Young Adult Survivors United

What Young Adult Survivors United does

Young Adult Survivors United (YASU) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 84-4040055) headquartered in Wexford, Pennsylvania, that serves young adults (typically ages 18-45) impacted by cancer and their caregivers/co-survivors. The organization operates a member-based, community-led model delivering free programs including direct financial assistance, peer support groups (Supportive Chats), social events (Socials), household item distribution days, complimentary cosmetic services, an integrative oncology program, and the Rae of Hope program. YASU also runs recurring annual events such as the Pittsburgh Marathon team, Golf Outing, Young Adult Cancer Camp, and Wig Out to drive fundraising and community engagement in the Pittsburgh/Western Pennsylvania region.

YASU's technology footprint is intentionally lean: a WordPress-based website (yasurvivors.org) with a member portal for registration, financial assistance applications, and program access, supplemented by active social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn) and an email newsletter. In 2022, YASU partnered with graduate students from Carnegie Mellon University's Human-Computer Interaction Institute on the "YASU Care" strategic framework — a 7-month initiative focused on improving transparency, empowerment, and personalization across organizational systems, tools, and processes. No proprietary software products, AI/ML capabilities, patents, or technology integrations are disclosed.

The organization sustains operations through individual donations (including the "Be Their Hero" recurring monthly giving club), planned and legacy giving vehicles (Donor Advised Funds and Qualified Charitable Distributions), and a broad partner ecosystem of 35+ corporate, foundation, pharmaceutical, healthcare, academic, and local business supporters. Core institutional partners include UPMC Hillman Cancer Center (strategic co-development), Hillman Family Foundation, and the Pittsburgh Foundation, alongside pharmaceutical partners Eisai, Natera, SERVIER, Syndax, and BeOne. Leadership comprises Executive Director Stephanie Samolovitch and Director of Development Derek Allinder, with no disclosed headcount expansion.

Name

Young Adult Survivors United

Legal name

Young Adult Survivors United

Website

https://yasurvivors.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Young Adult Survivors United (YASU) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Wexford, Pennsylvania that delivers free community-based programs — financial assistance, peer support, social events, integrative oncology, and cosmetic services — to young adults (ages 18-45) impacted by cancer and their caregivers in the Pittsburgh/Western Pennsylvania region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Wexford

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Individual donations through their website, monthly giving programs, and general donation options. Also accepts planned and legacy giving through Donor Advised Funds and Qualified Charitable Distributions.
2. Corporate and Foundation Partnerships: Support from corporate partners, foundations, and community organizations including pharmaceutical companies, healthcare organizations, and local businesses.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Young Adult Survivors United provides free, age-tailored support programs to young adult cancer survivors (ages 18-45) and their caregivers, including direct financial assistance, peer support groups (Supportive Chats), social gatherings, distribution of household items, complimentary cosmetic services, an integrative oncology wellness program, and annual community/fundraising events. All programming is delivered in-person in Western Pennsylvania and virtually nationwide through a WordPress-based website and member portal.

Product overview

Young Adult Survivors United operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering a comprehensive suite of support programs for young adult cancer survivors and their caregivers. The organization functions as a community-focused platform providing both direct support services (Financial Assistance, Distribution Days, Free Cosmetic Services) and peer support programs (Supportive Chats, Socials). YASU's programs are delivered through in-person and virtual formats, with offerings spanning practical aid, emotional support, wellness services (Integrative Oncology Program), and community connection (annual events like Pittsburgh Marathon, Golf Outing, Cancer Camp, and Wig Out). The organization also provides planned giving options (Donor Advised Funds, Qualified Charitable Distributions) and maintains a Research Registry for member participation in studies. YASU Care represents a strategic framework developed with Carnegie Mellon University to enhance organizational systems and member experience.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• YASU Care: A strategic framework developed in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University to enhance YASU's systems, tools, and processes for better serving young adult cancer survivors through transparency, empowerment, and personalization.

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• UPMC Hillman Cancer CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor healthcare system partner providing oncology patient aid and collaborative support for cancer survivors.
• VitalantminorOthersBlood services organization partnering with YASU.
• Mike's Beer BarminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal business hosting YASU events including trivia nights.
• NorthShore TavernminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal venue partnering with YASU for events.
• Rae of HOPEminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit partner organization.
• Elephants and TeaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization serving young adult cancer community.
• Carnegie Mellon University HCI ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership through HCI program students who developed the YASU Care strategic framework in 2022.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• First Descents: Nonprofit providing outdoor adventure experiences (including "Cancer Camp"-style programs) for young adults impacted by cancer. Direct comparator in age-targeted survivorship programming and experiential events.
• Lacuna Loft: Nonprofit providing online support programs, wellness resources, and community for young adult cancer survivors and caregivers. Closely mirrors YASU's virtual program and member-based model.
• Elephants and Tea: Media brand and nonprofit serving the AYA cancer community through storytelling, programs, and community events. Listed as a YASU partner and operates in the same young adult cancer survivor niche.
• Rae of HOPE: Nonprofit partner organization listed in YASU's ecosystem that also serves young adults affected by cancer, with overlap in peer support and survivorship programming.
• Stupid Cancer: Largest US nonprofit specifically serving adolescents and young adults (AYA) affected by cancer, offering peer support, advocacy, and education programs. Direct peer to YASU in mission, demographic, and service mix.
• Critical Mass: The Young Adult Cancer Alliance: Coalition and advocacy organization advancing issues facing the AYA cancer community, including policy, research, and program coordination. Comparable in demographic focus and nonprofit advocacy role.

Emerging players

• Young Survival Coalition: Nonprofit focused specifically on young adults diagnosed with breast cancer, offering peer support, advocacy, and education. Overlaps with YASU's young adult cancer survivor mission within a narrower disease focus.
• Cancer + Careers: Nonprofit supporting young adults with cancer in the workplace through coaching, education, and resources. Comparable demographic (working-age cancer survivors) with a more specialized employment focus.

Broad incumbents

• American Cancer Society: Nationwide cancer nonprofit offering patient support, research funding, and 24/7 helpline services. Larger incumbent that competes for corporate and individual donors serving a broader cancer population that includes YASU's demographic.
• Livestrong Foundation: Large, established cancer survivorship nonprofit providing navigation, financial, and emotional support services across all ages. Broader scope and brand than YASU but serves overlapping survivor needs.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/yasurvivorsu
• Facebookfacebook.com/YAsurvivors
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/young-adult-survivors-united
• Instagraminstagram.com/yasurvivorsu

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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 Young Adult Survivors United