and strength of this population and their resolve to make the lives of future YA cancer survivors better.
Our Mission
To help young adult survivors of severe illness or injury identify, process and apply life lessons through adventure activites.