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The Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program at USC’s marathon team underscores the Los Angeles Marathon’s philanthropic ethos through fundraising for those diagnosed with cancer. (AYA@USC)
AYA@USC takes on the LA Marathon
The USC group raises money for young adults with cancer and for cancer research.
By EMILY LOLENG
April 4, 2025
For the last 40 years, thousands of people from around the world have come to participate in the Los Angeles Marathon.
With multiple events, an inclusive environment, a course that traverses some of L.A.’s most vibrant neighborhoods and spirited encouragement at every mile, participating in the L.A. Marathon is a deeply unique experience.
Perhaps what sets the L.A. Marathon apart the most, however, is its philanthropic nature, with 100 nonprofit partners that participants can aid. The Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program at USC’s marathon team, a partner of the Concern Foundation for Cancer Research, fundraises annually in support of young adults diagnosed with cancer. This year alone, they’ve raised over $6,000 for the cause.
AYA@USC Family Zoo Day – featured in HSC Community Connection
AYA@USC brought together young parents with cancer and their beloved kids and family members together for a fun-filled day at the Los Angeles Zoo. Guests enjoyed free admission, a catered gourmet lunch, an interactive group session for parents, and various group activities for kids.
AYA@USC Retreat
A group of young adult cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers connected with compassion, friendship, and support at Camp Ronald McDonald during the AYA@USC Retreat, held Sept. 27-29 in Idyllwild, California. This is the third year that AYA@USC, the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program at USC, has offered this event to bring adventure, peace, and joy to young people with cancer.
Clippers Game
In April 2018, a group of 40 patients and guests from the Adolescent and Young Adult Program (AYA@USC) at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center had the opportunity to attend an LA Clippers game at the Staples Center. AYA@USC staff, donors, and co-medical directors, Dr. David Freyer and Dr. James Hu, were also in attendance. In addition to their game tickets, guests were treated to a special meet and greet with Clippers players and the chance to watch pre-game warm-ups courtside; they were also featured on the jumbotron.
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Virtual Reality Program
The USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center teamed with a nonprofit on a virtual reality initiative for patients in the AYA@USC program. The initiative aims to provide a library of curated cinematic and interactive VR experiences using the most advanced media technology available to lessen a patient’s discomfort and anxiety with quality entertainment.
New virtual reality program for young cancer patients aims to lift their spirit