BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Young adults diagnosed with cancer often face unique challenges that can make them feel alone.

Jennifer Hennick, 32, knows that feeling all too well.

Hennick is now a registered nurse at the Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center, but just four years ago she was sitting in the same chair as her patients. While in the shower, she found a lump in her breast.

"You never think it's going to happen to you, and at that time there were so many things going on in my life. But it was just, 'oh my gosh you got to be kidding me.' I was in school, I think the hardest thing for me when I was diagnosed was that I was divorced and had two small kids so the first thing you think of is that you are going to die, so it was very rough," said Hennick.

Jennifer was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. After a single mastectomy, she began grueling chemo treatments.

"Sitting in the chair and you're looking at everybody, there's this feeling like I don't belong here. I don't identify with any of these people, they were my parents age or much older than me," said Hennick.

Jennifer says she can see a little of herself in her young patients. So to offer strength and encouragement the CBCC is kicking off their first ever social club for 20 to 30-year olds diagnosed with cancer or cancer survivors called Cancer Connect.

"They are going to be able to get together and have an opportunity to mingle with each other, to talk to each other, provide support for each other but at the same time in a fun atmosphere," said Michelle Chavez, director, CBCC.

The group will have their first gathering July 16 at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at CBCC.

The event is free. Food, games and refreshments will be provided.

To register for the group, you can call Michelle Chavez at (661) 817-0106.