VOBOC

VOBOC’s mission is to equip, engage, and empower Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) with cancer to improve their experiences and health outcomes.

Vo-Pak Program

VOBOC delivers free Vo-Pak backpacks to hospital oncology units for them to give to their new AYA cancer patients on their first day of treatment. Each Vo-Pak contains practical items for a hospital stay as well as resources to help patients navigate the health care system. The Vo-Pak provides a moment of respite and a guide to available services. The Vo-Pak aims to break isolation, express community support and start a conversation with VOBOC. It is the first step in engaging the patient in their health care plan. Empowered patients have better health outcomes and a better quality of life.

Last or Special Requests Program

VOBOC’s Last or Special Requests program works with medical teams to consider and grant requests to AYA patients who are in crisis, are transitioning to palliative care or are in palliative care.

Courage Incentive Program

The program’s goal is to improve patient outcomes by providing health care professionals with a resource to assist their patients identified as distressed and struggling to adhere to their prescribed treatment.

Education and Awareness

VOBOC leads initiatives that raise awareness about the needs of AYAs living with cancer and promotes empowerment as a key strategy of early detection. VOBOC interacts with communities through schools, local organizations, corporate partners and the general public, and engages AYAs to become advocates for their peers through the Youth-to-Youth Ambassador Program.