13thirty Cancer Connect

What 13thirty Cancer Connect does

13thirty Cancer Connect is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2001 by Lauren Spiker following the death of her daughter Melissa Sengbusch from cancer. The organization serves adolescents and young adults (AYAs) ages 13-39 diagnosed with cancer, along with their caregivers, through a coordinated continuum of peer support, wellness programs, advocacy, and educational resources. Originally named Melissa's Living Legacy Teen Cancer Foundation, it rebranded in 2015 to reflect its expanded age range and operates two physical centers: Rochester, NY (opened 2009) and Syracuse, NY (opened 2019). Programs are provided free of charge to participants.

The organization delivers its services through in-person center-based programming (fitness, nutrition, expressive arts, peer groups), virtual programs established during the COVID-19 pivot in 2020, and a mobile wellness app called 13thirty To Go! launched in 2023 and available in English and Spanish. Additional resources include The Road I Followed end-of-life planning kit, the Louis D'Amanda III Young Investigator Award (up to $10,000 research grant), and the Melissa Sengbusch Inspiration Scholarship ($2,000). The organization is supported by a Medical Advisory Board of renowned AYA oncologists and participates in coalitions including the Greater Rochester Cancer Alliance (founded by 13thirty in 2023) and the Central New York Cancer Alliance (spearheaded by 13thirty in 2024).

Revenue is generated exclusively through philanthropic channels: individual donations, corporate sponsorships ($250–$2,500 tiers), signature fundraising events (Journeys gala, Bandana Bolt 5K, Sometimes You Just Gotta Laugh comedy show, Courtney's Court Challenge tennis tournament, Best Life Concert), and United Way Donor Designation #2383. The organization runs with a lean core staff of approximately 5 employees plus an Associate Board of 30+ young professionals, and holds a GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency. No AI/ML technology is employed; the core operating model is community-led, peer-driven nonprofit support.

Name

13thirty Cancer Connect

Legal name

13thirty Cancer Connect, Inc.

Website

https://13thirty.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

13thirty Cancer Connect is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2001 that provides free peer support, wellness programs, and advocacy to adolescents and young adults (ages 13-39) with cancer and their caregivers through centers in Rochester and Syracuse, NY.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

AYA Cancer Support Services

NAICS

Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Social Assistance (624), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Rare Disease & Special Needs Support Organizations (BPAGACAM)

Keywords

• AYA cancer support
• Peer support programs
• Caregiver wellness services
• Cancer community resources
• Nonprofit cancer advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Rochester

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations: Individual donations from supporters, tax-deductible contributions for 501(c)(3) organization.
2. Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships at Silver level ($2,500) and event levels (Believer $1,000+, Dreamer $500+, Builder $250+).
3. Fundraising Events: Signature fundraising events including Journeys (annual gala), Sometimes You Just Gotta Laugh (comedy show), Courtney's Court Challenge (tennis tournament), Bandana Bolt 5K, Best Life Concert, and community fundraisers.
4. United Way Designation: United Way of Greater Rochester Donor Designation #2383 provides workplace giving contributions.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

13thirty Cancer Connect is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that delivers a coordinated continuum of peer support programs, wellness resources, and advocacy for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) ages 13-39 diagnosed with cancer, plus support for their caregivers. It operates dedicated Centers in Rochester, NY and Syracuse, NY, a mobile wellness app (13thirty To Go!), and a suite of in-person and virtual programs covering fitness, nutrition, expressive arts, caregiver retreats, and end-of-life planning, all offered free of charge.

Product overview

13thirty Cancer Connect offers a coordinated continuum of essential resources and programs for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) ages 13-39 diagnosed with cancer. The organization operates two center locations (Rochester and Syracuse, NY) providing peer support programs, caregiver support, advocacy initiatives, and wellness resources. Key offerings include the 13thirty To Go! mobile wellness app featuring fitness programs and nutrition content, The Road I Followed kit for end-of-life reflection, research grants (Louis D'Amanda III Young Investigator Award), and healthcare career scholarships (Melissa Sengbusch Inspiration Scholarship). The organization also spearheads coalition efforts through the Central New York Cancer Alliance and Greater Rochester Cancer Alliance to centralize cancer resources. All programs are free to AYAs and their families.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 13thirty To Go! An innovative wellness mobile app featuring progressive fitness programs and nutrition basics with video demonstrations from AYAs, available in English and Spanish.
• The Road I Followed A supportive kit to help AYAs reflect on their cancer journey and life, designed as a workbook, journal, or stationery to help them process their experiences.
• ROC AYA Programs Peer support and wellness programs for adolescents and young adults ages 13-39 in the Rochester, NY area, including fitness activities, expressive arts, and social connections.
• SYR AYA Programs Peer support and wellness programs for adolescents and young adults ages 13-39 in the Syracuse/Central New York area.
• Caregiver Programs Free programs for parents, guardians, spouses, and caregivers of AYAs with cancer, including bereaved caregiver programs with retreats and workshops.
• Advocacy & Education Programs Clinician workshops and educator presentations to improve support for AYAs with cancer, including mental health webinar series for clinicians.

