VOBOC  MISSION 

Equip, Engage, and Empower Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) with cancer to improve their experiences and health outcomes.

The VOBOC Foundation

VOBOC is a Montréal-based non-profit charitable organization that works with oncology teams to help empower newly diagnosed patients. We do so by providing them with tools, resources, free diversions and by connecting them with supportive services.

Since 2001, VOBOC has been bringing passion and expertise to its mission to equip, engage and empower young people undergoing cancer treatment. We help them break isolation and assist them in navigating the complex health care system and to access vital, age-appropriate services.

The first Canadian Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology Program was established in 2003 under the direction of oncologist Dr. Petr Kavan at McGill University. Dr. Kavan dubbed this emerging group “The Lost Tribe,” unique because of their distinct needs and an obvious lack of resources and services for them.

At the onset of the program, VOBOC Founder Doreen Edward was invited by Dr. Kavan to meet his young patients and to listen to their stories, concerns and needs. In collaborating with the newly formed AYA McGill Oncology Team, it was evident that with the right tools, resources and support, the outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients could be improved.

VOBOC has been a member of the McGill University Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Interdisciplinary Team since 2003.

As such VOBOC serves all McGill-affiliated hospitals in Montréal: Cedars Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Lachine General Hospital, Lakeshore General Hospital, Montréal Children’s Hospital, Montréal Neurological Institute and Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital.