Adolescent and Young Adult Program: Bridging the gap between pediatric and adult care
A cancer diagnosis often leaves adolescents and young adults with unanswered questions and uncertainty about their future. Funded by a generous grant from the Gilbert Foundation, the Beaumont Children’s Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) program is
designed to provide answers. The AYA program serves patients ages 15-26 whether in active treatment or post-therapy survivorship.
AYA patients receive outstanding, state-of-the-art treatment from top rated oncologists, opportunities for fertility
preservation, access to available clinical trials, integrative medicine and natural therapies, psychosocial support and recreational experiences. Our team works in collaboration with you and your family in creating individualized treatment plans to successfully
navigate the unique challenges you face and bridge the gap between pediatric and adult care.
Social Work
A licensed social worker provides assistance with psychosocial functioning including adjustment to illness, navigating the challenges of disability and loss and identifying unique coping strategies so patients and families are well-equipped to actively participate in treatment and care. Social work services also assist with financial matters by connecting patients with insurance and community resources specific to adolescent and young adult needs. Referrals to psychologists are available as needed.
Child Life Services
A Certified Child Life Specialist provides AYAs and their families with community resources, developmentally appropriate education about diagnosis and treatments, and guidance to adapt to the challenges a cancer diagnosis brings. Child life specialists
strive to understand each family’s unique strengths and abilities to help them establish a new sense of normalcy as they move through cancer treatment and beyond. Child life specialists offer AYAs opportunities to participate in recreational
programs and social outings in the community.
Hospital Teacher/Education Liaison
A Michigan-certified hospital teacher/educational liaison provides academic services to assist patients in meeting their educational milestones. The hospital teacher works directly with your classroom teachers to address your unique educational needs
during and after treatment. From bedside tutoring to college applications and scholarship searches, you will have on-site access to educational assistance. The liaison establishes support networks at colleges and universities to advocate for accommodations
to promote your academic success.
Integrative Medicine
The Integrative Medicine department provides access to non-invasive natural therapies that are coordinated with cancer treatment for adolescents and young adults. Specifically, integrative practitioners aim to individualize and optimize health by applying
up-to-date knowledge of nutrition, lifestyle, mind-body therapies, acupuncture and non-pharmaceutical over-the-counter agents such as nutritional supplements and botanical extracts. At Beaumont, therapies are delivered by experienced practitioners
who provide whole person care. A patient's integrative protocol is designed to fit safely with their cancer treatment to improve quality of life, limit side effects, enhance recovery from treatment and support general health. Beaumont Integrative
Medicine currently offers services in the disciplines of Naturopathic Oncology, Acupuncture, Clinical Massage, Yoga Therapy, Guided Imagery, Craniosacral Therapy and Reiki.