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Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients face depression and anxiety that are unique to their cancer diagnoses. Existing psychotherapies that work well for general depression and anxiety do not work effectively for the AYA population. Untreated psychological stress and distress (like depression or anxiety) will result in young patients' non-compliance to medical treatment, low quality of life among others. These psychological challenges stand in the way between these patients and a successful recovery. Therefore, as the recipient of the Julia's Legacy of Hope St. Baldrick’s Supportive Care Research Grant, Dr. Zhang is developing and evaluating a computer-based cognitive behavioral therapy that is specifically tailored for AYA cancer patients. Results of this study will improve the treatment for AYA cancer patients' depression and anxiety to improve their medical compliance and quality of life.

This grant is funded by and named for Julia's Legacy of Hope, a Hero Fund that honors her positive, courageous spirit and carries out her last wish: "no child should have to go through what I have experienced". Diagnosed at 16 with Ewing sarcoma, Julia fought cancer and survived only to be stricken by a secondary cancer as a result of treatment. Her family hopes to raise awareness and funds for research especially for Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) patients.