Jabs for Life AYA Cancer Fellowship, Inc

06/07/2026

Today is National Cancer Survivors Day.

It's a day to celebrate the adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients in our community, whether they are in active treatment, years past it, or somewhere in between. A cancer diagnosis tends to arrive right in the middle of building a life, school, work, relationships, figuring out who you are. Today is for honoring all of that, and the people living it.

So tell us in the comments: who are you celebrating today?

06/06/2026

There's a moment a lot of people are taught to wait for. The all clear, the last scan, the sound of the bell. We celebrate those, and we should. But as National Cancer Survivors Month begins, here is what we want to say first: you don't have to wait for any of that to call yourself a survivor.

A survivor is anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, from the day of diagnosis through the rest of their life. That includes the person still in treatment, the person years out who still tenses up before a scan, and the person somewhere in the middle who isn't sure what to call themselves yet.

For adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients, survivorship rarely looks like the version on the brochure. It looks like finishing a semester between infusions, rebuilding a career, or working out who you are now. All of it counts.

This month, we are celebrating every version of survivorship. Wherever you are in it, you belong here.

05/31/2026

May held five observances that all sit close to our community: brain cancer, bladder cancer, and skin cancer awareness, plus National Cancer Research Month and Oncology Nursing Month.

We didn't get to spotlight each one as the month went on, but they're worth naming together. AYA patients have historically been underrepresented in cancer research, which is part of why National Cancer Research Month matters so much to the people we support. And the oncology nurses behind every treatment plan carry a weight that often goes unseen.

To the young adults living with these diagnoses, the researchers searching for better answers, and the nurses who care for them through all of it, thank you. We're grateful for you, this month and every month.

05/25/2026

Some of those we honor today were also fighting cancer.

Veterans and service members face elevated cancer risks from toxic exposures, and many of them are young. The AYA community and the military community are not as separate as people think.

Today we remember those we've lost in both fights. And we stand with every young person navigating a cancer diagnosis, including those who served.

Your sacrifice is seen. Your fight matters.

🎗️

05/22/2026

Happy Don't Fry Day! 🌞 Today is a national sun safety reminder — and for the AYA (adolescent and young adult) cancer community, it's especially worth paying attention to.

Certain cancer treatments, including some chemotherapy and radiation therapies, can make skin more sensitive to UV rays. That means sun protection is an important part of supporting your health during and after treatment.

This Don't Fry Day, here are a few simple ways to protect yourself:
• Apply SPF 30 or higher — and reapply every two hours
• Seek shade between 10am and 4pm when UV rays are strongest
• Wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat
• Check the daily UV index before spending time outdoors

Share this with someone in your life who could use the reminder. A little protection goes a long way!

05/21/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — and for adolescents and young adults navigating cancer, mental health is never far from the conversation.

The isolation. The uncertainty. The feeling of being out of step with everyone your age. These experiences are real, and they matter.

If you're an AYA survivor (or loved one), know that support exists, and that community makes a difference. Jabs for Life is here to help connect you with the resources and people who get it.
Follow us for resources and support made for AYA patients. 💚

05/19/2026

Yesterday, our community showed up at the Navy Bay Bridge Run in San Diego — and Jabs runners laced up across the country in solidarity. We had participants in San Diego, Annapolis, Gallatin TN, several locations across NY state, and more, sharing Jason's story with everyone who would listen. One of our runners even got Jabs for Life announced at the start line.�
Most of the people who run with us are part of the adolescent & young adult (AYA) cancer community — survivors, caregivers, and the circle of family, friends, and teammates who show up for them. That's what makes these moments matter.�
Still want to join in? We have upcoming hubs in Pensacola (5/23), Chicago, and Norfolk. No registration required — just your Jabs swag and a willingness to move. DM us to get connected.�

05/18/2026

Most of you know that Jabs has sponsored 2 teams in The 11 Day Power Play - this being our 8th year!

🎉 We are well on our way to reaching $200k in donations! Can you help us reach this milestone today?! This year Jabs for Life is a 5 Shift Sponsor!!

Please don’t hesitate - all donations are being matched until 5PM today by some fabulous WNY businesses!

There will be a few links in the comments but please pick any Jabs for Life - FLY with JJ players! You will be helping us Put Cancer on Ice! 🧡🏒💙

🚨 THE $20,000 MATCHING GIFT CHALLENGE HAS OFFICIALLY STARTED! 🚨

The match is LIVE now through 5 PM today — or until the full $20,000 has been matched! 💙

Now is the perfect time to support your favorite players and teams because every eligible donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $50 per donation!

✅ Donate through:
• The 11 Day Power Play app
• Mobile check deposit
• Fundraising website
• Integrated Facebook fundraisers

⚠️ Important reminders:
• Donations over $50 will receive the maximum $50 match
• Please wait at least 10 minutes between consecutive donations to avoid fraud flags
• Non-integrated Facebook fundraisers are not eligible

Don’t wait — help us maximize the impact while matching funds are still available!

05/17/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Matt Eich on May 6th.

Matt was part of the Jabs for Life community. Last September, our supporters rallied around him through a benefit to help with medical bills, and again this spring when unexpected travel expenses came up for proton radiation treatment in New York City. When Matt needed help, this community showed up for him.

Those who knew Matt describe him as kind, compassionate, and faithful. Someone who made every room warmer, who loved his family fiercely, and who faced his diagnosis with grace and humor.

May is Brain Cancer Awareness Month. Matt’s story is a reminder of why this community exists, because no one should have to face a cancer diagnosis or fight for access to treatment alone. Thank you to everyone who supported Matt. It mattered.

Rest easy, Matt. 🤍