Home - VOBOC FOUNDATION

In Canada, 23 cases are diagnosed every single day, or 8,400 annually.

Most commonly diagnosed cancers among this group: thyroid, testicular, lymphoma, breast, melanoma, sarcoma and cervical.

Their lives are interrupted and far too frequently, adolescents and young adults with cancer are misdiagnosed or diagnosed late, leading to greater challenges and poorer outcomes.

Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) with cancer face unique challenges:

Distress

Anxiety can build as concerns regarding treatment, side effects, body image changes and fear of reoccurrence distress them.

Financial

Cancer interrupts short and long-term financial stability due to unemployment, underemployment and lack of insurance.

Social

Patients can feel socially isolated as friends, peers, partners, and even families, have difficulty relating to them.

Awareness & Education

Nothing in life prepares patients to face cancer. There is a lack of resources and public awareness regarding the specific needs of AYAs

What is VOBOC

VOBOC is a Montréal-based non-profit charitable organization whose mission is to equip, engage and empower Adolescents and Young Adults with cancer to improve their experiences and health outcomes.

VOBOC works with the hospital oncology teams to help empower these newly diagnosed young people by providing them with tools, resources and free diversions, and by connecting them with support services.

VOBOC’s Impact

Vo-Paks have been given to new patients

Last or Special Requests granted

AYA cancer patients helped

Individuals reached through education and awareness

All About VOBOC

Our Vision – For Adolescents and Young Adults with cancer to live their lives to the fullest.

Our Mission – Equip, Engage, and Empower Adolescents and Young Adults with cancer to improve their experiences and health outcomes.

Our Values – Confidentiality, integrity, compassion, trust and empathy.

Our Commitment – To use the funds entrusted to us wisely. Eighty one cents of every dollar goes directly to patients through our four core programs: Vo-Pak, Last or Special Requests, Courage Incentive Program and Education and Awareness.

Our Pillars

Equip – VOBOC delivers free Vo-Pak backpacks to hospital oncology units. Vo-Paks contain practical items for a hospital stay, as well as tools and resources to help patients in navigating the health care system and in accessing supportive services.

Engage – VOBOC connects with patients as they begin their cancer treatment and offers programs to engage them and address their specific needs.

Empower – Equipped and Engaged patients become Empowered – active participants in their wellness and cancer care plan thus leading to improved experiences and better health outcomes.