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Our Mission & Vision

We 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. We want to end isolation for young adults facing cancer.

Our Programs

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Build a strong foundation in young adult cancer care while gaining practical tools to support survivors long after treatment ends with this bundled learning package.

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Learn creative tools for helping patients manage the top three most commonly reported long-term effects among young adult cancer patients: fatigue, fear of recurrence, and anxiety.

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Things are about to get sketchy in the most delightful way. Join us for Sketchy Business, a fun, come-as-you-are art drop-in where we play with pens, markers, and whatever else is within reach. No rules, no pressure, no art degree required.

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Everyone keeps secrets. From the time we are young, we file some things away to keep as a secret, either as a white lie, a way to protect other people, or even a way to protect ourselves.

YA Cancer Gabfest

Each December, join us for a week of interactive survivorship crash courses for facing cancer.

Builders Workshop

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 the young adult cancer survivorship experience!

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This CE course provides a comprehensive introduction to the unique medical, developmental, and psychosocial challenges faced by young adults with cancer, including fertility, sexuality, survivorship care, and more.

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In this program, we will combine our fun art workshop environment with our popular writing techniques from Unspoken Ink and give participants a chance to respond to prompts with what speaks to them most, either drawing or writing.

Our Impact

We provide support and resources to young adult cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers via online wellness resources, lifestyle encouragement, and peer support community. 

Participants experience a statistically significant reduction in anxiety, depression, loneliness, and psychological distress after joining our programs.

Upcoming Programs

Sketchy Business
Tue, Jun 2, 2026
Coffee & Oodles: A Doodle Journal Drop-In
Wed, Jun 3, 2026
30 Minute Tune Up
Thu, Jun 4, 2026
Sketchy Business
Tue, Jun 9, 2026
Coffee & Oodles: A Doodle Journal Drop-In
Wed, Jun 10, 2026
30 Minute Tune Up
Thu, Jun 11, 2026

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.

Donate

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

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.

For Professionals

Are you a healthcare provider, allied health professional, researcher, or nonprofit professional?

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Meet our community