AYA@USC Pickleball Meet Up

On January 19 and May 17, 2026, AYA@USC hosted two Pickleball Against Cancer Meet Ups at Arcadia and Woodland Hills for about 40 young adults and their loved ones, caregivers, and providers from USC Norris Cancer Hospital and other cancer hospitals. AYAs were taught pickleball by professional coaches and had so much FUN! Playing pickleball offers a fun, low-impact way for cancer patients and survivors to stay active while reconnecting with their bodies and with others. The sport combines gentle cardiovascular exercise, balance, and coordination, which can help improve strength, endurance, and mobility during or after treatment without placing excessive strain on joints. A pilot study led by researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center in partnership with the YMCA — found that a community-based pickleball program helped cancer survivors increase their physical activity, improve physical strength and endurance, and build social support and companionship through group play.

These events were made possible by the sponsorship from Poly Pickleball Club, Pickleball Cares, and Joola.

AYA@USC Clippers Game Night

On February 22, 2026, AYA@USC welcomed more than 150 young adults, along with their loved ones, caregivers, and healthcare providers from USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital and hospitals across Southern California, for an unforgettable evening at the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome to watch the LA Clippers take on the Orlando Magic. It was truly a night filled with excitement, connection, and community.

AYA@USC was also honored as the Clippers’ “Non-Profit of the Night,” making the evening even more special. This event has become one of AYA@USC’s signature annual spring gatherings, bringing together young adult cancer patients and survivors from across the Southern California region in celebration of resilience, support, and togetherness.

Go Clippers!

This event was made possible through the generous support of the Audrey Irmas Foundation for Social Justice.

LA Art District Graffiti Tour

A fun and interactive tour led by local guide and graffiti artist about the history of LA Art District and iconic graffiti artworks.

LA Big 5K and Marathon

Run, AYA Run! Every March we celebrate by lacing up our sneakers and joining LA Big 5K and Marathon at the Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium! Thanks to the incredible support of our AYAs, family and friends, providers and staff from the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital, and our dedicated supporters, we raised $8,090 and surpassed our $5,000 fundraising goal!!!

Team Concern and the Concern Foundation of Cancer Research have been supporting the AYA@USC programming for many years, so that we can keep providing FREE resources, tools, patient activities and social events for the AYA@USC community.

Family Zootopia Day

Join AYA@USC for a fun and joyful day at the LA Zoo as well as meeting other families who have been through cancer to feel the healing power of AYA@USC community.

Thanks to the generous support from the Concern Foundation for Cancer Research, this special event brought our young adults with cancer who are parents (ages 18-39) and their kids together to have a relaxing and fun day at the Los Angeles Zoo. Besides FREE zoo admissions, guests enjoyed a catered gourmet lunch at the zoo as well as special group activities to bond with other families.

Annual Getaway Retreat

Every September, AYA@USC program hosts a two-night getaway retreat at the beautiful Camp Ronald McDonlad in Idyllwild, CA for young adults with cancer. Thanks to the generous support of the Audrey Irmas Foundation for Social Justice, this annual retreat has brought bring together young adult cancer patients and survivors to create a supportive community, learn new talents and skills, enjoy performances, and hang out in a relaxing, healing, and beautiful setting.
 

Check out our videos and stories. Visit our 2025 retreat page for more information. AYA@USC Annual Getaway Retreat — AYA USC