YASU - 5 Years of helping Young Adults with Cancer

Dear YASU family, As we prepare to celebrate the 5th anniversary of providing a wealth of support to young adult cancer survivors and their loved ones, we first want to thank you for all the support we've received since launching YASU in 2020. Like cancer, it takes a village to keep YASU "alive" and the following story is one example of the impact we've made...thanks to our YASU family....our HEROES.

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Be Their Hero - Krislyn's Story

2021, age 23:?I worked?full-time, was excited to go back to school, and find?my first apartment. My little sister was turning 17?on Christmas Eve, and I had big plans for the new year. Life was busy but fulfilling, and I enjoyed the routine of work, friends, and family.

But then, subtle symptoms started creeping in—unexplained fatigue, persistent nausea, and an ache that wouldn’t go away. I initially dismissed it...stress, long hours at work, or maybe just the winter blues? I worked in a Gastroenterology office, and it wasn’t until my coworkers, who became close friends, pushed me to get blood work that I took it seriously. They generously arranged it on my lunch break, as my primary care physician was just two floors down.

Cancer wasn’t even on my radar until?I received the call to come back to the office, which told me it was more serious than I had imagined. The doctors I worked with for a year?delivered the shocking news. I had 30% blast cells in my blood. Something was very wrong. They told me to go home, talk to my family, and wait for them to call that evening to set up an oncology appointment. I sat in that room, stunned, for about 20 minutes, with disbelief. Was the blood work wrong?!

December 20, 2021:?I called my mom and told her about the blood work results and suspicion of it being cancer, that I was being sent home.?My parents were at a work Christmas party, and I just couldn’t bring myself to tell them more. Later that night, I received a call that the rest of my blood work came back, and I needed to pack a bag and go to the hospital immediately.

When my bone marrow test confirmed it was acute myeloid leukemia, it all became painfully real.?I spent Christmas, New Year’s, and even Valentine’s Day in the hospital.

In 2022 I?fought?for my life, preparing for a stem cell transplant: 5 rounds of chemo, 3 total body radiation treatments, and a drug trial. Through?it all, I tried maintaining a normal life—seeing friends when possible, fighting to maintain my identity as a young woman in her 20s... My world had completely flipped upside down, and I had no control over any of it.

On May 11, 2022, I had my stem cell transplant, and my donor, a complete stranger from Germany, gave me the chance at life again. I spent the next 265 days in the hospital, battling to accept the transplant. My body rejected it at first, but eventually, it took. The recovery process continued with more challenges, as I worked through Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD) for the next year and a half.

Through all the pain, the heartbreak, the fear, and the joy, I’m just so grateful to still be here. I’m lucky to be alive and to have had the chance to feel every emotion—good and bad—that life has to offer. I have made some amazing friends along the way who have taught me so much about resilience in oneself.

"My journey isn’t over, but I’ve come so far and each day is a reminder of how resilient we can be, even in the face of something as terrifying as cancer."

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How she found YASU

"I first learned about YASU through a social worker at West Penn Hospital. During one of my lengthy transplant meetings, she handed my mom and me a YASU pamphlet. We were both relieved to learn about YASU! It gave me a sense of connection and support that I didn’t even know I was missing, and it became an important part of my journey moving forward."

What YASU programs Krislyn & her mom have benefited from

"There are so many programs that we love!"

• Support Groups
• Socials
• Potluck Thanksgiving dinner
• Holiday Party
• Women's Wellness Retreat
• Financial Assistance
• Free Counseling
• Distribution Days
• Rae of Hope trip
• Young Adult Cancer Camp
• Wig Out

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How she would feel if YASU never existed

"If YASU didn't exist, I would feel detached from the unique needs of this group, as the space YASU fills offers a vital connection that helps address both the emotional and practical challenges young adults face in their cancer journey. Without YASU, there wouldn’t be a direct replacement for the tailored care that YASU offers. I would feel the absence of something that really matters in people’s lives during one of their toughest battles."

What she wants YASU donors to know

"Donating to YASU is an investment in the future of young adults battling cancer, a group that faces unique challenges. Your generosity directly supports the mental, emotional, and financial well-being of those navigating a difficult journey at a time when they need it most. YASU provides essential services, from cancer support to resources that empower young adults to regain a sense of control and hope. Every contribution helps fund critical programs, such as peer support networks, educational workshops, and financial aid, ensuring that no one fights cancer alone. Being a contributor is being a hero for us. By donating, you’re offering strength, compassion, and hope to individuals who often feel overlooked in the cancer community. Your support has the power to make a real difference in our lives."

Why YASU matters

"Their whole approach, which includes advocacy, empowerment, and inclusive programming, creates an environment where young adults can find understanding, strength, and hope during a difficult time. YASU truly makes a positive, lasting impact on the lives of those it serves."

DONATE HERE AND BECOME SOMEONES HERO

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