The Group Room is produced by Vital Options® International in association with Premiere Radio networks and is heard on select radio stations throughout the country and simulcast on XM Satellite Radio, Ask! 165, and on the Internet at www.vitaloptions.org, where past shows are also archived. Callers enter on-air discussions toll-free by dialing 1-800-GRP-ROOM (1-800-477-7666) or sending their comments and questions by email to info@vitaloptions.org.

"Even as a long term young adult cancer survivor, I am well aware that my experience altered my life course. Not only do young adults with cancer struggle with developmental, psychological and social issues, but their clinical concerns, the biology of their cancers and treatment protocols requires specific expertise and consideration. While Vital Options: Support For Young Adults With Cancer, laid the foundation in recognizing this special patient population when it was founded in 1983, it has taken two decades to fully appreciate the broad scope of medical and psychosocial issues for this age group. It is a significant action that so many organizations have come together on behalf of this awareness effort." said Selma Schimmel, founder and CEO of Vital Options® International and host of The Group Room®. Schimmel was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 28.

Joining The Group Room panel will be:

• Stuart Siegel, MD, Director, Childrens Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles; Professor and Vice Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine at USC;
  
• Karen Albritton, MD, Director, Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University; and
  
• Halina Irving, MFCC, The Group Room therapist.

"Young adults with cancer in their 20s and 30s slip into a no-man's land on every front: medical, psychosocial and financial," said Doug Ulman, director of survivorship at the Lance Armstrong Foundation. "It is critical that we raise awareness of the consequences of this reality and ensure that young adults have the opportunity to live strong."

"The young adult population continues to face challenges on many fronts during their cancer experiences. National Young Adult Awareness Week® is a great opportunity for young adults to let their voices be heard. It's a venue for patient advocacy organizations and medical professionals to listen to the issues and problems facing this population and figure out ways to help them make change," said Brock Yetso, Executive Director of the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. "The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults is proud to be a partner in this initiative and is committed to working closely with all involved to find solutions to problems faced by the population."

"Young adults with cancer can feel out-of-step with the peers, so they often don't get the kind of support they need," said Diane Blum, MSW, executive director of CancerCare. "CancerCare understands the specific psychosocial needs of young adults with cancer, and we are committed to providing the highest-quality support services to them and their loved ones. We are proud to be a partner in National Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week."

Vital Options® was the first national organization to singularly focus on the needs and issues of young adults with cancer. National Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week® first launched in 2003 to commemorate the organization's 20th anniversary. Vital Options has grown into an international cancer communications, advocacy and support organization serving people of all ages and cancer types. The Group Room®, now in its 10th year, enables cancer patients, their loved ones and medical professionals to engage in a dialogue about all aspects of the cancer experience. During the week, individuals can reach Vital Options for additional support services and information. Vital Options International is a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Southern California.