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Transition

"Losing my hair during treatment was pretty hard. It was part of me and I just felt ugly. I look in the mirror now and all I see is someone going through hard times."
AYA patient

Guidelines/Research

Freyer DR. (2010). Transition of care for young adult survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer: Rationale and approaches. Journal of Clinical Oncology 28(32): 4810-8
View abstract & Article

Paediatric Chronic Diseases Transition Framework

ON TRAC Background: 2011

Web Resources

BC Children’s Hospital – On Trac Transitioning Responsibly to Adult Care (USA)

www.ontracbc.ca

Starship

Information for young people and their families moving from child to adult healthcare services.

starship.org.nz/patients-parents-and-visitors/youth-transition

Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne (AUS)

Transition checklists
rch.org.au/transition/factsheets_and_tools/transition_checklists/

Got Transition (USA)

Got Transition aims to improve of paediatric to adult health care through the use of new and innovative strategies for health professionals, youth and families.
www.gottransition.org

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Heidi Watson

The Clinical Leader is responsible for providing clinical leadership and national oversight of the network .

Heidi is a passionate and experienced health professional with a strong clinical, education and leadership background. Her enthusiasm for, and commitment to youth health has focused on improving the outcomes of youth with cancer and chronic health conditions. Previously, Heidi held the position of AYA Cancer Nurse Specialist for Auckland District Health Board. Alongside her AYA clinical leadership role she holds a youth health academic position at the University of Auckland.

Cristal Salatas

Cristal 2025

Cristal Salatas is the Research & Data Lead for the AYA Cancer Network. She is also a PhD candidate at the University of Auckland, specialising in Perinatal Sciences. Her research utilises Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyse the spatial, nutritional, environmental, and socioeconomic determinants of preterm birth risk across New Zealand. Cristal’s research bridges spatial epidemiology, GeoAI-driven risk modelling, and public health policy, ensuring that geospatial insights translate into actionable healthcare solutions.

Cristal has also conducted cancer research at her alma mater (University of Florida), where she developed a successful killing assay for glioblastoma multiforme. Now, she will build on that foundation by leading research and data efforts to support adolescents and young adults facing cancer across Aotearoa.