Eligible individuals must have completed therapy at least two years before joining the Survivorship Clinic.

What happens during a visit to the Penn State Health Children’s Hospital Childhood Cancer Survivorship Clinic?

In this multidisciplinary clinic, survivors meet with a physician, survivorship clinic coordinator, social worker, neuropsychologist and cancer genetic counselor. Visits include:

• Personalized education about the survivor’s cancer therapy and risk for late effects. Survivors receive an individualized treatment summary outlining total chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries and other interventions during treatment.
• Evaluation for late effects by a physician. Each survivor is assessed for potential long-term complications that may affect the individual’s quality of life or predispose him or her to future health risks. Appropriate coordination of care with additional specialists is made, if necessary. Each survivor also receives a customized plan for long-term follow-up and surveillance testing to monitor risk-based late effects.
• Meeting with the social worker to discuss school, work, behavioral, emotional, relationship or financial concerns, health insurance questions and survivorship resources.
• Assessment by neuropsychologist for any neurocognitive late effects from previous treatments.
• Meeting with a cancer genetic counselor to help identify whether or not a survivor's cancer may be associated with an inherited cancer syndrome and facilitate genetic testing when indicated. The genetic counselor will obtain family history information and discuss the benefits and limitations of genetic testing.

Late effects can create challenges for various aspects of growth, development, and organ functions include:

• Bone health
• Dental health
• Emotional health
• Fertility
• Heart health
• Kidney health
• Learning
• Liver health
• Lung health
• Thyroid health
• Vision and hearing

This growing population of long-term survivors is at risk for adverse effects related to their cancer and subsequent therapy. These adverse effects, known as late effects, may not become apparent until years later.  Approximately two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors experience at least one late effect.

Once a survivor reaches age 30, he or she moves from the Survivorship Clinic to an adult primary care physician, and the team provides a packet to the new physician to ensure an easy transition.

