Stephanie Samolovitch: Founder, Survivor, Convener, and Much More!

Founders & Philanthropists 

Issue Two

Stephanie Samolovitch: Founder, Survivor, Convener, and Much More!

About Stephanie Samolovitch and YASU

When you meet Stephanie Samolovitch, you encounter a powerhouse of resilience, empathy, and unwavering determination. Being blindsided by Leukemia is NEVER something you imagine happening to you, especially as a junior in college with your 20th birthday approaching. Stephanie said, “In 2005, my life changed forever. I was feeling off, and the doctor told me if I didn’t come in when I did, I would be dead in 2 weeks.”

What followed the physical, financial, and mental challenges of battling cancer, was a passionate quest to redefine living for young adult cancer survivors. Receiving help along her journey was also motivating. While commenting on the various help and therapies, Stephanie added, “I was lucky, a social worker helped me figure out how to pay for services that were not covered. Many people don’t realize you’re fighting for your life, most of your friends disappeared, and surprise, insurance does not cover everything.” And now Stephanie is helping people with all of that!

Stephanie founded Young Adult Survivors United (YASU) on March 1, 2020, just as the world was shutting down. Quickly pivoting, Stephanie moved her planned in-person support to a virtual format, ensuring no young survivor felt alone during turbulent times.

Building on Experience

Before YASU, Stephanie facilitated her first cancer support group in 2012, leveraging her education (master’s in social work), professional background and personal experience. She quickly realized the need for a more expansive approach to support. YASU's first year, although during the height of Covid, saw rapid growth in virtual programs, laying a solid foundation for a community that celebrates life beyond survival.

Stephanie spoke honestly about building YASU, “Starting this I faced the usual fears, imposter syndrome, never enough money, I judge myself harshly, and then I realized it’s all growth. I learned so much that first year and continue to learn.”

The YASU Community

YASU is now a thriving community where young adult cancer survivors find a family. The organization offers a wide spectrum of support, from social gatherings and financial assistance to emotional camaraderie. Each program is crafted to meet the challenges of recovery while fostering a sense of belonging, understanding, and mutual support.

Innovative Leadership and the Future

YASU is not your typical nonprofit. The board features a diverse mix of survivors, financial experts, mental health professionals, and medical marijuana specialists, reflecting Stephanie's vision of holistic and inclusive support. With her hands-on approach, Stephanie is actively involved in every facet of YASU, from hosting golf outings to recruiting and training board members.

As YASU celebrates its fifth anniversary, Stephanie’s plans are ambitious. She envisions long-term growth, adding staff members, raising more dollars, and launching in-person programs outside Southwestern Pennsylvania. Her goal is clear: ensure that every young adult survivor has the tools and community to thrive post-cancer.

A Call to Action

Stephanie's story of triumph and tenacity has helped build an incredible community, and she’s not done yet! As she puts it, "We were giving people hope, and I thrive off that energy. It pushes me to grow and keep building." To learn more about how YASU and how you can help young survivors thrive, visit their website at: https://yasurvivors.org/