It's just so dumb.

Cancer is more prevalent today than it has ever been in history.  We're seeing cancer rates increase every year.  God knows we're throwing tons of money toward researching the causes and the cures - new drugs that are more effective with fewer side-effects, incredible processes that trace cancer down to our genes and chromosomes.  We're making progress whether we want to admit it or not.  BUT there's one group that's getting the short end of the stick - Young Adults.

The Problem:

Every year approximately 70,000 young adults are diagnosed with some form of cancer in North America.  Canadians make up almost 10% of this number. 

From a funding and priorities point of view, the number of young adults with cancer make up a scant 10% of all cases.  In a system where majorities rule, most research funding and support programs focus on other age groups, leaving a huge gap in support and resources available to young adults dealing with cancer. 

So here's the Truth....

There's not enough of us!

Here's the Solution:

...NO, it's not more young people getting cancer!

It's RAISING AWARENESS.

It's time to get the word out!  It's time to let the world know:

• Since 1976, no improvements have been made in the 5-year survival rate for young adults diagnosed with cancer.  That was over 40 years, folks!
• According to a study done for 2006, out of $76 million made available through grants and cancer research funding, only $61,000 went to just 1 study that focused on young adults dealing with cancer.  Incredible!  That's less than 0.1% of total research dollars for that year!
• And in Canada, only 4 young adult support groups could be found in the entire country!

This lack of support and scarce resources makes an incredibly difficult journey back to health even more difficult.

Why?

Because it's a myth that being young somehow qualifies you to a 'pass' for breezing through a cancer diagnosis. 

People say "Oh you're young.  You'll bounce back."       Nothing.....NOTHING could be further from the truth!

Young adults who get the c-bomb are suddenly and unexpectedly forced to deal with serious issues like:

• possible infertility - This major issue actually creeps up unexpectedly and can be embarrassing to deal with (my mom took me to the sperm bank...not my brightest day!)
• emotional isolation and loneliness - So many young adults sadly admit that many close friends and even family just don't "get it"
• financial stability - How would you like to getting slapped with six-figure medical debt in your 20's that might take the rest of your life to pay off?!
• social and relationship hardships - Too many of us report that not only did friends not "get it", but some of our closest friends actually just disappeared!  Poof! That truly sucks!

That's why I'm launching Defy Adventures.  Defy Adventures is a non-profit who is totally committed to raising awareness for young adults and to helping them move through their personal challenges.   Not only that, we're going to take you around the world on amazing mindblowing adventures that will fuel your inner fire! 

Are you ready to take on the adventure of a lifetime?  Join us!

Check out this year's adventure expedition! 

In Health and Happiness,

Michael