About HIAYA
Need help navigating your cancer experience?
We are here for you.
The Huntsman-Intermountain Adolescent and Young Adult (HIAYA) Cancer Care Program serves adolescents and young adults (AYAs) between 15 and 39 years old who have been diagnosed with cancer.
A cancer diagnosis presents different challenges for AYAs. Cancer can disrupt big milestones that commonly happen during this age range like completing school, choosing a career path, building personal relationships, and working toward emotional, social, and financial independence.
HIAYA seeks to address the unique needs of AYAs in Utah and the surrounding states. We currently offer:
- AYA Patient Navigators to help guide young people through their cancer care
- Social media connection: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
- AYA Community Resource Packet
- AYA Seasonal Newsletter
We collaborate with many healthcare organizations to ensure AYAs receive the immediate and long-term support services necessary to meet their unique needs, including Intermountain Healthcare, Primary Children’s Hospital, and community oncologists.
Young Adult Connections
Young Adult Connections is a social group for people with cancer ages 18-39 and their partner or a friend. Events are held twice a month, alternating between virtually and in-person. These events offer the chance to connect, enjoy social activities, and hear educational presentations about AYA cancer topics. Find event details on the HIAYA Cancer Group Facebook page.
Contact and RSVP: Karlie Allen, AYA Patient Navigator, 801-585-9669.
Karlie Gray, MS, CCLS
Hi, my name is Karlie Gray and I am the AYA Program Manager and one of the Patient Navigators for Huntsman Cancer Institute. I am honored to work with and serve the AYA population. I have a heart and passion for advocating, empowering, and supporting AYA cancer patients, their caregivers, and families during all phases of their care.
I received my bachelor degree in family life with an emphasis in human development from Brigham Young University. I then went on to earn my master's degree in child life from the University of La Verne. I am also child life certified from the Association of Child Life Professionals.
I was a child life specialist at Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) in California, where I worked for almost eight years with patients and their families in the cancer setting. I was an advocate, provided patient and family education, planned and implemented supportive events and retreats, empowered patients to be their own advocate, provided support, and taught coping skills. During that time, I worked closely with the AYA program and grew a deep passion for supporting the AYA population.
At Huntsman Cancer Institute, I strive to ensure that each AYA patient and their loved ones have the resources and support that they need as they navigate whatever phase of their cancer care experience they may be in, whether it be newly diagnosed, receiving treatment, dealing with chronic disease, or survivorship. Our program is here to be that support that you may need, connecting you to vital resources, services, and information. We also ensure that each AYA patient, and their loved ones, know that they are not alone.
Dawn Ritzwoller, MPH
I am an AYA Patient Navigator for Huntsman Cancer Institute. My focus is on supporting the AYA population through personalized guidance, advocacy, and resources, empowering them to navigate their cancer journey with confidence and clarity.
I hold dual bachelor's degrees in psychology and biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and earned my Master of Public Health in child, maternal, and family Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I’ve dedicated my career to advancing AYA cancer care through research, patient engagement, and advocacy, collaborating with organizations such as UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Alliance for Fertility Preservation, and Teen Cancer America to develop patient-centered care strategies.
At Huntsman Cancer Institute, I’m committed to bridging the gaps in care for AYA patients and ensuring they have the resources and support they need to make informed decisions about their treatment and survivorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AYA?
AYA stands for Adolescent and Young Adult. This is a group of people diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 15 and 39.
Why is cancer different for AYAs?
AYAs have no medical home—they feel too old for pediatric cancer care, but too young for adult cancer care (where most patients are decades older).
AYA patients have unique emotional, physical, and practical needs that aren’t easily met through typical cancer care for children or older adults. For AYAs, cancer can interrupt school, work, marriage, fertility, parenthood, and more. Also, more young adults in their 20s are uninsured than older adults.
What is a Patient Navigator?
A Patient Navigator has special training to help AYAs with cancer manage daily life needs. Navigators answer questions and connect AYAs to hospital and community resources. In other words, the navigator helps “navigate” the healthcare system.
Who is the HIAYA Cancer Care program for?
The HIAYA Cancer Care Program is for people between the ages of 15 and 39 diagnosed with cancer as well as their support system, including caregivers.
How much money will navigation cost me?
Seeing the HIAYA Patient Navigator is free and open to the community. There is no charge.
My cancer is in remission. Can I still see a Patient Navigator?
Yes! The Patient Navigator is for people across the cancer continuum, from first diagnosis through survivorship.
Do I have to be treated at Intermountain Healthcare or Huntsman Cancer Institute?
No, this service is available to patients of any healthcare institution. While we primarily serve patients in Utah, patients can also come from nearby states.
Young Adult Connections Educational Videos
Contact Us
Our Patient Navigators can be reached via email: aya@hci.utah.edu