• Sitting Together with Empathy and Emotional Perseverance – Grief (Apr. 1, 2025, 7 p.m. ET) - join Elephants and Tea for a clinician-led virtual space to acknowledge the emotions we often think we “shouldn’t” or don’t want to feel. This is for any AYA (ages 15-39) at any point in their cancer experience. For more information and/or registration.
• LGBTQ+ Support Group (Apr. 1, 2025, 8 p.m. ET) - balancing Work and Cancer Webinar: Marketing Yourself: Job Search and Beyond – Apr. 2, 2025, 6 p.m. ET - this webinar features Ariane Hunter, MBA, Author, Speaker, Coach and Founder, of My Mentors Circle who will lead a discussion on how to identify cancer patients/survivors create a personal brand when developing a plan for working after a diagnosis. Attendees will learn approaches for effectively networking to help boost their professional brand. For more information and/or registration.
• Balancing Work and Cancer Webinar: Marketing Yourself: Job Search and Beyond (Apr. 2, 2025, 6 p.m. ET) - this webinar features Ariane Hunter, MBA, Author, Speaker, Coach & Founder, of My Mentors Circle who will lead a discussion on how to identify cancer patients/survivors create a personal brand when developing a plan for working after a diagnosis. Attendees will learn approaches for effectively networking to help boost their professional brand. For more information and/or registration.
• Lost and Found - every Thursday in April beginning Apr. 3, 2025, 6 p.m. ET - Cactus Cancer Society along with Jean Rowe, certified journal therapist, is offering a four-week journal workshop for young cancer survivors (women only). The workshop will focus on the worry that cancer survivors face regarding returning to the dating world, establishing intimate relationships, and themselves. For more information and/or registration.
• Monday Night Digital Meetup (Apr. 7, 2025, 9 p.m. ET) - join Stupid Cancer for a digital meeting with your AYA community. Come for the connection, stay for the laughs, and make new friends. For more information and/or registration.
• State of AYA Survivorship: Unpacking the 2024 NCCS Survivor Survey (Apr. 8, 2025, 1:30 p.m. ET - join Stupid Cancer for an informative session about the current state of AYA Survivorship. Pulling insights from the 2024 NCCS Survivorship Survey, Stupid Cancer CEO will walk us through key findings collected from hundreds of patients about their experiences of treatment and survivorship. Then Director of Programs Chelsea Donahue will moderate a discussion with AYA community members to share their insights and reactions to the survey information. For further information and/or registration.
• Four Diamonds - Life Lion EMS Day (Apr. 18, 2025) - sponsored by Four Diamonds, this event will have two sessions. Session 1 (ages 5-15) begins at 10 a.m. ET, lunch will be provided, and participants will learn how aircraft maintenance is similar to tending to your healthcare. Parents and Siblings are welcome to attend. Session 2 (ages 16-young adult) begins at 3 p.m. ET, an early dinner and peer fellowship will include this session. This session will focus on complex medical conditions and how to navigate through them. Friends, siblings, and guests are invited to attend with the participant. For more information and/or registration email jrobertson6@pennstatehealth.psu.edu
• Young Adult Game Night (Apr. 22, 2025, 8 p.m.) - presented by Cancer Support Community Los Angeles and Gilda’s Club Madison. Join these organizations virtually for games, trivia, and social connections. This is open to young adults, ages 18-40, currently or previously diagnosed with cancer, and young adult caregivers to a loved one with cancer are welcome. Opportunities for prizes! For more information and/or registration.
• Guys Discussion Group (Apr. 28, 2025, 8 - 9:00 p.m. ET) - join the Cactus Cancer Society virtual discussion group run by LCSW Dennis Hoffman. This open forum is for male cancer patients and survivors to share experiences. Every topic is welcomed in this supportive environment. For more information and/or registration.
• Balancing Work and Cancer Webinar: Job Search Tools: Using AI Strategically (May 6, 2025, 6 p.m. ET) - join Cancer and Careers with a webinar that features guest speaker Adam Goldberg. This webinar will demonstrate an understanding of what AI is, recognize the strategic use of AI as a job-searching tool that can assist those seeking work after cancer, and describe the best practices for effectively using AI to help address common job search challenges for individuals with a cancer diagnosis. For more information and/or registration.
• Discussion Session: Navigating (In)Fertility (May 7, 2025, Noon ET) - join Stupid Cancer for a three-week discussion series to unpack and normalize the complexities of (in)fertility by sharing your experiences with your fellow AYAs. Week 1: Fertility Preservation & The Rush to Treatment; Week 2: Grief and Uncertainty in the Face of (In) Fertility; Week 3: The Long Road to Parenthood: IVF, Surrogacy, Adoption, Oh My! For more information and/or registration.
• Digital Meetup: Arts and Crafts (May 8, 2025, 8 p.m.) - join Stupid Cancer for a digital meetup to create some amazing crafts. No experience is required! For more information and/or registration.
• Triage Health Conference (May 17, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. PM ET) - triage Cancer and Triage Health are partnering together for a FREE online event that provides valuable information on key topics for navigating the practical and legal issues that may impact an individual diagnosed with a chronic or serious medical condition. For more information and/or registration.
• Just Us: Father and Survivor Retreat (May 30 - June 1, 2025 located at Happiness is Camping in Hardwick NJ) - the Just Us retreat is offered by the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation and offered for fathers and survivors of brain and spinal cord tumors. Just Us provides unique opportunities for fathers to have discussions with and without their children, participate in team-building activities and enjoy quality time together. For more information and/or registration.
• 15^th Annual National Conference on Work and Cancer (June 27, 2025, 8:45- 5 p.m. ET - this virtual daylong conference brings together patients, survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, advocates, employers/HR, advocates, and others touched by cancer to explore the complexities of balancing treatment and recovery with employment. Topics include: balancing treatment and work; making disclosure decisions; managing side effects at work; and communicating effectively. For more details and/or registration.
• Cancer Con (Aug. 21 - Aug. 25, 2025) - CancerCon is a gathering for adolescents and young adult cancer community. Each year, CancerCon brings together hundreds of patients, survivors, advocates, and health professionals to learn, share, and build community. This year, CancerCon will be held in Washington DC. For more details and registration.

• Facing Cancer Together
• Holding Hope
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Online Chats
• A Week Away
• Camp Mak-A-Dream
• First Descents – “Out Living It”
• Look Good, Feel Better

Camp Can Do – located in Mt. Gretna Pennsylvania

Camp Can Do is for children, ages 8-17 who have been diagnosed with cancer in the last 5 years. A special session offered is Camp Can Do II, a sibling camp for kids, ages 8-17 whose brother or sister has been diagnosed with cancer.  Camp Can Do occurs at Gretna Glen Camp and Retreat Center in Mt. Gretna, PA. There is a lake for boating, fishing and a swimming pool. Special offerings include a low and high ropes course, a trust trail, a giant climbing wall, and a zip line.

Camp Casco – located in Groton Massachusetts

Camp Casco Oncology Camp is a free one-of-a-kind overnight experience created especially for children ages 7-17 who have been diagnosed with cancer or had cancer. A sibling camp session is available for kids ages 9-17 who have had a brother or sister diagnosed with cancer. Nestled in Groton, MA, this camp offers a chance to leave worries behind and connect with others who understand their journey. Campers enjoy swimming in the lake, obstacle courses, arts & crafts, team-building games, campfires, and much more.

