Jonny and Kelly McCarthy running in the Carlsbad Half Marathon

Jonny packed up for Austin, TX to attend the 3rd annual LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance conference.  The event was attended by our friends in the cancer community: a collective of non-profits, hospitals and cancer centers who joined together to discuss topics related to advocating on behalf of young adults (a patient population who is often forgotten, living in between pediatrics and older patients) and improving survival.  According to LIVESTRONG:  “The Alliance is a group of organizations brought together that serve people with cancer ages 15-40 and are filling a drastic void in cancer care and support.”

A few words from Jonny:

“The Alliance this year had over 120 organizations, each that help young adults with cancer!!! It was AMAZING to see the PASSION in the room – many survivors and caregivers, and how we ALL want to unify to improve the cancer support world!!! The atmosphere was one of friendship, collaboration, and ACTION!!!  IA is now working with every single group there!! LiveSTRONG does a fantastic job of bringing us all together and helping us find synergies!!!”

Thanks to Jack Bouffard and Tracy Maxwell for allowing me to publish their photos!

Elizabeth, Jonny, Danielle

Jonny joined Elizabeth Saylor, Social Worker with the Ulman Fund, and Danielle Duran Baron at the University of Maryland Cancer Center on Wednesday.  The three cancer survivors had the opportunity to go room-to-room to interact directly with cancer patients, spreading hope and our mission of 1-on-1 cancer support.

UMGCC is listed among the top 50 cancer programs in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report.  It is a self-proclaimed “state-of-the-art outpatient center” that strives to provide a central home base for cancer patients and their families.

Dr. Jason Canner, IA Board Director and Pediatric Oncologist with Hope, and JI had the opportunity to spread information about 1-on-1 cancer support and potentially make new survivor connections at the Oak Park children’s hospital on Friday.  Doing what he loves to do most, Jonny spent the day walking through the clinic, and talking to families and parents of kids fighting cancer!