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What is AYAs Take Chicago? 

AYAs Take Chicago is a city-wide collaboration to support the needs of adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones. AYAs have unique issues medically, psychosocially, and developmentally that can lead to many challenges. AYAs often experience challenges with adjusting to their disease, finances, relationships, stress, and more. They often feel isolated during their care; therefore, cultivating a community for these patients is central to our work. These are some of the foundational reasons why we believe it is so critical to help facilitate AYA peer connection.


AYAs Take Chicago hosts an annual event during Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week (the first week in April) with the goal to connect AYAs across the Chicagoland area to others who get it. Attendees are AYAs, their loved ones, and the health care professionals and organizations who care for them. 

Who we are:

AYAs Take Chicago is a collaborative effort that spans the entire Chicagoland community. Partners for this event include: Rush University Medical Center, Cancer Wellness Center, Northwestern Medicine, Lurie Children’s Hospital, The University of Chicago and Comer Children’s Hospital, Advocate Aurora, University of Illinois Chicago and YAAS, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Teen Cancer America, The Andrew Weishar Foundation, The Aameer Sahi Foundation, Gilda’s Club of Chicago, The Cancer Support Center, Living Well, Wellness House, The Cancer Resource Center, American Cancer Society, The Coleman Foundation, Advocate Health Cancer Survivorship Center, AYA patient representatives, and more. 

Join Us!

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Sarabande Chicago

2726 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60618



Join us for a night of food, drinks, music, and connection! 

Event Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect from the 2025 AYAs Take Chicago event?

This year’s theme is Self-Advocacy, and we’re excited to offer a dynamic and inspiring experience. The event will feature two keynote speakers who are experts in advocacy within the AYA cancer space. You can look forward to fun and interactive activities, opportunities to network, and hear from fellow AYAs about their self-advocacy journeys. The event will also include an engaging panel discussion, music, dinner, a drag performance, and much more!


When is the event?

The event will be held on Thursday, April 3, 6:00 - 10:00 pm. Doors open at 5:45pm.


How much are the tickets for the event?

There is no cost to attend the event.


Is there parking on-site?

Plenty of free parking can be found directly across the venue. Click here for directions to the parking lot.


Is the venue accessible?

Yes, the venue is wheelchair/ADA accessible. If you have any specific needs or require additional support, please contact Grace at grace_bingley@rush.edu.


Can I bring a non-cancer survivor with me to the event?

Yes! Have them complete their own RSVP (yellow box above) so they can also be registered.


What should I wear?

You can wear whatever you feel comfortable in.


I’m on active treatment/I’m immunocompromised. Is the event safe for me to attend?

This is a decision that is best made with the input of your primary oncology team. We strongly recommend that you ask them directly for their guidance on your safety.


Here are some of the safety measures we have in place:

  • Boxed meals supplied by our catering company for those who are recommended to avoid buffets (please contact Savina at schacheva@cancerwellness.org to request a boxed meal).
  • N95 masks will be available for those who prefer to wear them.


I have a dietary restriction. Will I be able to eat at the event?

Absolutely! Our buffet from Chic Chef Catering will include options that are gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free.


Meet our 2025 Keynote Speakers

Matthew Zachary is a 29-year brain cancer survivor and the founder of Stupid Cancer, a movement that ignited the Young Adult Cancer Movement. Through his work, Matthew has become a trusted voice in healthcare and patient advocacy. He is the host of “Out of Patients with Matthew Zachary,” and the creator of the award-winning Spotify documentary, “The Cancer Mavericks: A History of Survivorship.” Matthew continues to challenge the healthcare system, amplifying patient voices and inspiring change.

Ambreen Maan has worked in the cancer advocacy space for the past ten years. Inspired by the personal experiences she faced both as a cancer survivor and caregiver, she is dedicated to reducing barriers to care and improving health equity, with a focus on historically marginalized groups. She is a licensed social worker with a Masters in Social Work, specializing in nonprofit management and healthcare. She currently serves as Program Manager at the American Brain Tumor Association, leading their AYA initiative to serve, support, and amplify the voices of the AYA brain tumor community.  

Thank you to our 2025 Event Sponsors

2024 Event Recap

Our 2024 was our biggest event, yet, with 220 attendees including AYAs, their loved ones, and those who care for them. With an "Arts and Rec" theme, we featured inspiring performances from AYAs, a supportive panel, art display, activities, drag and more. Our 2024 event was our largest to date, welcoming 220 attendees, including AYAs, their loved ones, and dedicated supporters. Embracing an 'Arts and Rec' theme, we highlighted uplifting performances by AYAs, facilitated a supportive panel discussion, showcased art displays, provided a variety of activities, and more.

2023 Event Recap

We had a successful, in-person, event on April 4, 2023 with 180 attendees. Attendees reported they were able to connect to other AYAs, learned new information, enhanced their mental health and wellbeing, and felt connected to a community.

2022 Event Recap

The first annual event was held in 2022 and was a well-received virtual event drawing more than 300 attendees. 

Resources

You do not have to face cancer alone; there are many organizations that provide resources to help you cope with cancer. List includes:

  • Sexual/Health Relationship
  • Sexual Health Clinical
  • Self/Body Image
  • Mental Health
  • Crisis Support
  • AYA Support
  • Social/Emotional Wellbeing
  • Fertility
  • ...and more