Who We Are
CAN is a special project fund of the Austin Community Foundation dedicated to assisting young adults living with cancer. The organization was born out of a young couple’s battle with cancer. As they began to seek resources in their area, they quickly realized that the young adult cancer community was wholly underrepresented in the areas of support groups and community resources. Recognizing the fact that the average young adult carries a heavy load of financial debt, CAN strives to relieve a portion of the financial and emotional burden that a cancer diagnosis may present.
What We Do
Financial Assistance - CAN provides financial assistance to young adults who are pursuing fertility preservation services due to the possibility of becoming infertile as a result of cancer treatments including surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy. Our goal is to effectively reduce the amount of out-of-pocket expenses young adults may incur as a result of these procedures.
Community Advocacy - CAN connects young adults impacted by a cancer diagnosis to vital community resources to assist in the treatment and recovery process. Additionally, we will provide opportunities for young adults to receive the support they need, including services such as peer support groups, nutrition workshops, exercise programs, and insurance/financial consultations. Resources and services will be provided to young adults who are cancer patients and survivors, as well as those who are caregivers, family members and friends of cancer patients and survivors.
Our Story
In the spring of 2005, Candi Bell was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) three weeks after her marriage to Tony Caporal. In addition to the medical challenge this diagnosis presented, the couple also faced a myriad of issues impacting their future including possible infertility due to chemotherapy treatment, compounding costs from Candi’s college enrollment, and ever-growing treatment-related expenses.
From this experience, it has become clear that more resources are needed to assist the underserved population of young adults diagnosed with cancer, as well as their caregivers, family members and friends. In response, Candi and Tony have formed the Caporal Assistance Network (CAN): an organization providing hope and assistance to young adults impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
Cancer Facts
- Cancer is the leading disease killer in people ages 20 to 39.
- An estimated 1.3 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in 2005.
- In 2004, health expenditures for cancer reached $64.4 billion.
- More than 70,000 young adults between the ages of 19 and 40 are diagnosed with cancer every year.
- More than 10 million American’s are currently living with cancer.
- One in three people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime.
- For young adults between the ages 25-35, survival rates have not increased since 1975.
The average young adult carries an average debt of $30,000.
Board of Directors
- Candi Caporal
- Tony Caporal
- Lesli Ginn
- Chris Wellington
- Tracey Gaddis