Camp Catch-A-Rainbow – located in Jackson Michigan

Camp Catch-A-Rainbow (CCAR) enriches the lives of children between 4-17 years old who are being treated for cancer or in remission. Campers enjoy swimming, archery, horseback riding, high adventure rope courses, arts and crafts, canoeing and more. All campers can experience camp at no cost.

Camp Courage – located in Denver Colorado

Camp Courage is housed at the Balarat Outdoor Education Center near Jamestown Colorado and is a free camp for kids and their siblings dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Camp Courage is not a “cancer camp” where cancer is the focus; it’s a place where kids can be kids. Activities include fishing in an on-site pond, a zip line, the Big Swing, a high ropes course, archery, horseback riding, boating, camp crafts, and hiking.

Camp Dost – located in Danville Pennsylvania

Camp Dost is held at Camp Victory, a special needs camping facility, located in Millville, Pennsylvania. Camp Dost is open for campers ages 5 to 18 who have been diagnosed with cancer. Siblings of patient campers can share the experience as well. Activities include: rope climbing, swimming, arts and crafts, music, biking, fishing and more.

Camp Dream Street – Camps are located in Arizona and California

Camp Dream Street provides camping programs for children and young adults with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. Camp activities include horseback riding, swimming, arts and crafts, sports, archery, go-carts, rock wall climbing, rope courses and many other fun activities.

Camp Enchantment – located in New Mexico

Camp Enchantment is a week-long camp for children with cancer or in cancer survivorship. Camp is open to children ages 7 to 17. Campers participate in various activities such as arts and crafts, campfires, mountain biking, scuba diving and more.

Camp Firefly – located in Fawnskin California

Camp Firefly is located at YMCA Camp Whittle a five-day and four-night medically supervised residential camp. Campers are comprised of children who have or are battling cancer, their siblings and bereaved siblings.

Camp Good Days & Special Times – located on the shores of Keuka Lake New York

Camp Good Days & Special Times offers weeklong summer camping sessions for families who have been touched by cancer or sickle cell anemia.

Camp Goodtimes at YMCA Camp Reed – located in Spokane Washington

Camp Goodtimes is offered for children diagnosed with cancer, on or off therapy. Camp Goodtimes highlights include college team visits, tie-dye extravaganza, bass fishing day and typical camp activities.

Camp Happy Times (The Valerie Fund) – located in Wayne County Pennsylvania

For over 40 years, The Valerie Fund has operated Camp Happy Times, a one-week overnight camp experience for any child ages 5-21 who has or has had cancer, regardless of where they are treated. Activities include: rock wall, tubing, arts and crafts, swimming, basketball, gaga ball and tennis.

Camp HIS KIDS – located in Waterloo Illinois

Camp HIS KIDS is open for children ages 7-17 with cancer either on treatment or had treatment in the past, siblings of children currently or previously on treatment and bereaved siblings. Camp activities include swimming, arts and crafts, team building, archery, tie-dye, fishing, nature hikes, enjoy s’mores, and more.

Camp Horizon - located in Kingston Springs, Tennessee

Camp Horizon was originally founded in 1983 by the American Cancer Society. Camp Horizon is a camp for children and their siblings ages 6 to 17 who have been diagnosed with cancer or received cancer treatment within the last five years.

Camp Journey – located in Post Falls Idaho

Camp Journey is designed for children ages 7 to 1o 17 cancer patients and survivors. Campers are invited to bring one sibling or friend to share in the camp experience. Camp activities include: swimming, beach games, arts and crafts, hikes, singing, campfires, napping, special theme-related activities, boating, archery, ropes course, dancing, cooking and climbing.

Camp Kids are Kids Chicago – located in Chicago Illinois

Camp Kids are Kids Chicago is for children who have been diagnosed with cancer (currently in treatment or remission) and their siblings who are between the ages of 7 to 17. Camp Kids are Chicago is an urban camp where campers stay in a Hilton hotel that magically transforms into bunk cabins.  Campers enjoy campfires, talent shows, arts and crafts, games and exciting excursions to attractions throughout the city.

Camp Mak-A-Dream - located in Gold Creek Montana

Camp Mak-A-Dream empowers survivors and their families to live with and beyond cancer through life-changing Montana experiences where they strengthen life skills, gain resilience and develop lasting relationships. Programs are offered for adults, young adults, teen, youth, family, and siblings.

Camp No Worries – located in Tabernacle New Jersey

Camp No Worries is an overnight camp for children ages 6-16 who have or have had cancer, their siblings and bereaved siblings. Camp activities include: arts and crafts, nature, land sports, boating, swimming, campfire sing-a-longs, teambuilding, range, climbing wall, zipline, cooking, all camp-themed activities and special off-site evenings for teens.

Camp One Step – located throughout the United States

Camp One Step provides free year-round camp experiences for kids with cancer (where newly diagnosed, in-treatment, or in remission), and their families. Camp One Step's annual summer camp is located in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. Camp activities include: swimming, fishing, watercraft, sports, games, field activities, STEM and excursions.

