Draft:Teen Cancer America

☆ Save On Wikipedia ↗
Teen Cancer America
Founded2012
FoundersRoger Daltrey, Pete Townshend
TypeNonprofit organization
HeadquartersLos Angeles, California, U.S.
Websitehttps://teencanceramerica.org/

Teen Cancer America (TCA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) founded in 2012 by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend of The Who.[1][2][3] TCA creates programs and facilities for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer in The United States.[4]

History

Following a decade of work with Teenage Cancer Trust in the United Kingdom, Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend founded Teen Cancer America to expand similar support in the United States.[5][6]

Mission

Despite the fact that 84,100 adolescents and young adults were diagnosed with cancer in the United States in 2024, most healthcare systems are designed for pediatric or older adult patients. Hospitals often lack the infrastructure to fully address the medical and psychosocial needs of the AYA population.[7] In a Forbes interview, TCA founder Roger Daltrey emphasized the importance of providing cancer care specifically for this age group.[8] TCA provides young people with cancer access to specialized programs that are age-appropriate across the United States.[7][9]

Events and Partnerships

In order to raise awareness and funds, Teen Cancer America partners with organizations with similar missions. Teen Cancer America was featured in the Stand Up to Cancer national fundraising telethon, which included a performance by The Who.[10] A public television broadcast on KCET/PBS, featuring interviews, raised awareness and donations.[11] TCA has also partnered with institutions such as the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.[12]

Ambassadors and Program Supporters

TCA partners with a variety of talent in the entertainment industry. On her 20th birthday, Kylie Jenner donated a portion of Kylie Cosmetics proceeds to Teen Cancer America.[13] According to The Hollywood Reporter, actor Barry Watson and Alex Dvorak, writer and director of the film Bad Survivor, are both Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivors and serve as ambassadors for TCA.[14]

John Oates from Hall & Oates participates in the organization's Play It Back music program, in which AYA cancer patients write and produce music.[15][16] Oates also released the single “Get Your Smile On,” with proceeds benefiting TCA.[17]

Teen Cancer America Website

References

  1. "Teen Cancer America". Teen Cancer America. Retrieved 2026-03-31.
  2. "Teen Cancer America Inc". ProPublica. March 31, 2026.
  3. "The Who legends Daltrey and Townshend launch "Teen Cancer America" charity at NPC luncheon". National Press Club. Retrieved 2026-04-09.
  4. Bank, First Citizens. "First Citizens Bank Launches 2023 Teen Cancer America Campaign". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 2026-03-31.
  5. "Teen Cancer America - Our Founders". Teen Cancer America. Retrieved 2026-03-31.
  6. "The Who legends Daltrey and Townshend launch "Teen Cancer America" charity at NPC luncheon". National Press Club. Retrieved 2026-03-31.
  7. "Teen Cancer America Empowers Oncology Nurses to Bridge the AYA Cancer Gap Oncology Nursing Society". www.ons.org. 2025-03-20. Retrieved 2026-03-31.
  8. Clash, Jim. "Roger Daltrey Celebrates A Decade Of The Who's Teen Cancer America Charity". Forbes. Retrieved 2026-03-31.
  9. "Teen Cancer America | Blood Cancer United". bloodcancerunited.org. Retrieved 2026-03-31.
  10. Evans, Richard (2014-09-05). "THE WHO PERFORM FOR TEEN CANCER AMERICA IN 'STAND UP TO CANCER' TELETHON". The Who. Retrieved 2026-04-02.
  11. "THE WHO'S ROGER DALTREY PRESENTS: TEEN CANCER AMERICA KCETLink Media Group Announces Sat., Oct. 8 Special". PBS SoCal. 2016-09-26. Retrieved 2026-04-02.
  12. White, Hannah (2025-11-20). "Teen Cancer America Partnership anniversary honored by rock legend Sir Roger Daltrey". Impact Magazine. Retrieved 2026-04-02.
  13. Elizabeth, De (2017-08-10). "THIS Is How Much Money Kylie Jenner Donated to Cancer Research". Teen Vogue. Retrieved 2026-03-31.
  14. Maglio, Tony (2025-11-24). "'7th Heaven' Star Barry Watson Boards Teen Cancer Short 'Bad Survivor' as EP to Adapt for TV (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2026-04-02.
  15. Lances, Jill. "John Oates named celebrity ambassador for Teenage Cancer America". 1340 KGFW - The Information Channel. Retrieved 2026-04-02.
  16. "Teen Cancer America - Play It Back Music Program". Teen Cancer America. Retrieved 2026-04-02.
  17. "John Oates Releases New Single And Video To Benefit 'Teen Cancer America'". Dec 17, 2023.