Where it all began
By providing age-appropriate care and support for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients aged 15 to 39.
OUR FOUNDATION
What is JAX?
The mission of the Jackie Aziz (JAX) Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program at Cedars is to effect positive change for adolescents and young adults affected by cancer, and for their loved ones, at every stage of the cancer experience.
The program provides comprehensive, age-appropriate care and support to patients aged 15 to 39 at the McGill University Health Centre, addressing the unique medical, psychosocial, and life-stage challenges faced by this population. Through community-building and meaningful connection, JAX works to reduce isolation and ensure that no one faces cancer alone.
Understand and assess your unique needs
We’ll take the time to get to know you and listen to what you’re going through, so we can tailor support to fit your unique experience.
Provide personalized information and guidance
We can help you find the coping strategies that work best for you. We can help you plan and prepare for what to expect, without the medical jargon.
Provide personalized information and guidance
We can help you find the coping strategies that work best for you. We can help you plan and prepare for what to expect, without the medical jargon.
Provide personalized information and guidance
We can help you find the coping strategies that work best for you. We can help you plan and prepare for what to expect, without the medical jargon.
Jacki’s Story
The inspiration behind the Jackie Aziz AYA Program at Cedars
Jackie, or “Jax,” as we lovingly called her, was an authentic, compassionate, and deeply resilient young woman whose experience inspired the creation of the JAX AYA Program.
Diagnosed with cancer at 18, Jackie understood the unique challenges adolescents and young adults face navigating a system not designed specifically for their needs.
She had a remarkable ability to make people feel seen, understood, and supported, even during the most difficult moments of her own journey.
Effecting positive change is all I ever wanted to do
– JACKIE AZIZ
Her Legacy
Through her cancer experience, Jackie recognized that young people often need more than treatment alone.
They need care that reflects their stage of life, support that addresses their unique challenges, and opportunities to connect with others who understand what they’re going through.
Jackie’s legacy lives on through a program dedicated to providing young people with specialized AYA-focused care, guidance, and meaningful support throughout their cancer experience.
Together, we’re building a future where adolescents and young adults facing cancer receive the specialized care, support, connection, and opportunities they deserve.
Real Patient Stories
You know that really bad roommate?
The one who doesn’t help out, he leaves a mess; eats all the food, he’s loud, and rude to your friends.
That’s what having tumours feels like.
You’re both living in your body, but they invite their friends over and make it feel like it’s no longer your home. You are the awkward subletter, the tumour makes all the rules, and house decisions.
Jackie Aziz
Marie
Hi, my name is Marie. I'm 29 years old, and I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, triple negative breast cancer in December 2024…
Read Marie’s story
Ryan
Being a teen/young adult is already a time in life filled with unknowns and fears, and, when you're diagnosed with cancer, everything you think you have planned out gets pushed aside. It was difficult to see others…
Read Ryan’s story
Andrea
When Ryan was diagnosed, at the age of 18, our entire world fell apart. Navigating life with a young adult already has many challenges, but we were not prepared for the struggles…
Read Andrea’s story
Rachel
On January 5, 2024, my surgical oncologist told me that I had stage 1, grade 3, breast cancer, and that the cancer could spread quickly. Soon after, I started chemotherapy…
Read Rachel’s story