Fifty years ago, 89 students arrived in Lakeville and ushered in a new era of women and girls at Hotchkiss. Throughout the 2024-25 academic year, Hotchkiss will reflect on their inspiring legacy, pay tribute to the achievements of students who followed in their footsteps, and gratefully acknowledge all members of the Hotchkiss community who boldly helped steer the School forward.

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By Erin Reid P’01,’05

Alison Silberman ’96 has always wanted to serve others. When her younger brother was diagnosed with cancer, her focus shifted to service that is both professional and personal. She is now the chief executive officer of Stupid Cancer, the leader in adolescent and young adult cancer advocacy, research, and support.

“I have been afforded incredible opportunities in my life, so it is my responsibility to give back,” she said. 

Silberman’s father, the late Alan Silberman ’46, P’94,’96, frequently shared stories of his days at Hotchkiss. Yet attending Hotchkiss wasn’t something she had planned on until her sister, Lauren, joined the Class of 1994.

Hotchkiss provided her with a broad range of opportunities. “I tried golf, skied, ran track, and volunteered at the Town Hill School, among other things.” Silberman appreciated the rigorous academics and the dedicated faculty and staff members, but found most meaningful the community itself—one that supported all of those aspects, resulting in a strong foundation for her future endeavors.

After graduating from Colby College with a bachelor’s degree in political science and government, she earned her M.S. in urban planning from Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation.

Silberman’s first job was working as mayoral program coordinator for the Bloomberg administration, collaborating with state and local leaders to address the city’s criminal justice policy priorities. She then became director of field engagement at the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, increasing the organization’s national presence and advocacy efforts, followed by a job as senior program director at Tuesday’s Children, a nonprofit founded to support people impacted by the terrorist attack on 9/11.

Her brother Bobby’s diagnosis shifted her perspective and inspired her to pursue patient advocacy. Though significant strides in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer care have been made over the past 18 years, she notes there’s still much work to be done. In fact, many may not be familiar with AYA cancer. The affected community remains underserved and underrepresented in healthcare. An estimated 89,500 young adults (age 15-39) are diagnosed each year in the U.S. Two million live in survivorship, compounding the growing need for resources and networking services.

“This group faces unique issues as their diagnosis occurs during critical years of personal and professional development,” says Silberman. “Stupid Cancer not only supports these patients, survivors, and caregivers but also advocates to ensure their voices are heard and their needs addressed. By ending isolation, educating our community about resources, and helping them navigate treatment and survivorship with dignity on their terms, they can get busy living.” 

AYAs face distinct challenges in survivorship, including financial hardships exacerbated by nonmedical costs (such as childcare and student loans), reproductive health concerns and family planning, and poor long-term health outcomes.

Silberman is concerned about recent cuts to science and healthcare research. “We are seeing clinical trials getting canceled mid-cycle for patients, endangering not just their treatment protocols but their lives. Research has stalled, and hundreds of experts are being laid off.”  

She notes the incredible strides made since former President Nixon declared a war on cancer that launched the U.S. to the forefront of drug discovery, saving millions of lives. “But much of that has come to an abrupt halt, along with significant academic research to help us understand and improve the many quality-of-life issues that affect millions of cancer survivors. We are seeing the rapid dismantling of structures that support innovation, science, and research. We had already been experiencing a decline in healthcare providers and research, particularly in oncology, and I fear that is only going to worsen in the coming years as current professionals are hamstrung by a lack of funding. Cutting critical support services like Medicaid will have devastating impacts on the cancer community.”

Success for Stupid Cancer means connecting AYAs with others who truly understand their experience and providing resources tailored to their age-specific needs. “Being diagnosed with cancer as a young person can be devastating. You’re forced to face challenges you never expected at this stage of life, like confronting your own mortality. These issues can be overwhelming. But when individuals come together, it creates an incredible sense of healing and connection.”

Despite the challenges, Silberman is optimistic. “The fact that we are even talking about young people with cancer is an advance! Many hospitals have dedicated AYA programs or staff in their oncology units. There are conferences specific to treating and supporting AYAs. We need to push for research that focuses on the unique biology of some of these cancers that are prevalent in this age demographic to better understand the etiology of the disease and how we can treat it more safely with less toxicity and side effects. We also need to better address the long-term impact of a cancer diagnosis on a young person.”

She still draws on things she learned at Hotchkiss. “I experienced a blend of healthy competition and creative collaboration; these two skills have been invaluable to me. I ultimately found that understanding those around you, finding common ground, and working together are the most meaningful skills for long-term success,” she said. “I went to Hotchkiss at a time when female participation was a given. The presence of women and girls at Hotchkiss for the past 50 years has added to and enriched the perspective of all students.”