The Be Loud! Sophie Foundation
The Be Loud! Sophie Foundation partners with UNC’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center to address the unique needs of adolescent and young adults (AYAs) facing cancer. In 2015, this collaboration established UNC’s AYA Program as one of the first in the country with this focus. As part of this partnership, Be Loud! Sophie funds the position of the program director and when it began, this was the program’s sole position. Because of the program’s impact and value, all subsequent positions have been picked up by Lineberger, other units or are self-funded.
Be Loud! Sophie is thrilled that the UNC AYA Program provides unprecedented support to 13- to 39-year-olds at UNC living with cancer, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive AYA programs in the country. This dedicated program provides:
Niklaus and Lucy Steiner, founders of the Be Loud! Sophie Foundation, and Lauren Lux, founding director of the UNC AYA program.
One-on-one support and counseling
AYA-specific resources around finances, work, school and emotional support
Recommendations for clinical trials and treatment protocols
AYA survivorship care
Help with issues like fertility preservation, sexual health and function and contraception
Care coordination and connection to other UNC cancer support services
Programs and events for patients
Connections with other AYAs