Who are we?
CancerCollegeAlliance (CCA) was founded in 2024 by Natalya Green. After being diagnosed in her university clinic with breast cancer, she looked to her university for support but discovered that they were just as unprepared as her. After late nights online, she quickly realized that despite the number of growing cases of cancer among young adults, resources and data were limited, especially for those within the higher education community.
A cancer diagnosis is hard on anyone, but for college students who are undergoing social, vocational, academic, and financial changes, a diagnosis stops their world. Not every diagnosed student has support. That is why we are here: to offer #degreesofsupport!
Students: You have worked so hard to get to where you are at, and we believe cancer should not be a barrier to earning your degree.
Who are We
Natalya Green, Ph.D., CEO and Founder
Natalya Green, Ph.D., CEO and Founder
Natalya Green, Ph.D., CEO and Founder
Natalya is a breast cancer survivor. She utilizes her voice and research to advocate for awareness, education, and support for young adult cancer.
Within academia, Natalya focuses on improving educational opportunities, resources, and outcomes within K-12 and higher education for historically marginalized populations, including those ide
Natalya is a breast cancer survivor. She utilizes her voice and research to advocate for awareness, education, and support for young adult cancer.
Within academia, Natalya focuses on improving educational opportunities, resources, and outcomes within K-12 and higher education for historically marginalized populations, including those identifying as a minority, disabled, and/or foster youth. She loves to spend time with her family and pets.
Dr. Tina Busby, Medical Specialist
Natalya Green, Ph.D., CEO and Founder
Natalya Green, Ph.D., CEO and Founder
Dr. Busby is a practicing family physician in Oregon. Her first experience with cancer was when her mother sadly passed away from breast cancer while she was in college.
Her mother's diagnosis sparked an interest in a career in medicine. Despite her own breast cancer diagnosis, Dr. Busby has been practicing for over 30 years and is a proud cancer survivor.
Key Advocates
Aja Perry, Integrative Occupational Therapist & Somatic Practitioner
Aja is an integrative occupational therapist, somatic practitioner, veteran, and breast cancer survivor. Aja combines her expertise as an occupational therapist and somatic practitioner with her own lived experiences to provide individuals with a trauma-informed, body-based approach to healing their mind, body, and relationships.
Aja's w
Aja is an integrative occupational therapist, somatic practitioner, veteran, and breast cancer survivor. Aja combines her expertise as an occupational therapist and somatic practitioner with her own lived experiences to provide individuals with a trauma-informed, body-based approach to healing their mind, body, and relationships.
Aja's work is rooted in the values of authenticity, curiosity, and connection, and the belief that everything we are able to feel as humans, makes sense. In her spare time, she utilizes her gifts to volunteer with young cancer survivors, and various sustainability and wellness foundations around Tampa Bay, as well as immerse in mind body practices, and spend time with her family and friends in nature.