Camp Peach Pals – located in Midtown Atlanta Georgia

Camp Peach Pals is a free summer camp for children ages 7-12 living with and beyond cancer. Camp takes place in the heart of Midtown at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta where luxurious suites and event spaces are transformed into the ultimate summer camp experience.

Camp Rising Sun – located in Colebrook Connecticut

Camp Rising Sun is open to children ages 5-17 who have ever faced a diagnosis of cancer, as well as their siblings. Campers can be in treatment, in remission, or anywhere in between. Campers will participate in a wide variety of activities such as horseback riding, rock climbing, arts and crafts, a talent show, dance and a firework show.

Camp Simcha – located in Glen Spey New York

Camp Simcha is open to children ages 6-20 on active treatment or who are post-treatment. Camp activities include sports, swimming, boating, arts and crafts, climbing wall, zip-line, paintball, photography, videography, interactive games and shows.

Camp Sunrise – located near Monkton Maryland

Camp Sunrise is open to children between the ages of 4-18 who are currently being treated for cancer, have completed cancer treatment, or have undergone a bone marrow transplant. Camp activities include swimming, arts and crafts, sports, games, newsletters, field trips, campfires, archery, nature walks, a fun-filled Friday night dance and so much more.

Camp Sunshine at Sebago Lake – located in Sebago Lake Maine

Camp Sunshine offers programs for families who have children diagnosed with cancer and other illnesses.

Happiness is Camping – located in Hardwick New Jersey

Happiness is Camping offers several camping sessions for children ages 5-17 who have had cancer and their families. A young adult weekend is offered for young adults ages 18-25 and their siblings who have or had cancer as well.  Camp activities include: swimming, archery, arts and crafts, ropes course, arcade games, sports, drama, nature, STEM, camp prom, Hollywood premiere, talent show, movie night, Lip Sync battle, casino night, pool party, color wars, Star Wars Theme Night and outside entertainment.

Kamp KACE (Kids Against Cancer Everywhere) – located near Fargo North Dakota

Kamp KACE accepts campers ages 7 to 17 who are cancer patients or survivors and their siblings.

Kids Need More Camp Adventure – located in Copiague New York

Camp Adventure is open for children ages 6-18 who are cancer patients either on or off treatment, regardless of how long the child has been in remission and their siblings. Featured activities are: swimming, arts and crafts, nature, sports and a little “camp chaos.”

KyMel, Inc/Camp Hope and Camp SIBsational – located in Kansas

Camp Hope and Camp SIBsational is open for children ages 5-17 who have or have had cancer and their siblings. Camp activities include: swimming, bowling, miniature golf, fishing, hiking, archery, arts and crafts and more.

Sky High Hope Camp – located in Colorado

Sky High Hope Camp is open for children and teens ages 8-18 with current or past cancer and their siblings. Activities include: arts and crafts, nature studies, high and low rope course, 9-square, archery, a themed dance, camper skits, music and much more.

Special Love, Inc/Camp Fantastic – located in Front Royal Virginia

Camp Fantastic is a week-long camp for children ages 7 to 17 who’ve received cancer treatment within the past three years. Camp activities include swimming, canoeing, horseback riding, marshmallow roasting, campfire singing, and much more.

• Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer
• Cactus Society
• Cancer Exercise App (ISO only)
• Cancer.gov (National Cancer Institute)
• Critical Mass: The Young Adult
• Elephants and Tea
• Life on Pause Podcast
• Managing Mental Health After A Cancer Diagnosis (Georgetown University School of Nursing)
• Stupid Cancer
• Teen Cancer America
• The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults
• Young Adult Cancer Connection: Meet your cell mates
• Young Survival Coalition

There are several scholarship opportunities for you to consider. Scholarships are available for individuals in current treatment, cancer survivors and family members that have been affected by cancer.

Learn more

Transitioning into college can be difficult for any student, but as a childhood cancer survivor, this transition can be even more of a challenge.

Learn more

• Affordable Colleges Online: Article regarding helpful resources for cancer survivors.
• American Cancer Society: Resource searches based on diagnosis.
• American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO): Extensive list of resources for scholarships and other financial information, as well as reliable information on disease and survivorship.
• Livestrong: Extensive resources for financial, fertility, education, health, etc.
• National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship: Information on employment rights, etc.
• PA Career Link: Job training resources, resume writing, other helpful counseling regarding employment.
• PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR): Provides employment and training assistance to patients who have experienced significant health events and/or disabilities.
• Stupid Cancer: Financial assistance lists for college scholarships and daily living expenses.
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: Enforces Federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. These laws protect you against employment discrimination.