Cactus Cancer Society: Young Adult Cancer Resources

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Our Mission & Vision

Cactus Cancer Society’s mission is to provide a safe space where young adults (ages 18-45) facing cancer can connect, cope, and thrive with one another in an online community through creativity and expression. Our vision is to end isolation among young adults facing cancer.

Our Programs

Young Adult Cancer Hangout

Bringing together young adult cancer survivors and caregivers each month in an informal video hangout where you can chat about anything you’d like.

Book Club

Looking to read a good book (cancer or not cancer related) and connect with other young adult cancer survivors and caregivers at the same time?

Research Roundup

Here at Cactus Cancer Society, we’re always interested in amplifying the voices and experiences of young adults facing cancer, and making sure this population is represented in research. Check out these research opportunities to see how you can use your story to help others!

YA Cancer Gabfest

Each December, join us for a week of interactive survivorship crash courses for facing cancer. You are the expert in your own care, so along with experts in the field, YA Cancer Gabfest combines and elevates the individual voices of the young adult cancer community.

Begin Again

Start fresh on the first Monday of each month setting intentions and learning tools that bring presence and peace.

90 Minute Reset

In the chaos of everyday life, we invite you to spend 90 minutes in a journaling workshop. Come join other young adults facing cancer and get tuned up with Jean Rowe in these special one-night workshops!

Unspoken Whispers: A Creative Writing Drop-In

Our online, Unspoken Whispers: Creative Writing Drop In is a program designed to create a little space for connection, community, and creativity during your busy week. Bring your lunch, bring your coffee, and write with us!

Prickly Rebels Club

The Rebel Badge Book is for anyone that wants to set and achieve cool goals in areas like adventuring, good habits, photography, survival skills, and more.

Builders Workshop

What's not to love when it comes to everything Legos?! Build your lego creations while hanging out with other young adult cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.

Ask A Cactus

Get to know the experts in our community as they answer your questions on specific topics related to the young adult cancer survivorship experience!

The Full Picture of AYA Cancer

Are you a social worker or nurse working with oncology patients? Join us for The Full Picture of AYA Cancer, a series of free workshops designed to teach you how to best meet the needs of this unique population. CEs offered.

Get Your Groove Back – Cancer Can’t Steal My Mojo

This 6-week program will inspire reconnection with your innate magic power or mojo.

Our Impact

At Cactus Cancer Society, we provide support and resources to young adult cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers in the form of wellness resources, lifestyle encouragement, and peer support community. Our programs are all online and designed to fit the needs of young adults facing cancer, no matter where or who you are.

We recently looked at the anonymous pre- and post-survey results from our programs and found that participants experienced a statistically significant reduction in anxiety, depression, loneliness, and psychological distress after joining our programs.

Upcoming Programs

Coffee and Oodles: December 6

Wed, Dec 6, 2023

Unspoken Whispers: December 7

Thu, Dec 7, 2023

Coffee and Oodles: December 13

Wed, Dec 13, 2023

Unspoken Whispers: December 14

Thu, Dec 14, 2023

Guys Discussion Group: December 2023

Mon, Dec 18, 2023

Book Club: Mom’s Marijuana

Tue, Dec 19, 2023

Are you feeling prickly?

Why a cactus society? Like the cactus in our name, the young adults who seek our community are tough; they are strong, adaptive, and resilient. They thrive in unlikely conditions and with this fortitude comes resilience.

Are you a healthcare provider?

Meet our community

"My favorite part of being part of Cactus Cancer Society? The community of amazing people who are encouraging and rooting for each other."

Stephen

"I love meeting different program participants - Cactus Cancer Society has a great community."

Gage

"My favorite part of being part of Cactus Cancer Society? Knowing I’m not alone in this crazy cancer experience."

Xenia

"My favorite part of being part of Cactus Cancer Society? Connecting with people who get my cancer experience and getting in touch with my creative side."

Deltra

About Us

We provide a safe space where young adults facing cancer can breathe easier knowing that there are others here who understand what they are facing. Our community offers an escape from the harsh realities of cancer, and an opportunity to cope through creativity and expression, and continue to grow and thrive.

Cactus Cancer Society programs are the fastest and easiest way to connect with other young adult cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.

Donate

Be there for that next young adult who is facing cancer and looking for someone who understands. Show them they are not alone.