Quantifiable outcome

• Since 2001, 13thirty has served thousands of AYAs across Rochester, Syracuse, and broader AYA cancer community
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• University of Rochester Medical Center and Rochester Regional HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Collaborative research project initiated in 2024 to study disparities in AYAs with cancer. This partnership brings together academic medical centers to advance understanding of AYA cancer outcomes.
• Central New York Cancer AlliancemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Spearheaded by 13thirty, the alliance focuses on centralizing available resources to increase access, improve education, and advocate for greater support for those affected by cancer in Central New York.
• Greater Rochester Cancer AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 202313thirty Cancer Connect founded and leads this alliance dedicated to uniting Rochester-based nonprofit organizations to support anyone impacted by cancer. The alliance shares knowledge, leverages resources, and develops innovative partnerships to raise awareness.
• Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CentermajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Co-sponsored teen program in Buffalo in partnership with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center for five years (2012-2017), expanding reach beyond Rochester to Western New York.
• LIVESTRONG Young Adult AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 200613thirty was invited to be a charter member of the first international AYA coalition led by LIVESTRONG. This grassroots effort was led by AYA survivors and resulted in changed landscape of care for AYAs with cancer.
• Children's Oncology GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2002First important partnership established in 2002. Children's Oncology Group is a research organization focused on childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancers. This partnership helped position 13thirty as a resource for teen cancer advocacy nationwide.
• ROC Community Inclusive RowingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for inclusive rowing programs at 13thirty Rochester, providing adaptive fitness opportunities for AYAs.
• Camp Good DaysminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of Greater Rochester Cancer Alliance. Camp Good Days provides monthly local activities and summer camp experiences to children impacted by cancer.
• Cancer Support Community at Gilda's ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of Greater Rochester Cancer Alliance. Provides free social, emotional, and wellness support for adults, families, and children impacted by cancer.
• C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of Greater Rochester Cancer Alliance. Provides non-medical support to children with cancer or chronic blood disorder and their families.
• Breast Cancer CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of Greater Rochester Cancer Alliance. The only full-scope organization focused on serving breast and gynecologic cancer survivors in Western and Central New York.
• Christopher's ChallengeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of Greater Rochester Cancer Alliance. Educates, draws awareness and types individuals to become potential bone marrow donors.
• Rochester Regional Health Lipson Cancer InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of Greater Rochester Cancer Alliance. Provides comprehensive cancer care with surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, imaging, reconstruction, genetics, and supportive care.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• First Descents: Nonprofit providing outdoor adventure experiences for young adults (ages 18-39) impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions. Directly comparable peer-driven wellness/experiential model for the same AYA demographic.
• Teen Cancer America: National nonprofit focused on building AYA cancer programs and dedicated hospital spaces for teens and young adults. Highly comparable to 13thirty's center-based AYA model and age-group focus.
• Stupid Cancer: National AYA (adolescent and young adult) cancer support nonprofit offering peer connection, education, and advocacy for the 13-39 age group. Most direct peer to 13thirty's mission and population focus, but operating at national scale rather than regional.
• Young Survival Coalition: Nonprofit focused on young adults diagnosed with breast cancer, offering peer support, education, and advocacy. Comparable AYA-only cancer support model, though narrower to breast cancer.

Regional players

• Camp Good Days: Rochester, NY-based nonprofit offering summer camps and monthly activities for children and families impacted by cancer. Direct regional peer and existing alliance partner (member of Greater Rochester Cancer Alliance).

Broad incumbents

• CancerCare: National nonprofit providing free professional support services including counseling, support groups, education, and financial assistance to anyone affected by cancer. Comparable support services model across all ages and cancer types.
• LIVESTRONG Foundation: Major cancer survivorship nonprofit historically leading the AYA coalition 13thirty was a charter member of. Adjacent in mission but significantly larger and broader in scope than 13thirty.
• Cancer Support Community (Gilda's Club): Large national cancer support nonprofit (formerly Gilda's Club) providing social, emotional, and wellness support across all ages. Comparable to 13thirty's caregiver and member programs, but broader age range and not AYA-exclusive.
• National Children's Cancer Society: National nonprofit providing financial, emotional, and educational support to children with cancer and their families. Comparable support-services model with overlapping pediatric/AYA-adjacent population.
• The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: Largest nonprofit dedicated to blood cancer research and patient support, including AYAs. Comparable patient support, advocacy, and fundraising scale but focused specifically on blood cancers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@13thirtyOrgCancer/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/13thirtyCancerConnect
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/13thirty-cancer-connect
• Instagraminstagram.com/13thirtycancerconnect/?hl=en
• TikToktiktok.com/@13thirtycancerconnect
• Xx.com/13thirtyCancer

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 13thirty Cancer Connect